How to lay sod

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Radio interview source: Josh Polz, professional landscaper, Majestic Green

My friend Tracey and her husband landscaped a new yard a couple of years ago. Because the area was so big, they thought laying sod would be more efficient than seeding. They ordered pallets of sod from a local farm and installed it themselves in a day. Tracey said it was really gratifying to walk on a brand new yard so quickly.

Josh Polz works for a turf company and says sodding is a great option, especially on slopes where grass seed would wash down hill in a rainstorm. But before you roll out the green carpet, you have to spend some time prepping the area.

"What I would suggest is prepare the topsoil," Polz says. "You know, obviously if you've got clay, it's better to have the sod on 2 or 3 inches of black dirt, and then have a rototiller come in there and loosen it all up. Then put a starter fertilizer on the ground before or after you sod."

Rake it smooth and give the soil a good soaking. Use a sharp knife or a trowel to cut the sod. Start laying the sod strips along a straight line, like a driveway. It looks more uniform if you stagger the seams and add soil underneath if the sod doesn't lie evenly. Be sure the strips are butted up tightly against each other, but don't overlap or stretch them.