Resodding is the process of replacing an existing lawn with mature, pre-grown grass harvested in strips, offering an instant green space rather than waiting for seed to germinate. This approach provides a dense, established turf that is less susceptible to erosion and weed competition. Successfully installing a sod lawn depends on the preparation of the soil beneath the turf and the care taken immediately after installation. This guide details the steps necessary to transform a struggling yard into a lush, uniform expanse of healthy grass.
Preparing the Ground for New Sod
The foundation of a successful new lawn is a properly prepared soil bed, which requires removing the old turf and amending the underlying dirt. The initial step involves clearing the existing vegetation using either a sod cutter or a non-selective herbicide applied several weeks in advance. Laying new sod directly over old grass is not recommended, as it creates a barrier that prevents the new roots from knitting into the native soil, leading to poor establishment.
Once the old lawn is removed, the soil should be tilled to a depth of four to six inches to alleviate compaction and promote deep root penetration. Tilling introduces air into the soil structure, which is necessary for healthy root growth and water movement. This is the optimal time to collect a soil sample for testing, which will reveal the existing pH level and nutrient deficiencies. Turfgrass generally thrives in a slightly acidic to neutral pH range, and the test results will indicate if amendments like lime or sulfur are needed.
Incorporating organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, into the tilled soil improves its ability to hold moisture in sandy soils and enhances drainage in heavy clay soils. After tilling and amending, the area must be graded to ensure proper water runoff away from any structures, ideally with a slight slope of two percent. Final grading involves raking the surface smooth, removing any remaining debris, and ensuring the final grade is approximately one inch below sidewalks or driveways so the laid sod will be flush with the pavement. Before installation, a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus should be applied and lightly raked into the top inch of soil to support the rapid development of new roots.
Selecting and Installing the Turf
Choosing the correct grass variety is based on the local climate, the amount of sunlight the area receives, and the expected foot traffic. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are suitable for hot climates, while cool-season varieties like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fescue perform better in northern regions. Calculating the quantity of sod needed requires accurately measuring the square footage of the prepared area and then ordering the turf to arrive the same day the installation is planned.
Installation should begin immediately upon delivery, as sod is a living product that can quickly dry out if left rolled up in the sun. Start laying the rolls along a straight edge, such as a patio or driveway, working across the area one strip at a time. The seams of the sod pieces should be tightly abutted together without overlapping, ensuring there are no gaps that could dry out the exposed roots.
To prevent long, continuous seams that are prone to separation, each subsequent row should be staggered in a brick-like pattern, which helps lock the pieces together. Avoid walking on the prepared soil or the freshly laid sod during installation to prevent creating depressions or air pockets beneath the turf. After all pieces are laid and edges are cleanly cut, the entire area must be rolled with a water-filled lawn roller to press the sod firmly against the soil. This rolling action eliminates air pockets and creates the essential root-to-soil contact required for the turf to successfully establish itself.
Establishing the New Lawn
The first two weeks following installation are the most critical period for establishing the new lawn, requiring an intensive watering regimen to keep the sod and the underlying soil moist at all times. Immediately after the sod is installed, it should be watered deeply until the moisture penetrates the top six inches of soil. For the next 14 days, the sod typically requires multiple short watering sessions each day, often two to four times, to prevent the thin layer of soil attached to the sod from drying out.
The goal during this initial phase is to keep the grass constantly hydrated without allowing the area to become saturated or muddy, which could lead to fungal issues. After two weeks, the watering schedule should transition to less frequent, but deeper, applications to encourage the roots to grow downward in search of moisture. To check if the sod is ready for this transition, gently lift a corner of a piece; if the sod resists lifting and feels anchored, it indicates that new roots have begun knitting into the prepared soil.
The first mowing should not occur until the sod is firmly rooted, typically around two to three weeks after installation, or when the grass blades reach a height of three to four inches. For this initial cut, the mower blades must be sharpened to ensure a clean cut. The cutting height should be set to the highest setting to remove no more than one-third of the blade height. Avoiding heavy foot traffic during the first four weeks is necessary to allow the delicate new root system to develop without being damaged by compaction.