Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00001560
11/12/99
Starting A Lawn From Sod
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.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
This file was generated from data base ZZ on 01/19/00.
Data base ZZ was last revised on 11/12/99.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
heatley@msue.msu.edu . Please read our
disclaimer for important
information about using our site.