Laying sod looks simple: unroll it, water it. The rolling out part is easy. Everything before it is where the work is.
What a DIY job involves
- Removing the old lawn. Usually a rented sod cutter, plus hauling away the old turf.
- Soil prep. A soil test, working lime and fertilizer into the top 4 to 6 inches, and adding organic matter (Clemson HGIC, Lawn Establishment).
- Grading. Moving soil so water drains away from the house.
- Timing the delivery. Sod should be laid within a day or two of delivery, so the yard has to be fully ready first.
- Laying it tight. Seams staggered like bricks, no gaps, edges cut clean.
- Watering. About 0.2 inches a day for 10 to 14 days (Clemson HGIC, Watering Lawns).
When DIY makes sense
A small, flat, bare area where the soil is already in good shape.
When a pro makes sense
A full yard, an old lawn to remove, clay soil, slopes, drainage problems, or no time to do it all in one window.
Either way
If you hire someone, make sure the soil prep is in the quote. If you do it yourself, do not skip it.
Text (803) 902-3960 for a free quote and compare it to the DIY cost.