How to Harvest Sod After It Rains

Measurements

• Knowing how much sod to cut is essential if the turf is expected to take root elsewhere. One acre of turf yields approximately 4,840 square yards of sod, but it's most likely you'll get 3,800 to 4,200 usable yards of sod. Not all of the sod will be reusable.

Harvest Readiness

• Sod can be harvested once it matures, when the roots have formed a dense underlayer that makes it possible to lift and move pieces of sod. Moist sod is easier to harvest, so wait until after it rains or hose down the sod. If the ground is excessively moist, the sod will become heavy and difficult to move. The ground should be moist and springy, but not saturated. Harvest sod in the early morning, from 6 to 8 a.m., when the ground is still cool.

Harvesting

• Sod may be cut in several ways, but harvesting 1 square yard at a time is an effective hand-cutting method. Long sod rolls also may be cut into thick strips, but remember that every bit of sod cut will have to be moved. The depth of the cuts into the sod depend upon the type of turf grass being harvested.

Sod Laying

• Laying sod is not an exact science, and an exact amount of sod to cover a patch of earth is not necessary. Small strips or ribbons of sod may be harvested and placed to slowly encourage new turf grass to grow. Even a 1-inch strip may be enough to create a new field of grass, but most turf grasses need 1-1/2- to 2-inch strips to become well-established in a new location.