How to Lay Sod
Before you start a new lawn you should look into how to lay sod, first of which it might be better to start your new lawn, whether it is to lay sod or plant grass seed. Planting seed is usually cheaper, and gives you a larger variety of grasses to plant. However, a large majority of people tend to lay sod, because it is faster and produces high quality instant lawn. For starters, you may want to visit your county agricultural extension to find out which type of grass is best suited for your area.
Now to look at how we are going to lay sod. Start by taking out your old lawn, including the weeds and anything else, where you intend on putting your new sod. In order to accomplish the removal you can dig the old lawn and weeds out by using a shovel that has a flat blade or straight edge. It is important to dig out the old roots as well. Another way to remove old lawn and weeds is by use of herbicides. After applying the herbicides, you can rent sod cutters that will remove the sod and its roots.
Next, it might be wise to have your ground tested for its pH level. If the pH needs adjusted then do so, while you are rototilling any compacted soil. After you have loosened the soil, you can spread starter fertilizer. Soil conditioner can be added in at this time as well. Usually that just means adding in any compost or manure that you may have at home.
Once you have tilled the soil use a rake to level it out. Remove any debris and rocks that you come across. As you rake think about the slope of your lawn, so it will allow proper drainage. Preferably, so, it drains away from your house. After leveling the soil, push a roller across it to finish the leveling process.
Now it is time to lay your new sod. Start by unrolling a roll of sod on the outside edges. Then lay the next strips of sod from the outside edge moving towards the middle. One roll might not cover the whole length of your area, in which case another roll will have to be added to it. Just lay the next one firmly against the first one being careful not to overlap.
When you start the next role, be sure to offset the ends so the ends of the rolls will be staggered. After laying your sod, use the roller to set the sod snuggly into the soil. For the next two weeks, make sure you water it every day. This may be the time to get an irrigation system that runs automatically or at least a timer for the garden hose.
These are just the basics of how to lay sod, but it should give you someplace to start.
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