How to Lay Sod the Correct Way

Properly laying sod starts with preparing your lawn. No grass will be able to grow unless the soil's pH range is within the range of your grass. Gardeners should conduct soil pH tests before laying sod and make the appropriate soil amendments -- adding lime to soil that is too acidic or sulfur for alkaline soil. In addition, you should keep the sod moist when laying to ensure that the grass's root systems do not dry out.

Lime
Rake
Fertilizer
Masonry trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Water the lawn for three to four days. Remove any weeds with a shovel or spade. Spread 50 lbs. of limestone per 1,000 square feet of lawn space, and apply water.
- 2
  Fertilize the lawn with a starter fertilizer that has a NPK amount of 3-4-1 at a distribution rate of 1 lb. of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Apply water to activate the nitrogen.
- 3
  Lift the sod pieces, and examine them for pests, weeds or discoloration, which could be a sign that the sod has a fungal infection. Water the sod, and lay it around the perimeters of the yard, butting the edges together.
- 4
  Stagger the sod to create rows, and work from the outside in. Cut sod to fit small areas with a masonry trowel. Pack dirt into any small crevices.
- 5
  Water the sod thoroughly. Apply 1 inch of water every two to three days for three weeks. The sod should be moist but not soaking with water. Reapply fertilizer in six to eight weeks.

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