How to Cut Sod for Replanting

Preparing the Soil

• 1

  Pull all weeds from the bare areas, as they will compete with the grass roots for water and nutrients.

• 2

  Loosen the soil in the bare areas, using a shovel. Remove the top layer of dirt so that the soil level in the areas to be replanted is 1 inch below the sprinkler heads and sidewalks.

• 3

  Soak the bare ground where you will be replanting the sod. Wet soil will encourage the grass roots to grow downward.

• 4

  Water the grassy area where you will be cutting the sod, but do not soak it. Moist soil is easier to dig through than dry soil.

Cutting the Sod

• 5

  Push the spade straight down into the soil and cut through the grass roots. Repeat this until you have dug a straight line 1 to 2 feet wide and as long as the section you need to replant.

• 6

  Dig down 2 to 4 inches until you are under the grass roots, starting at the edge of the sod.

• 7

  Dig through the soil under the roots, using a hacking motion. Continue until you have finished separating the first piece of sod from the soil.

• 8

  Lift the cut sod and put it in the wheelbarrow upside down to keep the soil intact.

• 9

  Replant the sod on the bare areas of your lawn.