How to remove sod by hand, the easy way

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  • Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
  • Watch for a simple technique that will save you time and extra work! The best way would be to pay someone with a bobcat to remove the sod, OR RENT a sod cutter.... but maybe you just have a small patch that renting a sod cutter is not worth the bother. Or maybe you just want to get it done on a holiday. Here is the easiest way with a shovel, but really I would recommend to just pay someone.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 153

  • @sydneysovern
    @sydneysovern 7 місяців тому +24

    Thank you! All these videos are like, “you just need a saw, a sod ripper, a 2x4, a hoe, a drill, a hammer, and a metal rod! Simple!” 😂

  • @paddycaseygsxr
    @paddycaseygsxr 6 років тому +164

    If anybody is doing this by hand soak the area with water the night before and save yourself 50% of the hard work 😓 as the ground will be softened up with the moisture

    • @fucheduck
      @fucheduck 3 роки тому

      water stimulates grass growth when the sun comes up, even as short as overnight.

    • @paddycaseygsxr
      @paddycaseygsxr 3 роки тому +10

      @@fucheduck why would you be worried about 1mm of growth if you are digging the fcuker up in an hour

    • @carlduffin
      @carlduffin 2 роки тому +6

      no - keep the ground dry and the roots will give up more easily.

    • @jimcorn2923
      @jimcorn2923 2 роки тому +1

      @@carlduffin makes sense

    • @888strummer
      @888strummer 2 роки тому +11

      @@carlduffin I started out dry and then did wet and wet is 100% easier.

  • @mvogelmeier1
    @mvogelmeier1 8 років тому +37

    this video made my second day of removing sod a breeze even in this 90 degree weather... good job brother

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  8 років тому +1

      +M thanks for the comment

  • @EvanCarmichael
    @EvanCarmichael 9 років тому +12

    Looking good - going to try this tomorrow - thanks for the video :)

  • @leeb.7188
    @leeb.7188 8 років тому +20

    It helps to take a file and sharpen the edge of the shovel. (Sharpen the inside edge only.) Most shovels are sold with somewhat dull edges for safety reasons. I found that sharpening mine really helped cut through old, tough sod.

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  8 років тому +1

      +Laura B. Good tip

    • @winterbird9189
      @winterbird9189 8 років тому +2

      metal file?

    • @leeb.7188
      @leeb.7188 8 років тому +8

      +♡ Winterbird ♡ Yes, usually you first use what is called a "bastard" file, it is metal and about 10 inches long. Available at any hardware or tool store. Then maybe finish up with a smoother file. Look on UA-cam for " how to sharpen a shovel." Make sure you read the comments, too. There's one guy who instructed people to do it the wrong way and the commenters pointed that out. I'm certainly no expert, but I did use a super sharp shovel recently and was surprised at how much easier it was to slice through tough grass and roots. Digging up sod is a really difficult job and you need good tools!

    • @bryanpresti6413
      @bryanpresti6413 3 місяці тому

      @@leeb.7188 Your comment is the best type of comment and why I love reading these comment sections. Thank you.

    • @The_El_Guapo
      @The_El_Guapo 27 днів тому +1

      I just used my bench grinder to sharpen my square flat shovel. Made everything much easier. Thanks for the tip!

  • @lynnseabridge306
    @lynnseabridge306 2 роки тому +8

    that's more realistic than the other ones I've seen

  • @2007rgallo
    @2007rgallo 6 років тому +34

    i use my edger and cut a grid into the lawn, followed by scraping the grid cut lawn up with a square shovel. works like a champ !

    • @NMranchhand
      @NMranchhand 4 роки тому +2

      Amen!

    • @fucheduck
      @fucheduck 3 роки тому

      even if you scrape the grass seeds you uprooted will grow next spring.

  • @BolasDaGrk
    @BolasDaGrk 8 років тому +20

    It is funny, after several minutes and different techniques, I concluded with that final technique. I was looking for something even easier, but I guess this is it! =o|

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  8 років тому

      +BolasDaGrk thanks for the nice comment

  • @vegasjill21
    @vegasjill21 9 років тому +10

    That's exactly how I widen my flower beds!! Then I take those nice strips of grass and mend the patchy places in the lawn. Just lay it right on top if the grass and water. And wa-la. Nice green grass!!! Thanks for sharing!!

    • @vashon100
      @vashon100 3 роки тому

      wa-la? LOL It's voila.

  • @politicaljunkie
    @politicaljunkie 8 років тому +9

    I wish I had watched this last summer before our first attempt. This time, we'll use your method: low-tech, easy to understand. Love it! Thanks!

  • @IIJOSEPHXII
    @IIJOSEPHXII 10 років тому +13

    Great how to. I've just spent the day doing it one shovelful at a time, and getting nowhere fast. I want to actually keep the sods and make a path out of them, but taking them out bit by bit was ruining them.

  • @Themaskedtalker
    @Themaskedtalker 9 років тому +9

    thanks a lot, just moved into our new house and the garden was neglected mixture of lawn and weeds and this will surely help. thanks once again

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  9 років тому +1

      Themaskedtalker Thanks for the nice comment!

  • @Marc.Vanguard
    @Marc.Vanguard 5 років тому +4

    Just started an area for a small shed, and even in here in England I'm sweating like hell, this looks far better than my method I'll give it a try. Many thanks.

  • @platinumpepe8626
    @platinumpepe8626 3 роки тому +1

    easy lmao I just spent 2 hours removing sod then I look videos up to see how it wouldve be faster

  • @katesisco
    @katesisco 4 роки тому +1

    It would be easier if first you cut a line in the sod with a 8 inch solid knife, then use a flat edged shovel to insert into the cut, simply push forward. Easy. Also do two knife cuts, 8 inches across, then shovel up. Easier.

  • @mode.or.culture
    @mode.or.culture 6 місяців тому +1

    Omg!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

  • @Karl0010
    @Karl0010 8 років тому +3

    Great video. Thanks very much. I have a couple of areas I have to dig out and re lay. Will definitely be trying this

  • @rossprivate5456
    @rossprivate5456 6 років тому +2

    only problem with my place is that the roots of my grass go down nearly a foot

  • @simonfootie6255
    @simonfootie6255 9 місяців тому

    Your using the wrong shape spade
    Anyway just dig the turf in

  • @mchomelessful
    @mchomelessful 6 років тому +1

    Flat shovel recommended you can make way bigger strips

  • @annachosak5871
    @annachosak5871 9 років тому +3

    So simple and helpful! Thanks!!!

  • @dare_challenge_a_god1536
    @dare_challenge_a_god1536 8 років тому +4

    intelligent.

  • @katherineelizondo6217
    @katherineelizondo6217 10 років тому +3

    Thank you...keep it simple.

  • @helenmullarney2298
    @helenmullarney2298 6 років тому +2

    Simple instruction, love it, thank you.

  • @trishayoung4465
    @trishayoung4465 9 років тому +2

    Now why didn't I think of that? lol. Thank's for being helpful!

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  9 років тому +1

      Trisha Young Thanks Trisha for the nice comment!

  • @kbjpj8249
    @kbjpj8249 9 років тому +1

    U r the man great video I have been dreading removing sod on someone s yard I cut I went Home Depot didn't want to rent sod cutter this video was so helpful

  • @junior_thomas
    @junior_thomas Рік тому

    Dont use a shovel , it digs at least use a spade

  • @sakibanjum6860
    @sakibanjum6860 9 років тому +1

    Very helpful. after watching this video i used this way as i have limited resources. 5m x 8m I now have a big pile of old sod with overgrown grass. Is there anything i can do with the pile like mixing it up and spreasing it over the area before another layer of topsoil or is it best to get rid of it? I am only replacing it with new lawn

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  9 років тому +1

      Thanks for the comment! I am not a lawn expert, but I think usually you have to get rid of it, because the Sod is just too difficult to do anything with. Most landscaping places accept sod.

  • @alejandrocruz2953
    @alejandrocruz2953 8 років тому +2

    I got a project going on and this might has just saved me. Thanks for the tip!

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  8 років тому

      +Alejandro Cruz thanks for the nice comment

  • @dwuuwd6914
    @dwuuwd6914 8 років тому +1

    That's good advice. Thanks

  • @eddiehe7454
    @eddiehe7454 9 років тому +1

    Thanks! Is it easier to remove when it's dry or a bit wet?

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  9 років тому

      Super dry is really hard, my backyard gets extremely difficult when dry. You don't want to soak it either its heavy to shovel. Good luck

  • @lippypongstockings8356
    @lippypongstockings8356 9 років тому +8

    I have been doing mine by sitting on a board on the ground and digging it out horizonatally, but with same principle of making a series of cuts. it's much easier on your back. Probably doesn't remove as much root but my back has to take priority - I had lumbar spinal surgery a couple of years ago.

  • @tristinlees8875
    @tristinlees8875 Місяць тому

    It seems so simple like I had an idea but I can't believe I'm looking up UA-cam videos on how to do yard work lol

  • @melissaallenmainegardener4574
    @melissaallenmainegardener4574 10 років тому +3

    thank god you shared this!

    • @jasonsol73
      @jasonsol73 3 роки тому

      Thank sod is more like it..lol

  • @katherineelizondo6217
    @katherineelizondo6217 10 років тому +1

    Thank you...keep it simple.

  • @TheatreAbsolute
    @TheatreAbsolute 9 років тому +1

    Thanks! I'm doing this on my small front garden - hope I can manage it!

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  9 років тому

      Thanks for the comment & good luck!

  • @jdmarr2259
    @jdmarr2259 Рік тому

    My son just removed a foot width of sod around our HVAC.
    We're probably going to clean it up out another foot.
    I'm going to try your method. Thanks!

  • @BuildingBridgesVentures
    @BuildingBridgesVentures 8 років тому +1

    Thank you for saving me time and money. You da man Nick!

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  8 років тому

      Thanks for the comment

  • @whatever895
    @whatever895 3 роки тому

    SQUARE SHOVE
    L

  • @MadManInMyVisions
    @MadManInMyVisions 3 роки тому

    Pick axe

  • @LIBERTYinPERIL
    @LIBERTYinPERIL 7 років тому +1

    Thanks for the video. You make it look easy

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  7 років тому

      +Dim Wit thanks for the comment

  • @sniper524
    @sniper524 5 років тому

    Sweet thanks just saved me a backache and probably 10 hours of pure hell

  • @irisgraeber2684
    @irisgraeber2684 9 років тому +1

    Thank you! That's very helpful. I'll try it.

  • @lareniastoner4833
    @lareniastoner4833 2 роки тому

    Oh okay. Kind of looks easy! But Lowkey a lot of work

  • @mnvn
    @mnvn 5 років тому

    You make it look so easy. I can try this method except mine runs 2 feet deep. That’s a mess to have to deal with. I want to build a flower bed.

  • @Wisegogo
    @Wisegogo 8 років тому

    Really helpful nice video. He demonstrates very wise and systemically work.

  • @mattbernaciak6027
    @mattbernaciak6027 9 років тому +2

    Thank you! Good video!

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  9 років тому

      Thanks for the comment!

  • @robwilson4511
    @robwilson4511 4 роки тому +1

    Thank you!

  • @billp3914
    @billp3914 3 роки тому

    In Texas
    Digging in concrete is easier then digging sod up

  • @foppo100
    @foppo100 2 роки тому

    It is very simple just hard work .

  • @seananderson9346
    @seananderson9346 3 роки тому

    too much soil removed.

    • @light5903
      @light5903 3 роки тому

      That's wt I was thinking

  • @fahidhussain6154
    @fahidhussain6154 7 років тому

    Thank you i am going to try your method , will the grass grow again?

  • @robertleemary7723
    @robertleemary7723 3 роки тому

    awesome. will give that a try now. thanks for the tip.

  • @alisonnorcross951
    @alisonnorcross951 4 роки тому

    If I just had a shovel.... And the strength

  • @willinglis3302
    @willinglis3302 6 років тому

    Excellent, thank you very much for the upload

  • @TexasGovernor
    @TexasGovernor Рік тому

    Clutch. Thanks brother.

  • @christinas814
    @christinas814 5 років тому

    Thanks! Been trying to figure out how to make a job easier on me and less time consuming.

  • @testchannel300
    @testchannel300 11 місяців тому

    clever technique, will try tomorrow

  • @CardinalCoop
    @CardinalCoop 5 місяців тому

    NICK! thank you bro

  • @cesaralvarado8913
    @cesaralvarado8913 2 роки тому

    Seems so obvious once you show it !!

  • @sonnyvtsax6452
    @sonnyvtsax6452 3 роки тому

    Wonderful, thank you Sir!

  • @MrAssassinash
    @MrAssassinash 6 місяців тому

    good job. Hope you are healthy

  • @pfmurphy525
    @pfmurphy525 6 років тому

    Nice video. Thanks for the help.

  • @henrysimmons6767
    @henrysimmons6767 6 років тому

    Thanks. I am going to try this technique

  • @JackD87
    @JackD87 3 роки тому

    How do you normally dispose of it?

  • @tylerdurden4289
    @tylerdurden4289 7 років тому

    you are probably my favourite person at this point in time. Good man

  • @kimcarignan8085
    @kimcarignan8085 6 років тому

    I'll be doing this today looks easy enough

  • @remcat03
    @remcat03 8 років тому

    Thank you for sharing this. I want to take sod out of our parkways to put in something that uses less water. The drought in CA is murder - our water bill last month was $182!!! And March-April are cool months.
    My son has a bad back, but hopefully, between the two of us we can use your method to get it all out of there!

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  8 років тому

      +remcat03 thanks for the nice comment, & good luck with your removal

  • @ScottLive1
    @ScottLive1 6 років тому

    Wondering if it helps any to wet it first?

  • @GadgetGirl888
    @GadgetGirl888 9 років тому

    Thank you! I'm going to try this out!

  • @wyzechick
    @wyzechick 8 років тому +1

    awesome thanks!

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  8 років тому

      +wyzechick thanks for the nice comment

  • @Kendkend
    @Kendkend 9 років тому

    Thank you for taking the time. Hopefully it won't grow back

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  9 років тому

      I made a really nice fire pit area that I will be finishing with flagstone early this spring. So don't have to worry about it growing back.

  • @fortheearth
    @fortheearth 5 років тому

    Nice tips! Thank you!

  • @JoshuaSlaughters69
    @JoshuaSlaughters69 8 років тому +2

    nice , this is gonna help me big time , thanks ! could I reuse the removed grass for patchy places of dirt ?

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  8 років тому +1

      You can for sure reuse it if you want.

  • @km-nq4tj
    @km-nq4tj 2 роки тому

    Thanks for the tips

  • @joeljohn1217
    @joeljohn1217 5 років тому

    Its good but removes a lot of soil too

  • @SlickShinobiDojo
    @SlickShinobiDojo 4 роки тому

    I'll give that a go tomorrow!

  • @sylviajohnson3291
    @sylviajohnson3291 7 років тому

    Thanks ~ that's what I'll do!

  • @rowboat1972
    @rowboat1972 5 років тому

    Which gorilla cart is that?

  • @555markallen
    @555markallen 7 років тому

    Love It! thanks man :P

  • @nathanhassett30
    @nathanhassett30 9 років тому +1

    Thanks man.

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  9 років тому

      nathan hassett Thanks for the Thanks

  • @n017kingg7
    @n017kingg7 5 років тому

    thank you for the tips

  • @oliviajensen3480
    @oliviajensen3480 4 роки тому +1

    Jesus get a great big serrated sod knife or a hook knife, unless your looking for some exercise but that looks like a good example of a hard way to do it. I make 1 foot wide by 3 foot sections with my edge then I go to the edge and just slide either one of those knives through the roots like butter and just roll it up as I go (I kneel on the grass I'm removing and move backwards.)

  • @mimichan5864
    @mimichan5864 7 років тому

    thank you! definitely gonna try this method out. 🤘

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  7 років тому +1

      Good luck! Thanks for the comment

  • @7ascon
    @7ascon 9 років тому

    Could you wet the sod a little before you begin to loosen the soil?

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  9 років тому +1

      My opinion, a little bit wet will make it easier to dig can help if your grass/soil is dry and hard as a rock.

  • @bigfish3238
    @bigfish3238 6 років тому

    Use a edger will be easier

  • @imager09tube
    @imager09tube 4 роки тому

    Excellent! thanks!

  • @yagirltones8748
    @yagirltones8748 9 років тому

    Thanks for posting!!! This is helpful!

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  9 років тому

      Thanks! Glad it helped.

  • @migchig12
    @migchig12 7 років тому

    Brilliant

  • @andrewdegenhardt
    @andrewdegenhardt 4 роки тому

    got it

  • @Mr_Ashley
    @Mr_Ashley 5 років тому

    Sod off

  • @andrewbland1194
    @andrewbland1194 6 років тому

    Thank you

  • @b.k.1925
    @b.k.1925 6 років тому +1

    I'm so dreading having to remove my half-dead grass in order to lay mulch and reduce my carbon footprint. Great tip, thanks!

  • @OGRagtoproy
    @OGRagtoproy 8 років тому +2

    Brilliant. Wish I watched it yesterday lol!

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  8 років тому

      +OGRagtoproy thanks for the nice comment

  • @marlar74
    @marlar74 10 років тому +2

    Thank you! I have a small but stubborn patch that didn't justify renting a machine.

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  10 років тому

      Thanks for comment! Glad this video helped you!

  • @awgondzur
    @awgondzur 8 років тому

    Brilliant

  • @seanoreilly8042
    @seanoreilly8042 9 років тому

    You haf to cut sods in a bog

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  9 років тому

      Sean O reilly doesn't sound like fun. By backyard was good enough for me. ;)

  • @ferrit69
    @ferrit69 9 років тому

    Just wanted to say thanks!

    • @njdnjdnjd
      @njdnjdnjd  9 років тому

      ferrit69 Thanks for the Thanks!

  • @stephaniequintini49
    @stephaniequintini49 8 років тому +1

    You're cute! You looked so happy and proud at the end! ;)

  • @singpaea5434
    @singpaea5434 5 років тому

    👍