How to Lay Sod

There's more to laying sod than just "green side up" and we'll show you how in five quick steps to get the lush, green landscape you deserve. Fresh sod not only makes for an instant impact, it's vital for proper lawn care treatment for damaged areas. Are you ready to roll? Get started with this how-to guide on how to lay sod.

Skill

Intermediate

Time

Few Hours

Cost

Less Than $1,000

What You Need for This Project

Tools

Materials

Quick Tip

A dense, healthy lawn is the best weed control, as the weeds have no place to get started. If your neighbours or your previous lawn had insect problems, check your lawn regularly because control measures might be necessary.

Step by Step Instructions

1
Prep the Area & Lay the Sod
Rake the soil and make sure it's level, then sprinkle with water to prep the surface. Fill any holes with topsoil to avoid gaps between the soil and the sod.

Lay the first roll of sod along your sidewalk, curb, driveway, patio, or garden, making sure it's in a straight line. Continue to lay sod in a brick work pattern, staggering the edges of each row of sod.
Steps:

A person kneeling on soil laying topsoil while another person walks by with a wheelbarrow in the foreground

2
Position & Unroll Each Row
Place your next roll beside the first row. Unroll the turf tightly beside the first row as you go, ensuring there are no gaps. When sodding a sloped area, lay the sod horizontally and use stakes, if necessary, to pin the sod in place.
Steps:

a person kneeling and unfurling a roll of sod

3
Trim the Sod for Clean Edges
Cut off any uneven edges wherever necessary, using your utility knife. Shape to fit the area.
Steps:

a kneeling person using a spade to trim off a piece of sod

4
Level Your Sod with a Lawn Roller
After the sod has been laid, roll your new lawn with a lawn roller filled with water. Roll to remove any air pockets and to ensure your sod makes good contact with the soil. If the sod is extremely dry, wet the newly laid rolls before rolling them.
Steps:

A person walking across a lawn with a lawn roller

5
Nourish Your New Sod with Plenty of Water
Immediately after installation, thoroughly water your lawn. Use a sprinkler to have one area watered while you're working on another so that as much of your lawn is watered as possible.

Apply 1 in. of water, depending on conditions. Check to see if the water has penetrated the soil by lifting corners of the sod.
Steps:

a person standing on a green lawn with a house in the background

Watch our video for common questions and helpful tips to let your new lawn flourish.

How to Terms

Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes, and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors, or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures.

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