{"id":14516,"date":"2019-04-05T16:21:21","date_gmt":"2019-04-05T19:21:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=14516"},"modified":"2025-04-01T00:27:29","modified_gmt":"2025-04-01T03:27:29","slug":"how-to-lay-sod","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-lay-sod\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Lay Sod (Step-by-Step Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you want an instant, healthy lawn, laying sod is the way to go. Learning how to lay sod is a fairly easy DIY project.<\/p>    <p>Apart from the sod installation, there are several steps to do beforehand. I\u2019ll also share how to&nbsp;care for your sod after installation \u2014 from watering to fertilization.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-f072d7e0-dc7a-43a1-bb30-a2708a835afa\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\"><strong>In this article, we\u2019ll cover:<\/strong><\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-lay-sod\/#0-pre-installation-steps\" style=\"\">Pre-Installation Steps<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-lay-sod\/#6-installation-day\" style=\"\">Installation Day<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-lay-sod\/#9-post-installation-care\" style=\"\">Post-Installation Care<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-lay-sod\/#10-faq-about-laying-sod\" style=\"\">FAQ About Laying Sod<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Project Difficulty:<\/strong> Intermediate<br><strong>Estimated Time to Complete:<\/strong> Soil preparation takes 1 to 1.5 days (1,000 square feet); sod installation will take another 1 to 1.5 days<br><strong>Project Cost:<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/cost\/sod-price\/\">cost to install sod<\/a> <strong>DIY<\/strong> ranges from <strong>$0.31 to $0.82 per square foot<\/strong>, depending on the type of grass. With <strong>professional installation<\/strong>, the cost can double to around <strong>$0.86 to $1.75 per square foot<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-pre-installation-steps\">Pre-Installation Steps<\/h2>    <p>While you can have sod installed nearly year-round, the best time for laying sod will depend on the type of grass. For <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/cool-season-grass-growing-guide\/\">cool-season grasses<\/a>, it\u2019s best to lay sod in late summer to early fall, while late spring to early summer is best for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/warm-season-grass-growing-guide\/\">warm-season grasses<\/a>.<\/p>    <p>Remember that you can\u2019t install sod on frozen ground, and you\u2019ll need to keep the sod moist to root successfully. Plus, check if your city restricts watering during summer, and ask if they can make an exception since you\u2019re establishing a new lawn.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-test-the-soil\">Test the Soil<\/h3>    <p>Before laying sod, know the current condition of your soil because you\u2019ll need this information during the soil preparation step. You can use an at-home <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-use-soil-test-kit\/\">soil test kit<\/a> or get a comprehensive analysis by sending your soil sample to a soil testing lab.<\/p>    <p>Since it can take up to 10 business days (even longer during peak season) for testing labs to process <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-prepare-soil-sample\/\">soil samples<\/a>, I recommend doing it first. This way, you can do the other pre-installation steps while waiting for the test results.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-gather-materialssupplies\">Gather Materials\/Supplies<\/h3>    <p>Other than the sod, you\u2019ll also need to use other materials, such as:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Stakes<\/li>    <li>Aerator<\/li>    <li>Sod cutter<\/li>    <li>Leveling rake<\/li>    <li>Markers or flags<\/li>    <li>Rototiller or plow<\/li>    <li>Lawn roller or tamper<\/li>    <li>Measuring tape or wheel<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-measure-the-space\">Measure the Space<\/h3>    <p>To determine how much sod to purchase, you\u2019ll need to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-measure-yard\/\">measure your yard<\/a> first.<\/p>    <p>With an open reel tape measure or measuring wheel, determine the square footage by measuring the length and width of the area where you\u2019ll be installing the sod. You might need to break down the measurements into pieces or chunks, as shown in the sample image below, and add the values to get the total square footage of your project area.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/total-sq-foot-1.jpg\" alt=\"Total square footage for an area needed for sod\" class=\"wp-image-109119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/total-sq-foot-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/total-sq-foot-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/total-sq-foot-1-646x485.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/total-sq-foot-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/total-sq-foot-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: Amanda Shiffler<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p><strong><em>Pro Tip:<\/em><\/strong><em> When you\u2019re done calculating the total square footage, increase the number by 5% to 10%. Doing so will help account for any measurement errors, damaged pieces, and filling odd spaces. If this process is more than you bargained for, <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/landscaping\"><em>hire a landscaping pro<\/em><\/a><em> who can do all the steps involved in your sod installation project.<\/em><\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-purchase-sod\">Purchase Sod<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"505\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-1.jpg\" alt=\"United States map showing the cool season grass, warm season grass and the transition zones\" class=\"wp-image-111242\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-1-300x189.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-1-646x408.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-1-150x95.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-1-768x485.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Before purchasing sod, know what <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-types-sod\/\">type of sod<\/a> grows well in your area. Apart from location, other factors to consider when buying pre-grown grass include sun exposure, maintenance requirements, and the lawn\u2019s intended use.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Cool-season or warm-season grasses:<\/strong> If you\u2019re living in a colder region, I recommend cool-season grasses like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/kentucky-bluegrass\/\">Kentucky bluegrass<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/perennial-ryegrass\/\">perennial ryegrass<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/fine-fescue\/\">fine fescue<\/a>. For southern states, warm-season grasses like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/bermudagrass-guide\/\">Bermudagrass<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-care-for-st-augustine-grass\/\">St. Augustinegrass<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/zoysiagrass\/\">Zoysiagrass<\/a> that thrive in warmer temperatures are best.<\/li>    <li><strong>Sunlight conditions:<\/strong> Check if your lawn gets a lot of sunlight. Some grasses require full sun, while other varieties can thrive in partial sun.<\/li>    <li><strong>Maintenance requirements:<\/strong> Consider the level of maintenance required by your sod lawn. Some grasses need frequent mowing, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-often-fertilize-lawn\/\">fertilizing<\/a>, and other care practices.<\/li>    <li><strong>Intended use:<\/strong> Some grass types are preferred for their aesthetic appeal, while others can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-grasses-for-high-traffic-yards\/\">tolerate high-traffic areas<\/a>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p>Additionally, you should check if the sod dealer can deliver the sod to your home. Most dealers can deliver sod. But if your dealer doesn\u2019t, you may have to rent or borrow a friend\u2019s pickup truck to bring the sod home from the farm or store.<\/p>    <p>Since sod can dry out and deteriorate, schedule your sod delivery and installation to fall on the same day. If it\u2019s not possible, try to install the sod within 24 hours after delivery. And don\u2019t be tempted to water your sod before installing it, even in the summer. Only water your sod after installation.<\/p>    <p><strong>Note:<\/strong> Preparing the soil for sod installation can take at least a day to complete. So, you should consider this when scheduling the delivery date of your sod.<\/p>    <p>If you\u2019re struggling to decide which type of grass to buy, you can check out our guide: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-choose-right-grass-for-lawn\/\">How to Choose the Right Grass for Your Lawn<\/a>.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-prepare-the-soil\">Prepare the Soil<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/shutterstock_441952912-1.jpg\" alt=\"A person removing grass from his\/her lawn\" class=\"wp-image-67929\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/shutterstock_441952912-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/shutterstock_441952912-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/shutterstock_441952912-1-646x430.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/shutterstock_441952912-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/shutterstock_441952912-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/gardening-remove-old-grass-sward-446533201\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">John-Fs-Pic<\/a> \/ Shutterstock \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Preparing the soil is the most labor-intensive of all pre-installation tasks, but the effort is well worth it. You can help your grass grow healthy if you do the following steps properly:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Clear the space:<\/strong> You\u2019ll want to remove everything from the area, including patches of live grass, weeds, debris, and other obstructions. If you need to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/ways-remove-lawn-grass\/\">remove existing grass<\/a>, avoid using herbicides like glyphosate, as their residue can stay in the soil for up to 4 months and harm new sod.<\/li>    <li><strong>Till the soil:<\/strong> Break up the soil and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-fix-compacted-soil\/\">alleviate soil compaction<\/a> by tilling the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. This step will help the grass roots to have an easy reach deep into the soil after sod installation. <em>Mark sprinkler heads and know how deep the lines are buried to avoid damaging them as you till.<\/em><\/li>    <li><strong>Amend the soil:<\/strong> Depending on the soil test results, you might have to adjust the soil pH by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/why-how-to-lime-lawn\/\">adding lime<\/a> or acidifying products. If needed, you can also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-use-compost\/\">add compost<\/a> or other organic matter.<\/li>    <li><strong>Level the soil:<\/strong> Leaving mounds and low spots will make mowing difficult. So, take the time to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/tips-for-leveling-a-lawn\/\">level the yard<\/a> before installing sod. Also, ensure the soil next to your concrete driveway or walkway is 1 to 2 inches lower than the concrete surface. Sod resting too high next to concrete will dry out and die.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p>Depending on your lawn\u2019s condition, you may be able to skip some of these steps.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-installation-day\">Installation Day<\/h2>    <p>I must admit that installing sod is a good workout. But it\u2019s a hot, sweaty, and dirty process. So, you\u2019ll need to prepare yourself for this challenging task. Put on loose, comfortable clothes, drink plenty of fluids, apply sunscreen, and wear a hat.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-moisten-soil-in-the-morning\">Moisten Soil in the Morning<\/h3>    <p>Another key to a successful sod installation project is ensuring the soil is moist before laying the sod.<\/p>    <p>To do this, you can water the area where you\u2019ll be laying sod on the morning of installation. But it\u2019s not always necessary. For example, you can skip this step if the ground is still wet from a previous watering or rain.<\/p>    <p><strong>Note:<\/strong> The ideal soil condition before installing sod is moist and not soggy or squishy.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-install-the-sod\">Install the Sod<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pexels-anna-shvets-5231236.jpg\" alt=\"A person unrolling a roll of sod on the ground\" class=\"wp-image-84537\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pexels-anna-shvets-5231236.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pexels-anna-shvets-5231236-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pexels-anna-shvets-5231236-646x430.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pexels-anna-shvets-5231236-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pexels-anna-shvets-5231236-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/crop-worker-laying-grass-roll-5231236\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Now it\u2019s time to get down to the nitty-gritty of how to lay sod:<\/p>    <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Determine which part of your lawn has the longest straight edge.<\/strong> It can be the area adjacent to your house, driveway, flower bed, or sidewalk. You\u2019ll be laying the first row of sod along this continuous, straight edge.<\/li>    <li><strong>Create a brick-like pattern.<\/strong> After laying down the initial strip, begin laying subsequent rows by staggering the seams, similar to bricklaying. This way, you\u2019ll avoid a straight-line pattern, which can lead to water channels and cause the seams to fall apart.<\/li>    <li><strong>Trim the edges.<\/strong> Using a sharp knife or sod cutter, trim the edges and cut around sprinkler heads and irregular shapes.<\/li>    <li><strong>Install the pieces tightly.<\/strong> Don\u2019t leave gaps, as sod won\u2019t naturally fill spaces over time. It actually shrinks, so gaps will widen after a while, exposing edges and roots.<\/li>    <li><strong>Remove air pockets between the sod and soil using a lawn roller.<\/strong> It will help encourage the new sod to make good contact with the underlying topsoil.<\/li>    <li><strong>Water your new sod immediately after installation.<\/strong> Provide your new sod with adequate moisture by watering it for 40 minutes to an hour. You want the top 4 inches of the soil to be moist.<\/li> <\/ol>    <p><strong>Note:<\/strong> Sod on slopes can slide and shift, causing longer than normal root establishment. Prevent it by staking sod on sloped areas using sod staples. Skipping this part can eventually lead to sod drying out.<\/p>    <p>Here\u2019s a quick video of how one homeowner laid sod in his yard:<\/p>   <div style=\"position: relative; width:100%;max-width: 800px; margin: 0 auto; overflow: hidden;\">   <iframe     src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gKsitYyupmY?si=K5RNbIHLkIEPTncA\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\"     allowfullscreen style=\"display: block; width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16\/9; border: none;\"><br \/>   <\/iframe> <\/div>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-plant-grass-seed\/\">How to Plant Grass Seed<\/a><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-post-installation-care\">Post-Installation Care<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/lawn-pink-chairs-water-sprinkler.jpg\" alt=\"A lawn being watered with pink chairs in the background\" class=\"wp-image-87307\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/lawn-pink-chairs-water-sprinkler.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/lawn-pink-chairs-water-sprinkler-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/lawn-pink-chairs-water-sprinkler-646x430.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/lawn-pink-chairs-water-sprinkler-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/lawn-pink-chairs-water-sprinkler-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.publicdomainpictures.net\/en\/view-image.php?image=91196&amp;picture=lawn-pink-chairs-water-sprinkler\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PublicDomainPictures<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Compared to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-overseed-lawn\/\">overseeding<\/a>, laying sod is a piece of cake. But it\u2019s still not a set-and-forget kind of project. Do the following to care for your new sod:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Water: <\/strong>Whether you\u2019re manually watering or using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/types-of-sprinklers\/\">sprinklers for your lawn<\/a>, the goal is to make the soil moist and encourage root development. So, water your lawn twice a day for the next 2 weeks, with each watering lasting 15 to 20 minutes.<\/li>    <li><strong>Avoid foot traffic: <\/strong>Don\u2019t let anyone (including pets) walk on the lawn for 2 to 4 weeks after installation.<\/li>    <li><strong>Check for odd spots and lifting: <\/strong>For the next few days after installation, do a thorough visual inspection to see if the sod has been installed properly. There shouldn\u2019t be any lifting or spots where there\u2019s no coverage. If you find odd spots, use a lawn roller to press the sod into the soil and remove air pockets.<\/li>    <li><strong>Check for root growth and establishment: <\/strong>Two weeks after laying sod, start checking the status of its root growth. Simply tug on the grass blades lightly. Once you feel some resistance, it means the sod has already bonded with the soil and the roots have established.<\/li> <\/ul>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Lawn-Mowing.jpg\" alt=\"lawn mowing by lawn mower\" class=\"wp-image-75175\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Lawn-Mowing.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Prasannanossam3<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Mow: <\/strong>After 3 to 4 weeks, your grass will have grown 1\/2 inch to 1 inch higher than its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-mow-a-lawn\/#3-mow-to-the-proper-height\">recommended mowing height<\/a>. This is the best time to do the first mow. Waiting longer would make the grass too long and negatively impact root growth.<\/li>    <li><strong>Fertilize: <\/strong>Wait 30 to 60 days or until after the fourth mow before adding a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/9-faqs-about-applying-starter-fertilizer-to-your-lawn\/\">starter fertilizer<\/a>. If the grass is still too young, the roots won\u2019t be able to absorb the nutrients.<\/li> <\/ul>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Hand-Held-Granular-Fertilizer.jpg\" alt=\"a person fertilizing lawn with a spreader\" class=\"wp-image-87446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Hand-Held-Granular-Fertilizer.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Hand-Held-Granular-Fertilizer-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Hand-Held-Granular-Fertilizer-646x431.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Hand-Held-Granular-Fertilizer-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Hand-Held-Granular-Fertilizer-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/manual-fertilizing-lawn-back-yard-spring-106526951\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-often-to-water-lawn\/\">How Often Should I Water My Lawn?<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-plan-install-home-lawn-sprinkler-system\/\">How to Plan and Install a Home Lawn Sprinkler System<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-faq-about-laying-sod\">FAQ About Laying Sod<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1743156585286\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What if My New Sod Turns Yellow?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Improper watering, overfertilization, and other issues can lead to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/yellow-grass-causes-treatment\/\">yellow grass<\/a>. To avoid this problem, remember to take care of your new sod properly. Learn more about taking care of your new sod in our guide: <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-care-for-new-sod\/\">How to Care for New Sod<\/a>.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1743156591419\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I Lay Sod on Top of My Existing Lawn?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, it\u2019s possible to lay sod on top of an existing lawn. But it\u2019s not advisable. If you do, your new lawn will have limited access to water and nutrients, making it hard to establish roots. As a result, your new sod will eventually die.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-let-a-pro-install-your-sod\">Let a Pro Install Your Sod<\/h2>    <p>Laying sod may be simpler than reseeding, but that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s not labor-intensive. Even if you know how to install sod, you\u2019ll still have to spend a lot of time and energy to complete your sod installation project. So, hire a local <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/landscaping\">landscaping pro<\/a> to do the work for you.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-3e0dc18c-e8af-4f53-bc92-52ebdd1dfa6e\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"true\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-3e0dc18c-e8af-4f53-bc92-52ebdd1dfa6e\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-3e0dc18c-e8af-4f53-bc92-52ebdd1dfa6e\" style=\"color: #000000; \"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-3e0dc18c-e8af-4f53-bc92-52ebdd1dfa6e\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/uploads\/files\/e2911.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nine Steps for Establishing a New Lawn Using Sod<\/a>.\u201d By Suleiman Bughrara, soil expert. Michigan State University Extension.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.extension.iastate.edu\/blackhawk\/soil-testing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Soil Testing<\/a>.\u201d By Steven Eilers, horticultural and natural resource coordinator. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/njaes.rutgers.edu\/fs104\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sodding: Steps to an Instant Lawn<\/a>.\u201d By James A. Murphy, extension specialist, and Henry Indyk, extension specialist emeritus. Rutgers University New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"http:\/\/extension.msstate.edu\/publications\/sod-installation-and-maintenance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sod Installation and Maintenance<\/a>.\u201d By James Dewey McCurdy, associate professor, and Barry R. Stewart, professor. Mississippi State University Extension.<\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <p>Main Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/tuft-grass-rolls-loaded-on-hand-truck\/540941755\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tomasz Zajda<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock Free \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Knowing how to lay sod is crucial before starting such a project. It involves testing, measuring, and preparing your soil before the actual sod installation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":131,"featured_media":130133,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[9],"class_list":["post-14516","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-2","tag-lawn-care"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/sod-on-truck.jpeg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Melanie Joseph","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/melanie-josephlawnstarter-com\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Lay Sod (Step-by-Step Guide)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-lay-sod\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Lay Sod (Step-by-Step Guide)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Knowing how to lay sod is crucial before starting such a project. It involves testing, measuring, and preparing your soil before the actual sod installation.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-lay-sod\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Lawnstarter\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2019-04-05T19:21:21+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-04-01T03:27:29+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/sod-on-truck.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Melanie Joseph\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Melanie Joseph\" \/>\n\t<meta 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