How to Move Sod

Dig the Sod

• 1

  Pick a day right after a rainfall to move the sod. If you live in an area that doesn't get much rain, you can run sprinklers or water the area with a garden hose. Water the area until it is completely wet, and then wait until the following day before attempting to remove the sod.

• 2

  Make a rectangle using a flat shovel around the entire area of sod you plan to move with a flat shove. Insert the shovel down into the turf 3 to 4 inches or as far as necessary to get beneath all the roots.

• 3

  Go through the entire area inside the perimeter and create small squares by inserting the shovel into the ground to 3 or 4 inches deep, creating sections of sod of approximately 1 sq. foot each.

• 4

  Slide the shovel under one side of the first sod square and beneath the entire area of the sod to break it free from the soil beneath. Lift the shovel straight up to remove the sod piece from the ground.

• 5

  Remove all excess dirt from the bottom of the sod. Flip it onto the grass side and brush loose dirt free of the roots with your hands.

Lay the Sod

• 6

  Clean all debris from the area to which you plan to move the sod. Remove limbs, leaves and any rocks larger than a pebble.

• 7

  Go over the soil in the area where you plan to lay the sod with a tiller. Till down 6 to 8 inches and mix 1 to 2 inches of organic material, such as compost, in with the soil. Water the soil until so that it is moist throughout the area where the sod will be laid.

• 8

  Lay the pieces of sod that you dug up on the tilled soil beginning at a corner of the area, and then lay each subsequent sod section directly next to the piece that came before it. The pieces should touch on the edges, but should not overlap.

• 9

  Run a lawn roller over the entire area to press the sod flat and push the seams of the sod pieces together. Water the area with the newly laid sod thoroughly immediately after rolling.