Are you in a hurry to have grass in your yard?  If that’s the case, you might be considering using sod instead of seed to create the lawn.  Planting sod is not necessarily any easier than sowing grass seed, but it does have its benefits.  Here are some tips for using sod to start a new lawn.

The primary advantage of sod is a faster result - you can have a lush, green lawn within an afternoon.  A secondary advantage is that the lawn starts its life free of weeds such as dandelions and thistle.  However, sod is more expensive than grass seed and can die off if not planted and cared for properly.  Your choice of grass varieties is also more limited than it would be if you were buying seed.

In preparation for the new lawn, you must add organic matter to the soil and remove weeds and stones.  Rake the soil and make the ground as level and smooth as possible.  This work should be done before the sod arrives at your home.  Sod that is left sitting around will dry out quickly.

When you are laying down sod, the trick is to get the soil very moist and work fast.  Start by watering the soil to a depth of six inches.  Lay the first strips of sod against a straight edge such a driveway or walkway, or even 2×4 boards placed on the ground.  Stagger the beginning of the next row so the edges do not line up.

Continue laying sod down in a brick pattern, cutting and shaping the pieces where necessary to make them conform to the boundaries of the lawn.  Be sure to place the pieces of sod tightly together so that no bare earth is showing.

Next, use a lawn roller (available at any tool-rental company) to pack the sod down onto the soil.  Finally, spread a little topsoil over the new lawn and work it into the cracks between pieces of sod.

After the sod has been put down, water the lawn thoroughly and keep it moist until the grass roots have become established in the soil.  Your new lawn will need to be pampered for a while - you can expect to be watering often for the next four weeks.  Don’t let the lawn dry out or the grass may die.  Keep an eye on the edges of the lawn in particular as they dry out faster than the middle.

Starting a lawn with sod is a good option for people who want or need an attractive lawn right away and don’t mind paying extra for it.  But you must lay the sod properly and give it the aftercare it requires.  Otherwise, the grass will not survive and you will have wasted both your time and money.