- 1). Conduct a soil pH test three months before laying sod. If you soil needs the pH adjusted, it will take three months for the soil amendments to change the range. Purchase a soil testing kit from your local county extension office. Dig a 6-inch hole to collect samples. Mail the samples to the lab's address (listed in the kit). Amend soil that is too acidic with lime. Use sulfur if the soil is too alkaline.
- 2). Smooth the lawn area with a lawn roller or the back of a rake. Fill in any low lying areas or holes with dirt. Water the lawn area thoroughly. The soil should be moist but not saturated with water.
- 3). Dampen each piece of sod with a spray of water from the garden hose just before you lay the sod on the yard's perimeters. Stagger the sod as you would laying bricks for a pathway. The sod's edges should butt together.
- 4). Cut any sod pieces with a utility knife to fit in small areas. Fill in any areas in between the sod with potting soil.
- 5). Use a lawn roller over the sod to increase the soil/grass blade contact. Water the sod area thoroughly after installing.
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