Push your thumbs along the edges to fit them snugly against each another and to make sure there aren’t any air pockets or bare soil showing along the seam. Make sure you lay your first row against a straight edge; this could be along your yard or fence or patio. You’ve got two choices: Reseed or lay down sod. By adding compost to the soil, … Bella Bluegrass; 3. Usually this will be about 1 inch below the fixed edge you are installing around. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Tilling the soil not only prepares it for the grass you're about to lay, it also helps with weed control by turning over the weeds that are about to sprout. Though you can add fertilizer after laying the sod, you may lose some of it due to runoff. Mix the samples together and place the mixed sample in a bag to send off to … It takes about two weeks to get the lab's results, and then you'll need some more time to correct the soil, if necessary, before your sod goes down. To install sod on an existing lawn, cut any existing grass low, and level out any holes or step dips in the yard. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Lay the Sod Start by dampening the soil with a sprinkler or hose, then rake out any footprints you’ve left behind. Learn how to reinvigorate your compacted lawn through aeration. Starting from the middle instead will make it tricky to lay the sod in a logical matter without leaving any gaps or short ends. Make sure to roll each piece of sod in the same direction. Once your new lawn is in place, remember this: For the first 4 weeks, the less walking, the better. Purchase sod through a garden center or directly from a sod farm, if there’s one near you. Pre-turf fertilizer provides many essential nutrients that will support a solid rooting, so apply a liberal spread immediately before laying sod. How to Lay Sod Whether your project is commercial or residential, using sod is often the quickest and easiest route to establishing a lawn. Mix the soil, and place it into a soil testing bag. If your property is sloped, you’ll get better water retention if you lay the sod horizontally across the slope rather than vertically down the slope. This type of lawn preparation is timely, but may be the best way to really give your sod a head start. Make sure that you don’t walk on the newly placed sod while you’re laying it out. Water the installed lawn thoroughly, which also helps settle the soil. Obtain a soil test kit from your local extension office. Fall Fertilizing: Essential Tips to Make Your Yard Grow, Everything You Need to Know About Willow Hybrid Trees, Everything You Need to Know About Burning Bush, Everything You Need to Know About Limelight Hydrangea Trees. Here's how. If your yard is covered with patchy grass, you’ll need to remove it first. Talk with an expert at the garden center to determine exactly how much lime you need to add, or contact a turf professional. You can throw the old sod into your compost pile, or call a local garden center and ask whether they will accept it to use in their own compost. Do a soil test by sticking your finger into the dirt. They'll analyze a sample from your yard and send you a report, like the one shown at right, detailing the soil's pH, texture, and nutrient levels, and recommending how to correct any deficiencies. Then like any lawn, give it an inch of water a week, more during hot summer months. A handyman is in constant search of the latest tool or accessory to add to their workshop, whether it be a new adjustable wrench or a state-of-the-art electric drill. I just bought a house and I need to lay sod. If you are really determined to remove that grass, and don't want to use chemicals or can't use a tiller, then a shovel may just be your best option. Make sure that the finished, leveled soil is 1 inch below all the paved surfaces that surround it, leaving vertical room for the new sod. When the grass reaches 3 inches high, it's time to mow it down to 2 inches. Time your first mowing when grass is roughly three inches tall and at least 10 days have passed since you laid the sod. You should stand on the bare soil, lay the sod in front of you, and back up as you go. Chip LanePine Island Turf NurseryPine Island, NY800-700-8873www.pineturf.com, David MillarRed Hen Turf FarmNew Carlisle, IN574-232-6811www.redhenturf.com, Roger CookK & R Tree and Landscape Co.Burlington, MA781-272-6104. Add and till in 2 to 3 inches of organic matter. But when the dust (and fiberglass) settles, you'll enjoy a fatter bank account and more comfortable indoor temps year-round. If you have a lot of trees or other obstacles to work around, you might want to get a sod cutter to make the job a little easier. Using scissors, clippers or a knife cut your edge in, laying the sod parallel to the longest fixed edge. Sod that sits around for several days before delivery won't be as fresh and healthy. In this review, we’ll help you find your craftsman a perfect gift by detailing 15 of the best tools, accessories, and gadgets available on Amazon. Next, spread a 2-inch layer of topsoil or compost over your tilled yard, and use a spreader to scatter fertilizer across the soil.