6 secrets to successfully laying down grass sod

Grass greener on the other side of your fence? Not for much longer with these 6 secrets to successfully laying down grass sod!

Sowing grass takes too long and the results are far from certain. Plus, birds could end up eating most of your seeds, which is why you’ve likely opted for grass sod all this time. With this easy method, you’ll have a beautiful green space right away. Learn more about these fail-safe secrets for how to lay grass sod.

• Plant your lawn in spring, summer or fall; ideally it should be done between mid-May and the end of November.
• If you choose to do this job in the summer, make sure there are no watering restrictions in your municipality, as the grass will need to be watered every day.

Before you buy the sod from a company specializing in its cultivation and delivery, you’ll have to determine the exact day when you’ll be able to lay it.

• Grass sod has to be put down as soon as possible after delivery to keep the roots from dying. You’ll only have 24 to 36 hours in hot weather, and 48 hours in cool, rainy weather. Laying it right away also prevents weeds from developing in your exposed soil.

Before you do anything, you should:

• Level the ground and ensure that surface water drains well.
• Remove weeds, branches and rocks.
• Add lawn soil or fertilizer if necessary.

Successfully laying sod is all about how you approach the task. Here's what experts recommend:

1. Moisten the soil if it’s a hot day.
2. Use boards to move around on the sod.
3. Lay your rows of sod with alternating joints.
4. Make sure the pieces of sod are tightly fitted together, but not overlapping.
5. If your land has a gentle grade, lay your sod perpendicular to the slope, from the bottom to the top.
6. Anchor your sod if your land slopes steeply.
7. Use a lawn roller over the entire surface to promote rooting.

It’s important to ensure that the sod doesn’t dry out, either during the laying or after it has been put down.

• If it’s hot or windy, sprinkle water regularly on the rows of sod while you’re working in order to keep them cool.
• Water the pieces of sod after laying them; don’t wait until the whole job is finished.
• Keep the soil moist during the first week after laying the sod.
• Reduce the amount of watering as rooting takes place.
• Water your lawn during hot weather or prolonged drought.

• Cutting grass too short can promote the presence of grubs. Mow to a height of five centimetres in the spring and fall, and eight centimetres in summer.
• Also, your lawn will need to be fertilized several times during the year; read the manufacturer's instructions to determine when it should be applied.

For any other advice about how to lay grass sod, talk to one of the experts at a sod farm or neighbourhood garden centre.