Ask Extension for answers to commonly asked questions.

Sodding a Lawn

Source: NDSU Extension Service Horticulturist

A satisfactory home lawn can be obtained from seeding or sodding. However, there are a number of significant advantages to sodding a lawn. The advantages of sodding include: (1) an instant green lawn, (2) elimination of the initial weed problem, (3) reduced erosion on sloping terrain, and (4) a longer period of the year to successfully establish a lawn.

Sodding can be done any time during the growing season when the soil can be prepared if adequate water is available. Buy high quality sod free of both undesirable grasses and perennial weeds. If you are installing your own sod, work rapidly to reduce the danger of damage to sod from heating. Sod must be laid within a few hours of delivery.

Preparation of the soil should be as thorough for sodding as it is for seeding. The soil should consist of a 4- to 6-inch layer of good topsoil which is tilled, rocks and debris removed, fertilized, and raked to provide a smooth, firm surface.

If peat-grown sod is going to be installed on a clay-based subsoil, raking some peat moss into the top inch or two helps establish the sod better, with fewer future problems.

Several techniques should be followed to obtain a properly sodded lawn. The soil should be moist, but not over wet, prior to sodding. The lengths of sod should be staggered in a brick-like arrangement, with the ends in contact but not overlapping. Sod cannot be stretched since cracks may develop between the pieces as it shrinks during drying. The finished lawn should be rolled lightly to ensure contact of sod with soil for better rooting.

A sodded lawn should be irrigated to a depth of 6 inches immediately after transplanting. Subsequent light irrigations will be required for two to three weeks to maintain adequate moisture in the root zone during the initial rooting period.

One to three years after the sod has become established, it is a good idea to have the lawn core-aerated. This will encourage deeper root penetration and improve surface drainage.

For future reference, obtain a copy of Extension bulletin H-244, "A Beautiful Lawn Can Be Yours," which is available at your county office of the NDSU Extension Service.

Back to Lawns Menu
Go to Ask Extension Index Page
For More Information Contact your North Dakota County Extension Office of the NDSU Extension Service for additional information or see our main NDSU Web Page for publications and articles on Agriculture, Horticulture, Youth and Family, Business and Community and Food and Nutrition at  http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/