What Tool to Use to Cut Through Sod or Lawn

Sod Cutter

• A sod cutter is a gas-powered tool used to cut and lift a section of sod. This produces a segment of sod suitable for moving to a new location. Most homeowners would not own a sod cutter but could rent the tool from a home improvement or rental store. The operator should wear personal protection gear such as eye goggles, ear plugs and hard toed shoes during operation. Follow manufacturer's instructions for adjusting and operating the sod cutter properly.

Sod Lifter

• Homeowners looking for a simpler tool for a smaller project may select the sod lifter. While the long handled tool looks like a bent shovel, it is specially designed to cut and lift sod. The tool features a rounded leading edge to a flat blade that is pushed along under the sod to separate it from the soil below. This sod could be placed again for replanting, but the segments are much smaller and less uniform than those of the sod cutter. The tool is most effective in removing the grass in a small area such as a new flower bed.

Soil Knife

• A soil knife is a long-handled tool with a rounded or U-shaped cutting edge. The soil knife is inserted straight down into the ground and rolled forward to cut through the roots and rhizomes of the grass and weeds. The soil knife does not cut under the grass but vertically to create a line of separation. Use this to create sharp lines between garden spaces and lawn grass.

Shovel

• The old fashioned shovel, while not as specialized as other tools, can also cut and remove sod. Round pointed shovels are better for penetrating the sod whereas square or flat-fronted shovels work best to lift sod. It's not as efficient as the specialized tools, but more homeowners have immediate access to the shovel.