Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 2.0 - 00001560
01/01/98
Sod can provide a lawn in a shorter time than seed. A prime disadvantage of sod is the limited number of grass species included in sod mixes. Most sod is a blend of several Kentucky bluegrass cultivars.
Sodding can be done when the soil is dry enough to work and the sod will have enough time to root before winter. Do not lay sod during dry weather if water can not be provided.
Rolled up sod heats up and this heat can kill the sod. To avoid injury, lay the sod within 24 to 48 hours after it was cut.
Do not lay sod on hot, dry soil. Moisten the soil to a depth of 6 inches.
Lay the sod in a pattern that looks like bricks in a wall. This can be done by starting alternate rows with half a roll of sod rather than a full one. The edges of the rolls should be touching to prevent the sod from drying out.
Once all the sod is laid, rolling will remove air pockets.
Sod laid on a slope can be held in place with wooden stakes.
Water the sod immediately after rolling. Water every day after laying the sod until the roots have grown into the soil. Rooting can take 2 to 3 weeks. Reduce watering gradually once the sod has rooted into the soil.