How to Lay Sod in a Backyard | Ask This Old House

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 23 гру 2015
  • This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook helps a homeowner lay sod in his backyard. (See below for a shopping list, tools, and steps.)
    SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse
    Shopping List for Laying Sod in a Backyard:
    - Bluegrass [amzn.to/2EvfDKK] and fescue [amzn.to/2M8JNtO] sod
    - Sand [amzn.to/2wfdwGG] and compost [amzn.to/2JYSWSO], used to amend the soil
    - Starter fertilizer [amzn.to/2W82pPi] and lime [amzn.to/30KeM2n], used to feed the soil
    - Landscape fabric [amzn.to/2weEXAr] and wood chips [amzn.to/2Evzj1b], for covering the play area
    Tools List for Laying Sod in a Backyard:
    - Shovel [amzn.to/2M9IGdn]
    - Wheelbarrow [amzn.to/2YMcDBu]
    - Garden rake [amzn.to/2M7znue]
    - Sod cutter [amzn.to/30JkMs7], used to remove old lawn
    - Large rotary tiller [amzn.to/2VMZ3fp] and mini tiller [amzn.to/2Evzf1n], for loosening the topsoil
    - Utility knife [amzn.to/2X2eKk5], used to cut sod strips to length
    Walk-behind drop spreader, [amzn.to/2WrqwYg] for dispersing fertilizer and lime
    Steps for Laying Sod in a Backyard:
    1. Use a soil probe to check the depth and texture of the topsoil.[BR]
    2. Next, remove all the existing grass with a gas-powered sod cutter.[BR]
    3. Place the old grass into a wheelbarrow and carry it away.[BR]
    4. Loosen the topsoil with a large rotary tiller to a depth of at least 6 inches.[BR]
    5. Use a mini-tiller to loosen the soil alongside fences, foundations, and other areas not accessible to the large rotary tiller.[BR]
    6. Cover the entire tilled area to 2 inches deep with a 50/50 mixture of sand and compost.[BR]
    7. Blend the sand and compost into the soil with the rotary tiller.[BR]
    8. In the kid's play area, dig down 4 inches and cover the ground with landscape fabric.[BR]
    9. Spread about 3 inches of wood chips on top of the landscape fabric.[BR]
    10. Add starter fertilizer and lime to a walk-behind drop spreader and apply the mixture to the tilled area.[BR]
    11. Rake the entire tilled area perfectly smooth.[BR]
    12. Start laying sod, one strip at a time, along the edge of the lawn.[BR]
    13. Butt the strips tightly together to produce undetectable joints.[BR]
    14. After laying the first row of sod, rake the soil smooth and start the second row.[BR]
    15. Use a utility knife to cut in half the first strip of sod for the second row.[BR]
    16. Set the half-strip in place, then continue to lay full-length strips of sod to complete the second row. Starting with a half-strip staggers the joints between the rows.[BR]
    17. Continue to lay sod, butting the strips tightly together and staggering all end joints.[BR]
    18. Once you've laid all the sod, water the lawn three times per day the first week, twice a day the second week, once a day the third week, and then resume a normal watering schedule.
    About Ask This Old House TV:
    Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers-and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
    Follow This Old House and Ask This Old House:
    Facebook: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
    Twitter: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
    bit.ly/AskTOHTwitter
    Pinterest: bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
    Instagram: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG
    bit.ly/AskTOHIG
    Tumblr: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTumblr
    For more on This Old House and Ask This Old House, visit us at: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseWebsite
    How to Lay Sod in a Backyard | Ask This Old House
    / thisoldhouse
  • Навчання та стиль

КОМЕНТАРІ • 565

  • @scottyhcruz
    @scottyhcruz 5 років тому +718

    This is the type of video you watch at 3am when you have to be at work at 6am

  • @nunyadontyaknow
    @nunyadontyaknow 3 роки тому +21

    This was EXACTLY the video I've been trying to find for weeks! Finally just pops up in my feed while I'm having my morning coffee. Great video! 👍👍👊

  • @cstewart7056
    @cstewart7056 3 роки тому +24

    I've never seen anyone take this level of care to lay sod

    • @robinrobine8100
      @robinrobine8100 Рік тому +3

      Anyone who is good at what they do will do this. I take it a step further.

    • @edwardallen2696
      @edwardallen2696 Місяць тому +1

      @@robinrobine8100no you don’t

  • @LC-yv9ey
    @LC-yv9ey 5 років тому +195

    Who else is disappointed you didn't get to see the grass get watered?🤷‍♂️ 😂

  • @erikhopkins9488
    @erikhopkins9488 4 роки тому +51

    "When you want tuh put saad in the yahd!"

  • @samsngdevice5103
    @samsngdevice5103 3 роки тому +2

    Just watching this sent me to the chiropractor for 12 months.

  • @geloradananrlyeh8495
    @geloradananrlyeh8495 8 років тому +369

    I like to remove the old lawn grass with a flame thrower.
    It adds carbon to the soil.

    • @21gonza21
      @21gonza21 7 років тому +5

      Geloradanan R'lyeh lol your kidding right

    • @geloradananrlyeh8495
      @geloradananrlyeh8495 7 років тому +22

      @C Gonzalez: Yes, of course. I was just trying make someone laugh a little. But having a flame thrower would be so cool, caro mio, and very useful in a zombie attack!

    • @21gonza21
      @21gonza21 7 років тому +12

      Geloradanan R'lyeh funny
      But actually ashes would make up for the lime since it has a high ph

    • @geloradananrlyeh8495
      @geloradananrlyeh8495 7 років тому +10

      There you go! See, I was on to something with the flame thrower idea. Maybe it it will catch on in the industry, if they don't burn down your house in the process.

    • @21gonza21
      @21gonza21 7 років тому +5

      Geloradanan R'lyeh lol exactly

  • @mrtrek64
    @mrtrek64 5 років тому +36

    If this guy had answered me "read the instructions on the bag" after asking him a question, he would have been fertilizer for newly placed sod.

    • @SonicaLuda
      @SonicaLuda 5 років тому +6

      Yes, I thought that was so rude too.

    • @AErney51
      @AErney51 4 роки тому +20

      mrtrek64
      The point of this show is to show people how to do projects by themselves without the help of a professional so saying read the instructions isn’t rude it’s showing all you gotta do is read the bag

    • @MikeM-pk6zq
      @MikeM-pk6zq 3 роки тому +8

      He didn't say it with any malice.

    • @mrtrek64
      @mrtrek64 3 роки тому +3

      @@MikeM-pk6zq I was most likely in a bad mood when I wrote that lol.

  • @margielulu1366
    @margielulu1366 3 роки тому +4

    I only watch it half way, I was exhausted of all that work. I say hell with it, dandelions are pretty. 🤣🤣🤣

    • @flat-earther
      @flat-earther Рік тому

      Margie I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

    • @thomasking1149
      @thomasking1149 25 днів тому

      ​@@flat-earther😂lol

  • @jgarrison1309
    @jgarrison1309 5 років тому +5

    "Can't believe just a few hours ago... " 9:22 Yeah, right!

  • @TheGreatEscape77
    @TheGreatEscape77 9 місяців тому +1

    Landscaping is such hard work, but the end result is always nice. Good job👌🏻

  • @daw162
    @daw162 5 років тому +47

    Someone else did all of the work. "a few hours ago", they're not sweaty and they have no dirt on them.

  • @paultanner2007
    @paultanner2007 4 роки тому +1

    Roger is the original from TOH. Great teacher.

  • @prorobloxgamer5509
    @prorobloxgamer5509 5 років тому +16

    Its 11 30 PM. I have to wake up at 6. I live in an apartment building and am watching this instead of sleeping

  • @meatmaster8636
    @meatmaster8636 4 роки тому +2

    He said "this is fresh sod, cut yesterday and delivered to us this morning". Fresh cut sod still has black dirt on it, but this dirt is brown and looks to be bone dry. Maybe sod is different in the area where this was filmed? And it's very light weight. The sod I've handled is heavy. 3 rolls per wheel barrow max.

  • @theeliminatorking7458
    @theeliminatorking7458 5 років тому +86

    Notice how he makes the guy in the red to do hard manual work while he pretends to do something in the frame

    • @falosny
      @falosny 5 років тому +20

      The guy in the red is the homeowner so

    • @Xighor
      @Xighor 5 років тому +2

      Racing Craves so he shouldn't be doing all the work if he paid someone to do it
      But I do feel like this is staged
      Don't think he is a real customer
      Definitely not a paying one

    • @aliciamarieneumann1794
      @aliciamarieneumann1794 5 років тому

      the eliminator king I was going to say that lol

    • @willc5979
      @willc5979 5 років тому +3

      @@Xighor they are real home owners. The channel used to put the amount they charged the homeowner but they got backlash for overcharging while making the homeowner do manual labor.

    • @milesmartinez3577
      @milesmartinez3577 3 роки тому +2

      You thought you caught something there these people go to the house and get enough to show the viewer how to do it and the home owner does the rest it’s not a service it’s a trade he knows how to do it right and they get content

  • @letsplayroblox7508
    @letsplayroblox7508 6 років тому +71

    Why am I watching this I barely even go outside

  • @rxonmymind8362
    @rxonmymind8362 6 років тому

    Thank you. My turn next week. Although I live in California I won't have this much lawn as my wife and I decided to go with decomposed granite low water backyard. However I still like a little bit a lot lawn.

  • @paulkevinson7295
    @paulkevinson7295 5 років тому +1

    WOW THAT IS SOME BEAUTIFUL SOD

  • @JohnAranita
    @JohnAranita 3 роки тому

    Middle-parted hair, like Mr. Cook's, is the best!!

  • @alejojones
    @alejojones 6 років тому +372

    Almost every joint was noticeable lol

    • @minerva474
      @minerva474 5 років тому +2

      ikr

    • @coreybessasparis8895
      @coreybessasparis8895 5 років тому +2

      My neighbor did this once and I noticed every single joint on their front yard

    • @64bitdrumming49
      @64bitdrumming49 4 роки тому +1

      Jeff Skerratt You look nowhere near a certified landscaper I am an Aussie on 580 acres of land in the west but he also has a point you do need to water and take care of the sod because it has just been laid

  • @luckygurl70
    @luckygurl70 3 роки тому

    This video is so satisfying to watch. I would probably pass out after ripping out a quarter of that lawn. Just looking at those two guys do this makes me tired. This is the type of work where you open a bottle of Makers Mark afterwards.

    • @flat-earther
      @flat-earther Рік тому

      G C I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

  • @SaltySparrow
    @SaltySparrow 4 роки тому +11

    I would be terrified of walking on that lawn for like a month lol

    • @lucky1206
      @lucky1206 3 роки тому +1

      Yeah Roger really seems to get pissed off if you mess with his yard work lol
      'get your foot off of that ground!!'

  • @zart3374
    @zart3374 5 років тому +11

    7:51 Nice stones in the lawn...

  • @kathybeck9197
    @kathybeck9197 6 років тому +28

    Let me tell ya, ive done a ton of sod in the front yard... but the back yard?! No way! I didnt know u could do that!

  • @tweetiebird
    @tweetiebird 3 роки тому +5

    Excellent, your video was very well done with you covered everything you need to know from start to finish with percission and right to the point not boring or hard to follow (region and soil types are not the same everywhere which I know not to put sand in clay soil)

  • @2faded108
    @2faded108 4 роки тому +1

    Why am I watching this at 3:37 in the morning

  • @alexivack3453
    @alexivack3453 5 років тому +8

    9:44 on how to lay sod? Try this: GREEN SIDE UP!

  • @MrKyleDD
    @MrKyleDD 4 роки тому +4

    I love his accent, 'staata fertilisa'. Love it.

  • @wafarms2514
    @wafarms2514 5 років тому +14

    Pulling back on that mini tiller is a good way to lose your shins 😂😂😂😂😂

    • @johnethan6230
      @johnethan6230 4 роки тому +2

      Wa Farms that’s what you are supposed to do with it

    • @popeyeyankee5477
      @popeyeyankee5477 3 роки тому

      Mini tillers are made to go backwards.

  • @bloggerpillai
    @bloggerpillai 8 років тому +22

    i am going to check on my twap soil as well before I down the sawd.

    • @MehulP30
      @MehulP30 8 років тому

      😂😂😂

    • @jeffsdavis
      @jeffsdavis 8 років тому +1

      Oh my gash I died!

    • @boostedonabudget9018
      @boostedonabudget9018 7 років тому +1

      you need to see a video when he goes to texas.

    • @logankumar3463
      @logankumar3463 7 років тому

      Anil Pillai I can't find staatah fertilizer can I use starter fertilized

  • @kylegrantner6747
    @kylegrantner6747 4 роки тому

    You guys make everything so easy

    • @jimbo2325
      @jimbo2325 2 роки тому

      Trust me. There was a WHOLE lot more help behind the scenes for this to come to fruition!

  • @Angel-yf7pp
    @Angel-yf7pp 6 років тому

    This was fun. To watch

  • @KodaGSD-uf3hg
    @KodaGSD-uf3hg Рік тому

    Excellent video as usual

  • @Crazyafrican
    @Crazyafrican 4 роки тому +2

    this is what my garden needs lol that was epic soo enjoyable to watch as well

  • @swannyburger5866
    @swannyburger5866 Рік тому

    My back got sore watching this. Lol.

  • @deightons5641
    @deightons5641 7 років тому +11

    Wish this type of roll out sod was available in south florida..

  • @adilparkar4079
    @adilparkar4079 3 роки тому +1

    This guy is amazing good work

    • @flat-earther
      @flat-earther Рік тому

      Adil I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

  • @NOMAD-qp3dd
    @NOMAD-qp3dd 4 роки тому

    Pfft.
    This lawn will NEVER fully appreciate the love, care and attention to detail Roger put into it.
    I certainly hope he doesn't expect a "Thank You"..

  • @SpotBentley
    @SpotBentley 3 роки тому +2

    Should you roll the soil to form it up a bit before laying the sod? I use a roller after laying the sod but I've never used it before laying the sod. Considering it.

  • @20killz47
    @20killz47 6 років тому +290

    I live in an apartment so how did I even get here

  • @robertdickerson16
    @robertdickerson16 5 років тому

    This video just earned a new subscriber

  • @joekarchikyan5497
    @joekarchikyan5497 4 роки тому

    really good video, great job

  • @MultimediaJay
    @MultimediaJay 5 років тому +8

    "How do you know how much to put down?" "You read the directions on the bag." :o)

  • @ForrestWilkinsisrad
    @ForrestWilkinsisrad 2 роки тому

    great video thank you for the help

  • @lydenjaydenplaysroblox7324
    @lydenjaydenplaysroblox7324 5 років тому +1

    I just like watching them do things they do

  • @u.npeacekeeperball432
    @u.npeacekeeperball432 6 років тому +2

    I love this show 😂

  • @xxmrleafxx4566
    @xxmrleafxx4566 5 років тому

    I lad sod a little different with pallets of sod that have small squares that we can just throw down feet from the pallet/wheel barrel and not get on the ground and roll them out 1 by one

  • @mpxz999
    @mpxz999 8 років тому

    I'm going to do that this weekend, just before a rainy week!
    My lawn is super lumpy from dew worms ruining it.
    I hope that the sand I mix into the new top soil will keep them away.
    Also, I dont think id be able to lift those machines in and out of my truck even if I had another helping me, so it's gonna be up to the good ol shovel to rip up the old sod and till the soil :|
    At least my grass area is only 10x20 feet!
    Thanks for the video!

    • @rxonmymind8362
      @rxonmymind8362 6 років тому

      mpxz999
      Just checking in how's your lawn turn out? I'll be doing this as soon as it stops raining. You know they have ramps what you can rent to get into and out of your truck?

  • @kenmitchell3355
    @kenmitchell3355 3 роки тому +1

    I have a small 20’ X 50’ back yard. Should I really make my yard level or should I make it to a slight angle to keep water away from my foundation / crawl space? I plan on sodding within 2 weeks. TIA!

  • @RafaelRamirez-vk4vu
    @RafaelRamirez-vk4vu 5 років тому

    Watching this video and looking out my window onto my disgraced front lawn. Makes me want to do something about it.....my kids are 3 and 5. I'll wait about two more seasons.

  • @luckyfamilyman
    @luckyfamilyman 8 місяців тому

    Great vid thx 👍😎 I was told to get a roller and after laying sod to water soak it 10 minutes and fill roller water and roll over after watering to get it to “glue” together…
    I have laid sod twice w/o that step successfully so did I just get lucky or?

  • @devonfalcon559
    @devonfalcon559 2 роки тому

    Thanks

  • @eliasgonzalez7678
    @eliasgonzalez7678 5 років тому

    Good job amigo

  • @moiseshernandez2639
    @moiseshernandez2639 4 роки тому

    Excellent video

  • @mrnuna4793
    @mrnuna4793 2 роки тому

    Good job 👏

  • @shiny8050
    @shiny8050 5 років тому

    that looks fun

  • @MarioGarcia-gv7zc
    @MarioGarcia-gv7zc 5 років тому

    Nice work

  • @joekarchikyan5497
    @joekarchikyan5497 4 роки тому

    how do you level the soil or compost? just eyeball it or is there a tool? do you use like a 2x4 and a level? I have a slight incline in my yard, I'm having a hard time leveling the soil before laying down the sod. Also, I have a sandy like soil underneath, so how much compost (height wise over the sandy soil) am i suppose to put over that sandy like soil I have?

  • @leozmaxwelljilliumz3360
    @leozmaxwelljilliumz3360 4 роки тому +3

    Roger, I watch these videos almost strictly for your accent. Plus the helpful info is good too! Put the laborer to work and you take the easier job.. that's a seasoned veteran haha!

  • @AnthonyBarbuto
    @AnthonyBarbuto 5 років тому

    2:40 damn that tiller has some power

  • @bigdog8444
    @bigdog8444 3 роки тому

    1:31 he is like this sum bullshit I want to be using the sod cutter 😂

  • @nbrealty9952
    @nbrealty9952 3 роки тому +1

    I loved this video. Can you post a picture of this yard after it started growing, may be a month later.

    • @flat-earther
      @flat-earther Рік тому

      NB I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

  • @lutherjones38
    @lutherjones38 5 років тому

    Running around, going crazy for GRASS. Lol

  • @AnthonyBarbuto
    @AnthonyBarbuto 5 років тому

    That’s rally nice

  • @dchristi09
    @dchristi09 2 роки тому

    " A few hours ago" haha dude that took like all day.

  • @shredwardz
    @shredwardz 2 роки тому

    this dude knows his sod!

  • @nimbly1693
    @nimbly1693 5 років тому

    So Roga, when do you recommend sod and when is seeding the right thing to do?

  • @acts2.387
    @acts2.387 3 роки тому

    Pretty good music!

  • @rattyboi7646
    @rattyboi7646 5 років тому +8

    2:02 mom dad, I mowed the grass

  • @abdisamadhassan2011
    @abdisamadhassan2011 6 років тому

    What about if the ground is such stoney ground? Will those machines work on?

  • @kennyhwee1055
    @kennyhwee1055 Рік тому

    Hey, i have prepped my soil and ready for sod… over the weekend it rained heavily and the area is heavily flooded. Is it ok to lay sod when it dries? Or do i need to do something to resolve this issue?

  • @joanpetervincent6175
    @joanpetervincent6175 5 років тому

    very good

  • @just_budha212
    @just_budha212 5 років тому

    Awesome

  • @cntrlscrutinizer5374
    @cntrlscrutinizer5374 Рік тому

    The music is unnecessary... but Roger's the best!

  • @PedroRodriguez-hy5ty
    @PedroRodriguez-hy5ty Рік тому

    I miss Roger

  • @j-swizzle1922
    @j-swizzle1922 6 років тому

    Good tips I can use when I place sod in the backyard that I don't have of the home that I don't own 😂

  • @akaTheDonz
    @akaTheDonz 2 роки тому

    me watching these videos at night next thing i know, “is that’s the sun coming up “

    • @flat-earther
      @flat-earther Рік тому

      four I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

  • @jremeee2011
    @jremeee2011 5 років тому +2

    Nice back YAAD

  • @susboob
    @susboob 5 років тому

    That’s a funny lawnmower

  • @JoseHernandez-tc1kl
    @JoseHernandez-tc1kl 5 років тому

    Wow that looks great. Is that more Expensive then just doing grass seeds?

  • @ohyeahyeah4497
    @ohyeahyeah4497 5 років тому +2

    Does this work in front yards to?

  • @chuchogracia4636
    @chuchogracia4636 5 років тому

    To make your grass sanagustin what seeds do you use for yours

  • @mechanicjobs
    @mechanicjobs 3 роки тому

    Can you do a lawn that has a pre-existing sprinkler system?

  • @badopinion
    @badopinion 2 роки тому +2

    Loved it. Dude was gonna smack that boy every time he opened his mouth!

  • @mara.9216
    @mara.9216 5 років тому +1

    nice video

  • @joelrifkin6730
    @joelrifkin6730 5 років тому +3

    At 7:50 he leaves a huge rock in the dirt!! Yeah, that's great for the sods roots!!!

  • @robertmelgoza9757
    @robertmelgoza9757 5 років тому +3

    I can’t believe I watched that whole video for absolutely no reason 😂

  • @macmac19
    @macmac19 5 років тому +5

    anyone eles amazed by that grass stripper .. lol

    • @meatmaster8636
      @meatmaster8636 4 роки тому

      it's not a grass stripper, it's a "sahhhhd cutter" lol.

  • @ldpetete
    @ldpetete 8 місяців тому

    If your sod has a mech on it, do you remove the mesh?

  • @glennmiller9768
    @glennmiller9768 5 років тому +1

    Green side up!!!

  • @voiceoftruth1401
    @voiceoftruth1401 4 роки тому

    Wicked wook on the sawd cuttah rahgah!

  • @tripjet999
    @tripjet999 5 років тому +4

    "C'mon, folks, let's do it like Charlie wrote it, get our camera shots and get the hell out of here, so I can make it home in time to watch the GAME!"
    "And WATCH THAT TILLAH!"

  • @artistzamira6360
    @artistzamira6360 5 років тому +6

    I replaced my lawn with a garden ...👌

  • @MrWillyWonka
    @MrWillyWonka 5 років тому

    Is a lawn roller necessary for laying sod? Or no?

  • @Wickytang
    @Wickytang 11 місяців тому

    What’s the best time of year to do this?

  • @miketony2069
    @miketony2069 8 місяців тому

    Would wetting the soil before laying the sod be helpful?

  • @shannonthomas8629
    @shannonthomas8629 Рік тому

    How soon can you mow or how soon will it be needing to be mowed?

  • @shutyoassup8377
    @shutyoassup8377 4 роки тому

    2:36 "on and on" but love your vids

  • @jallenlandscape752
    @jallenlandscape752 3 роки тому

    I would recommend sod pins or staple to hold in sod also u didn't use a sod roller to remove air pockets