How to Lay Checkerboard Sod

Staggering the cut ends of the sod to prevent seams in your lawn is referred to as a checkerboard pattern. You can lay sod any time of year when the soil is workable. However, it is best not to do lay it during the hot, dry summer months or too close to winter when the roots will not have a chance to establish themselves before the ground freezes. Lay the sod immediately after delivery so it does not dry out. Whether you are laying sod across your entire lawn, or re-sodding a small area, the process is the same.

Soil test kit
Soil amendments
Rototiller or shovel
Hose and sprinkler
String and two wooden stakes
Sod cutter
Rain gauge
Plywood

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the soil. A soil test should be done and the appropriate amendments, such as calcium or lime, added to provide the proper nutrients for the sod. Use a rototiller or shovel to mix top soil, compost or fertilizer into the soil.
- 2
  Water the soil. Wet soil promotes root growth and prevents them from drying out and killing your sod.
- 3
  Stretch a length of string, at the widest part of your lawn, between two wooden stakes. Follow the string guide with the edge of a shovel to make a straight line across the soil. If you have a straight driveway or path, you can lay the first line of sod against it instead.
- 4
  Unroll a length of sod on one side of the line. Start at the edge of the lawn. Unroll the next length of sod so it meets the end of the first piece. Repeat until an entire single line has been completed.
- 5
  Start the next line of sod on the other side of the line. This line will be started from the same edge you just reached. You want to alternate starting on one side and than the other. This will stagger the cut lines and prevent seams in your lawn.
- 6
  Cut the roll of sod with a sod cutter to prevent two seams from being adjacent to each other, or to shape it to fit into the area you are working in, such as around trees or next to walkways.
- 7
  Discard brown sod or sod that is diseased or infested with insects. Healthy sod is thick and green with a good set of matted roots.
- 8
  Avoid stretching the sod while laying it; otherwise it will shrink and leave gaps.
- 9
  Set a rain gauge into the sod and water to a 3-inch depth immediately. Water every day and do not let the sod dry out until the roots have become established.
- 10
  Fill gaps in with pieces of sod. Place a piece of plywood on top of the sod before walking on it to avoid causing damage.
- 11
  Use a lawn roller to firmly push the sod into the soil to eliminate air pockets and help the roots make a firm contact with the soil.
- 12
  Sprinkle topsoil on the sod every three days to help even out the sod. Stop when the sod is even throughout your lawn.
- 13
  Mow after the sod is firmly rooted. You can gently pull up a corner of the sod to check on the rooting progress.

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