How To Re-Lay Sod

Prepare the soil for sod by digging up any existing grass or vegetation. Shake off excess soil and place the vegetation in a compost heap or dispose of it according to your municipality rules.

Determine if you need more soil by comparing the current soil line with the nearby flat surfaces to the soil line on the sod. For example, measure the difference between the soil and your driveway. If the there is a 2-inch difference, and your sod has a soil line of 1 inch, you'll need to add 1 inch of soil to your existing soil line.

Break up the existing 4 to 6 inches of soil with a rototiller. Roots grow better on loose, non-compacted soil.

Conduct a soil pH test according to manufacturer's instructions to determine if you need any soil amendments. Apply amendments as necessary, following manufacturer's suggestions.

Smooth the soil with the rake.

Apply a fertilizer high in phosphorus, such as a 1-2-1 mixture, to the top of the soil only. Don't work it into the soil.

Water the soil just before sod-application until it is wet, but not soggy.

Lay the sod on the soil tightly together, in a staggered brick-like pattern. Start by laying it near a straight line such as a sidewalk and end in the back corner of the yard. Cut pieces to size, as needed, with a knife or sharp trowel. Don't kneel or walk directly on newly laid sod. Place pieces of plywood down on the sod for traveling back and forth to get new sod pieces.

Water the new sod deeply, at least 6 inches down, or until the water runs off into the street.

Water the sod at least 1 inch at mid-day, every day for the next 6 weeks, or until roots under the sod firmly grow into the soil.