How to Make Sod

Using a Sod Cutter

• 1

  Mark the grassy area to be removed, using spray paint. Push a sod cutter to the area's edge.

• 2

  Move the lever on the right-hand side to neutral. Push the choke in, and pull the start-cord. Pull the front handle back, and squeeze it together with the back handle. Move the lever to the scissors icon.

• 3

  Release the throttle to give the sod cutter gas. The sod cutter will propel forward, cutting through the dirt as it goes. Allow the sod cutter to set the pace.

• 4

  Turn corners slowly, maintaining the same cut width. Release the front handle to turn off the sod cutter. Use a flat-tipped shovel to cut the sod into 3-foot lengths. Roll the sod, and plant it in a new location as soon as possible.

Using a Shovel

• 5

  Mark out the grass to be removed. Push a flat-tipped shovel's tip 2 to 4 inches into the soil.

• 6

  Section out the area into 2-by-1-foot rectangles, using the shovel. Angle the shovel's tip underneath one of the rectangles. Push forward, and lift to separate the sod from the earth.

• 7

  Set the sod rectangle aside, and remove a second rectangle. Continue until the entire area has been removed.