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So you’re a "Do-it Yourself" kind of person?
Grab the bull by the horns – we like the enthusiasm!
It's Easy
Green Side up! That’s it….just kidding. Below are a few things our pros do to make the job professional looking, easier and quicker.
Before You Begin
Before the truck arrives to deliver your sod, the yard should be raked and ready to go. Also make sure that any irrigation heads or boxes are clearly marked.
Two things to remember when laying sod. The first is sod has a shelf life. Once you get it; lay it immediately. The other thing is WATER, WATER, WATER!
Step 1:
Level the area to be sodded and remove any weeds, rocks, or debris. It’s best to rake the soil if possible to loosen up the surface, so the roots can easily penetrate the soils’ surface and “take root.” Make sure final grade is 1 inch below driveways, curbs, and sidewalks and also make sure that any water will drain away from your house. This is also a good time to mark any sprinkler heads or boxes if you have an underground irrigation system.
Sodding hills or slopes?
If you have any steep slopes it is recommended to lay sod “across” the slope to help resist wash out, and movement of the sod before it is rooted. Our crews also use sod staples to keep it in place. These can be purchased 10 staples for $3 when you order your sod. The staples are approximately 1” wide and 6” in length and our easily pushed in by hand (in harder soils you can use a hammer to drive them in). Generally our installers will put 2 staples in each roll on a slope, 6-12” from each end. The staples are pushed all the way down and will biodegrade over time so you don’t have to pull them out later.
Note: Check our Watering Guide for watering tips on hillsides.
Step 2:
Lay a sod border around the perimeter of the yard, for a few reasons: fewer seams around the perimeter means less drying out, it looks best, and matches up nicely next to your neighbor’s yard.
We recommend starting in the back of the yard, working towards the front. If possible, roll your sod along a straight edge such as a property line or fence. If you start in the front yard we recommend using the driveway, curb, or sidewalk as a guide.
Cut a roll in half and lay it next to a full length roll to stager the seams. Start every other row with a half piece to form what looks like a ladder. Butt the seams together tightly, without overlapping. Use a box cutter or utility knife with a sharp blade to cut the sod.
Tip: When the sod arrives it will be placed around the yard for easier installation. Make sure all irrigation heads and boxes are properly marked so they don’t get accidentally covered up.
Step 3:
Water is crucial! Start watering within 30 minutes, even if all the sod is not installed yet, to prevent wilting and drying. Continue to move the sprinkler around the yard as you continue to finish the rest of the yard.
 View Watering Tips
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