DIY: Laying New Sod

Rent a rototiller and use it to turn the soil surface to a depth of 4 inches. As you work, remove large debris, weeds and roots from the area.

Contact your local cooperative extension office about having your soil tested for pH level and nutrient presence. If your cooperative extension doesn't perform the test, ask for a list of laboratories that do. Your test result not only shows whether your soil is fertile or poor, it also gives you precise instructions on how to amend it, listing names of nutrients and quantity needed.

Amend your soil as stated in the report you received from the lab. Mix the recommended amount of lime into the first 4 inches of surface. Add the listed fertilizers to the first inch of topsoil. A garden fork, pickax and shovel are handy tools for incorporating matter into soil.

Rake the ground surface to make it level and smooth. Then run a lawn roller over it to firm it and remove air pockets. At this stage, if you notice unevenness, grade high areas and add soil to sunken ones. The surface for sod needs to be as flat as possible.

Measure the planting surface and place your order for sod. Schedule the delivery date and time for when you're available to install it immediately.

Get a sharp garden knife for cutting sod when you have to shape it around irregular areas. Have it nearby as you lay the grass.

Work in a straight line first, arranging the sod on the prepared soil. Lay successive rows so that the ends of the individual pieces of sod don't line up--think alternating patterns of brick or tile. Be sure that all the pieces are firmly touching but not overlapping.

Cut pieces of sod to fit around trees and borders. See that they make contact with the rest of the lawn so your yard doesn't end up with bald spots.

Irrigate the new grass as you lay it down. The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension recommends watering your lawn within 20 minutes of installing it. If you haven't finished the job within 20 minutes, get a sprinkler set up to reach only the area that will have grass by then. Your newly installed lawn needs at least 1 inch of water at planting. Keep the grass moist until it begins to grow vigorously.

Run a lawn roller over the sod to help the grass roots establish good contact with the soil. Keep off your new lawn for the next two to three weeks.

Mow for the first time when the grass reaches 3 inches. Adjust your mower to cut at a 2-inch height.