UC IPM Online UC ANR home page UC IPM home page
 
The UC Guide to Healthy Lawns

Installing sod


Steps for proper sod installation

  • Establish a straight line lengthwise through the lawn area.
  • Lay the sod on either side of the line with ends staggered, similar to laying bricks.
  • Use a rake to keep the soil level as you plant.
  • When laying the sod, kneel on a piece of plywood so that you do not crush the sod or make impressions in the soil.
  • A sharpened masonry trowel or carpet knife is handy for cutting pieces, forcing the sod tight, and leveling small depressions.
  • After the sod is laid roll it immediately with a lawn roller and keep it moist until well rooted (about 10 - 14 days).

Illustration of sod staggered on either side of a straight line
| Home | Manage Pests | Resources | Research | Search |

Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
All contents copyright © 2004 The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.
 
For noncommercial purposes only, any Web site may link directly to this page. FOR ALL OTHER USES or more information, read Legal Notices. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual solutions to specific pest problems. See How to manage pests, or in the U.S., contact your local Cooperative Extension office for assistance. /TOOLS/TURF/SITEPREP/installsod.html revised: January 28, 2004. Contact webmaster.