How to Install a Near Perfect Sod Job– Part Two

21 steps to installing a perfect sod job This is part two of a series. To start at the beginning click here for Near Perfect Sod Job—part one. This article is written in answer to many questions about sod installation. In the entire article you will find 21 steps to installing a good sod job. A good beginning is the key to laying the sod. I always try to find the longest straight line in the project and begin there. If you keep a straight line it reduces trimming and all of the pieces fit. To begin, don’t worry about any curves, they will be trimmed out later.

When starting the second line of sod, set the pieces in so that the seams will hit the middle of those in the center row. It’s kind of like laying bricks. The piece on the right shown in this picture will be pulled up snug to the offset piece on the left. Don’t worry about the overhang, it will be trimmed off later.

Pay attention to sprinkler heads and any other underground items that need to stick up. Go ahead and deal with these items as you go. It’s easier that way

Here’s what the sprinkler head should look like after the sod is installed:

There are a number of tools to be used for trimming sod. Here is my collection. I have butcher knives, box cutters, and a hatchet. I try to keep them sharp.

Some people like to trim sod with a hatchet—especially in open areas.

My preference for trimming sod is a box cutter knife with a clean, sharp blade.  This tool is excellent for trimming to the concrete edge.

While laying and trimming the sod, we try to use the pieces cut from one spot to fill another spot. It’s kind of like a jig saw puzzle. Figuring the pieces out is also fun – on a certain level.

After the sod is laid and trimmed it should be watered enough to moisten it but not to get it really wet. When it is moist the roller should be run over it several times. This will mash the sod pieces down so that the roots will come in good contact with the ground and it will also make the job smooth.

The final part of the job is to water the sod well and then stand back and admire your handiwork. The seams between the pieces will grow together in a week or two.

You should water the newly installed grass every day for 3-4 days and then every other day for a week or so. At this point, the roots should be growing into the ground (you can lift a corner and check it). Once the grass starts growing, watering well once or twice a week should suffice—it all depends on the weather. As usual, I would just love for you click here to go to Amazon and purchase the ebook edition of my wonderful book, Requiem for a Redneck to go on your Kindle. I have also noticed that Amazon now has a free Kindle app for iphones and tablets. Is that cool or what?   Thanks for stopping by to see John the Plant Man.