How to Lay Sod on Gravel

Laying sod over an area that consists mostly of gravel is possible and recommended in areas where water runoff might be a problem. The gravel is not a suitable substrate for the grass, so you need to build up a layer of soil for the grass roots to establish themselves. Over time, the roots will reach through and below the gravel, creating a stable lawn. Choose a hardy grass sod such as St. Augustine that will need little maintenance.

Topsoil
Rake
Serrated knife
Sprinkler
Roller

Instructions

- 1
  Fill in the area you want to cover with sod with 8 inches of soil. If the area is rather large, you can use fill dirt for the bottom 5 inches and topsoil for the top 3 inches, to save on costs.
- 2
  Rake out the soil with a regular garden rake, removing any large rocks or sticks. Check the depth with a stick at different areas to make sure you distribute the soil evenly.
- 3
  Water the area with a sprinkler until the soil is damp at 4 inches below the surface. This will also settle the soil. Stop watering if the soil puddles, and allow the water to drain before adding more water.
- 4
  Lay your sod in the early morning or late afternoon, preferably on an overcast day. Start at one side of the garden, laying each section tight against the last. Stagger the sections so there is no obvious seam in the lawn. Cut through the sod sections at the ends, using a serrated knife.
- 5
  Roll the lawn with a roller to smooth out the surface and to make good root-to-soil contact.
- 6
  Water the lawn at least once a day for two weeks to keep the soil moist as the roots adjust to their new surroundings. Mow after two or three weeks with your mower blades set high to reduce shock to the plants.

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