Preparing the Soil

• 1). At least two weeks before you lay sod, kill off any weeds or grass currently on the site. Spray the plants with a systemic herbicide. If you prefer not to use chemicals, secure a sheet of black plastic over the area with rocks or boards. This method takes 4 to 6 weeks. If you have a sprinkler system, flag the sprinkler heads to avoid damage.
  
  
• 2). Consider conducting a soil test to determine the pH and makeup of your soil. Buy test kits at garden stores or contact your local county extension office for an easy, inexpensive soil test. Soil testing is an especially good idea for new home sites.
  
  
• 3). Based on the soil test results, add lime, peat, compost or manure to amend your soil. Rototill or hand-till your soil 4 to 6 inches deep. Remove all rocks and rake the soil until it is smooth.
  
  
• 4). Make sure the soil slopes away from foundations. If necessary, move soil to provide good drainage from the foundation. Use a lawn roller to lightly roll the soil. Fill any holes with additional soil. The soil should sit 1/2 to 1 inch below the sidewalks to allow room for the sod. Water the soil to a depth of 3 to 6 inches. This will help settle the soil and allow roots to grow securely.
  
  

Laying Sod

• 1). Consult a local sod dealer about the type of sod you need. Some grasses grow well in cool, wet areas. Others are better suited for hot, dry climates. Grasses for high-activity areas are good for families with pets and kids. Measure the square footage of your yard by measuring the width and length. Multiply the two to get your square footage. Take trees, sheds, and other obstacles into account.
  
  
• 2). Install the lawn immediately upon delivery. Sod is a living plant and will suffer if left out of the soil for long. Lay a length of sod along the longest straight line to begin. This is usually a sidewalk or house edge.
  
  
• 3). Lay more pieces down, butting the edges up tightly. Don't overlap the edges. Lay the sod in a brick-like fashion, staggering the pieces. Use a sharp knife to trim around corners and sprinkler heads. Lay sod across a slope, instead of up and down.
  
  
• 4). Roll lightly across the sod with a lawn roller. This will smooth out the lawn and help the roots adhere to the soil. Avoid walking or kneeling excessively on the sod, as this will cause lumps in your lawn.
  
  
• 5). Begin watering with a sprinkler within 30 minutes of laying the sod. Apply at least 1 inch of water daily for two weeks. In hot weather, water more.