How to Plant New Sod

Gather samples of your soil by digging 4 to 6 inches into the dirt and from 10 or more spots around your yard. Place the soil samples in a jar and take it to your local county extension office for a pH test. The results may take up to two months to receive.

Measure the lawn area and multiply the width by the length. Divide the total by nine to get how many square yards of sod. Those measurements, along with your soil test results, will tell you how much lime and fertilizer to order.

Spray glyphosate herbicide to get rid of weeds and old grass. Follow the manufacture's directions for how long to wait before reapplying and planting.

Remove rocks, branches, roots or any other debris from planting site. Grade the soil so that you have a gradual slope away from buildings of 1 foot for every 50 feet of lawn. Rent a grader for large projects or use a shovel and rake for grading small sections.

Add 6 inches of topsoil to improve soil nutrients. Spread out any amendments like lime, fertilizer or compost as suggested by your pH test. Till into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil. Do not till when soil is wet.

Install drainage and irrigation lines for sprinkler systems. Place drainage lines 6 to 18 inches deep and irrigation lines below the frost line at 12 to 18 inches deep.

Grade the soil with a hand rake making sure to smooth out any clumps of dirt. Check that sidewalks and driveways are 1/2 inch above the soil line.

Water prepared soil before installing sod. Watering will help with root growth.

Lay the sod soon after delivery. Lay the first strip of sod on a straight edge. Use a sidewalk or driveway as a guide or if there is not a straight edge, use a chalk line or string. For curves, lay sod at right angles following the curve. Butt joints close together without overlapping. Continue in a parallel pattern cutting the sod with a sharp knife to fit in smaller spaces. Stagger blocks of sod in a brick pattern.

Fill a large lawn roller with water for weight and roll over the sod. This will help in establishing good contact between the soil and sod.

Water to the depth of 6 inches as soon as the sod is in place and has been rolled. If working on a large lawn, water after each section is laid. Continue watering for 10 days until roots are established.