How Not to sod- Beginner Mistakes out on the job. Day at Work building a yard

Sod is an easy DIY lawn project that can get screwed up fast, but its also easy to get right. Were going to one of our jobs for some DIY Lawn Installation tips. Best time of year to lay sod, how to prepare the base, do you even need to roll sod and other landscaping tips.
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[@jbstepchild]

One of the funniest things about grass is it always grows super well where u dont want it

[@Dirtmonkey]

Very true !!

[@robertb6362]

Gotta agree. I want the grass jungles from my rock beds to transplant to the yard lol

[@mecanicalpencils4018]

Yup

[@lisat9707]

1 word SALT

[@DarshilPatel95]

Lisa T what’s does that so??

[@bluebell459]

Thank you so much for this! Just paid a professional who made a lot of the mistakes you addressed here. They didn't do the other side of my driveway and I was wanting to do that myself, so now I feel much better prepared for that!

[@robertroy8803]

I really like that you let your guys do it a little wrong first, then correct them as they go and also let them realize what they're doing wrong (without letting them screw up too bad). Not only does that make people feel like you respect them more, it also makes the lesson stick a lot better than just telling them.

[@thephilb]

Out boss made us shovel snow to lay sod... we all thought he was on crack. Came back in the spring and it was the best looking sod install we ever did.

[@123Jamess]

been there lol

[@shammy3138]

Doesn’t grass go dormant in the cold tho?

[@ryanelliott4750]

@@shammy3138 Yes. That's the best part. It wont die when its dormant, you don't need to water it, and it gets watered constantly in the spring as the snow melts as it naturally warms up and starts to grow with the established grass

[@Juanpablo-ow8cs]

yes winter is best time to plant things even a tree or transplant in winter is best time

[@mike_AD]

lol! nice

[@eliseovillafan5789]

You seem like a good teacher sir. Firm but respectful.

[@Sue-zo4og]

I hope to be laying sod two days from now. It is early May. I am 81, which doesn't really have anything to do with doing this job...other than "How did I get to be 81!" This was THE BEST informational video I have reviewed. Thank you for all of your information and confidence. GREAT JOB teaching and the young men had great attitudes. They were eager to learn and to please, they were not hating what they were doing, they worked well together, and they had a sense of humor.

[@anthonytafoya5141]

iv ran a sod installation company for 17 years i agree with alot of what you guys are doing !

[@cgrice80]

Definitely a good video! I started doing leaf removal a couple weeks ago and my phone hasn't stopped ringing! I started with a rake, shovel, leaf vacuum/blower.. Now I'm renting equipment and thinking I just wanna start a full-time landscaping company now! I've been watching your videos for about a week now and find them very helpful! Thanks!!!

[@Dirtmonkey]

That is awesome ! Thank you and best of luck to you , glad the videos are helping you out

[@DemonratsRevil]

Don’t rent. Buy. But good going!

[@genecoppedge5972]

From someone who’s never laid sod before, you made some good points that made sense to me.

[@RedHeadForester]

Really nice management technique, allowing your guys to make a mistake then showing the right way. The best way to learn. Great for building confidence.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you !

[@dg5476]

I agree

[@ddsherds87]

I personally would have started the video with the tools needed part first than close to the end

[@johnmulligan1382]

@Martin Becerra thats funny

[@keithnolan3035]

‘Nkkjmmnkb QjijjiiiiipjjjiiofJmnnbbmnnnnnnnł

[@paulsierra5709]

This was a great video!. I'm 35, a Navy Veteran, I've worked in IT my whole adult life and I just bought my first house. I am LOVING your content!!!

[@Cloud9crown]

Well hello, shippy 😁 IT Navy vet here as well. I bought my house in late ‘22 and the builders did a crap job, so I’m laying sod soon, I can’t stand how this yard looks.

[@truecrimejungle]

the goofballs actually pretty smart, asking bang on questions.

[@tmlovesJesus]

Was this a good video? YES, it was thank you. I'm laying sod for the first time in my life. Unfortunately I really really really need to do it now.....June, in Las Vegas. I've learned SO MUCH from your videos. Thank you again.

[@roziabell5107]

How did your sod come out? Did it live? 3 years later I’m about to lay sod in May…in Las Vegas 🙄🙄

[@hokiepower]

Great instructional video! Very helpful info! Love how you show exactly what not to do! There are tons of how to videos, but none of them show you what can happen if done incorrectly. The different outcomes gives great visuals of why each step is important.

[@Dirtmonkey]

I appreciate that, thanks for watching !

[@rgonzo1994]

By far one of the most informative videos I've seen, working on my backyard and must have watched at least 30 videos and this was the best yet!!!! Thanks for this!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Really awesome to hear that, thank you !

[@masonmcdowell8089]

Probably the best educational lawn video I’ve ever watched. I have a new construction home with a 1/3 acre lot that I plan on sodding myself so this is really helpful!

[@karlmedina5241]

Just seen the turf (sod) laying video. I've been a contractor in UK for around 28 years with my own company. My wife and customers say I'm a "know it all" that's from pure experience I suppose. When working with turf (sod) I never had a single issue, one thing I will say is you are very much like myself as far as an eye for detail. TIP : when laying sod, if you have to walk or work on in, use a scaffolding board to walk on, when finished the certain area run the board along and give it a gentle tap with a 8-12lb hammer to create the best contact. And always a good idea to water the area right before lasting, this will help with the bonding process so so much. Keep it up, great work on the videos dude

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks so much Karl, appreciate the great comments!

[@esantana6722]

I replaced my sod and had some uneven areas. The guys I hired leveled it, but the dirt is still not solid.. in other words if I walk on it it still feels a bit mushy.. they say it takes about 1 month to settle in, is that true?

[@davidmexicotte9862]

This was great! First of all, I learned a lot. And secondly, I love how you are teaching these young men. They will remember this for life. Thx

[@Dirtmonkey]

Yes! I hope so. Thanks man

[@BychkovI]

Will be laying my first sod in a week. So glad I came across this video. Now I know what rolls to keep and what rolls to reject. Thanks guys

[@jasonwalsh6286]

Love that the new guy is asking great questions… all ones that as a homeowner, I have too!

[@evan9557]

Not a legit landscape crew didn't see the first person smoking or dipping or drinking 😂 good video

[@jeremyfowler1519]

Evan haha. They were high on opiates though

[@hotdog8214]

Lol I am a landscaper and have my own business here in Tampa..your right gotta have bad habits to be a real landscaper right😂

[@hotdog8214]

Sort of like roofers..they are normally all drunks...have to be to be able to put up with that common ass work😂

[@tylerbrown8486]

Jeremy Fowler lol my whole crew smokes cigs gotta break up the day somehow

[@jimmyt5241]

Usually landscaper protocol is to smoke a joint behind the customers home, have your hungover employee keep lookout on the roof just in case he pukes it will go over the roof, then piss in the driveway, have to lower the customers standards just low enough so when the work actually starts they feel satisfied !

[@davegarrick9562]

Love how you go so in-depth with your videos. You mentioned you might be over explaining things but someone that needs this info wont miss out on anything. Great job guys keep it up.

[@Dirtmonkey]

I appreciate that Dave, thanks for the comments!

[@warmaster072]

One thing these vids have taught me is to watch a few KZbin vids before letting anyone preform a project on my house so I don’t get screwed over. Will help later on in life especially if I’m getting my roof done

[@c.k.7618]

Lmao typical homeowner that thinks he knows what to do because he watched a couple youtube videos 😂 here's an idea to not get screwed over, hire a reputable roofing company not just the cheapest quote 👍

[@warmaster072]

@@c.k.7618 reread the comment. I said to do my research for what to look for in a company so i dont get screwed. also stop using emojis it makes you look immature and young. your "idea" agreed with my comment.

[@Bigshoots86]

Hire licensed americans first off

[@wendyfox8581]

This was soooo helpful! My elderly mother and I have taken on a soil and sod project at her rental house. We've never done it before and were feeling a bit overwhelmed but feel more confident after some research including your important video. Thanks to you and all your guys for lighting the way!

[@johnhamilton9229]

Great video for a beginner. A soil test is another great tip. The most enjoyment from all of your videos, is your leadership skills. It’s not always easy to delegate work when your employees need a different approach. Thank you

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you John, I really appreciate you being here and thanks for the awesome comments!

[@woodlandxwarrior]

Just want to shout out and thank you for all the material. I started a company in New Boston and transferred to Lancaster. Business earlier this year and the years before it did well because of guys like you; willing to help give out information while other withhold.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Love to hear that!! Thanks for being here Michael 👍

[@tjeerdroukens5110]

Use breadknife to cut the sod, you can make big and fluent cuts in one motion, also cuts through mole nets

[@markcobberti1569]

This video is such a great video that I want to use it as a training video for my new employees

[@jessebrophy9679]

Also I just want to let you know that you're doing a great service to the industry of landscaping... Too many scammers and unprofessional business is out there taking people's money

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you Jesse!

[@ThaiStickK]

Word up!!! Retired factory worker Joe Shmoe underbidding everybody and running the landscaping/hardscaping industry into the dirt with inexperiance!

[@james_d_eaton]

Thanks for the content. This is great. I’m about to do my own yard and this was helpful. Love watching the boss teach the young guys how it’s done.

[@Bmizzzle1]

This was an excellent learning video for me, I wish there was a part one on preparation, as I know prepping anything- is always the hardest and most crucial work. Thanks

[@ben1670]

agree

[@Extremebeans]

Same. Prepping the soil beforehand would be a great video.

[@dire12343]

This video is nothing short of great.. I have done sod for quite a few years and all my jobs have come to the customers quality and expectations.. and I had never seen a video on how to.. however this video gets 2 thumbs up!!!

[@AAviatrix]

Very helpful info! Thank you for the demo of do's & don'ts. Epecially appreciated ther info on good/ bad types of rolls and best time to layout. Love the content! Thank you.

[@Dirtmonkey]

You're welcome, thanks for the great comments and for watching !

[@alsotman]

EXCELLENT! I'm just about to lay sod in my back yard and You gave some good tips, thank you! I'll send pictures if all goes smooth.

[@wendelljohnson4856]

I'm planning to lay my own Bermuda sod this upcoming Saturday. This is an EXCELLENT tutorial video for beginners to learn from. You rock dude!!!

[@Sourkeyz]

I work for a company that has a couple divisions and our one team needs a couple extra hands laying sod tomorrow, I’ve never done it before( they know this ). I feel 100 times more confident now after watching this video :) thanks!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Awesome ! Thanks and hope it goes well for you tomorrow!

[@Aepek]

Laying sod reminds me of laying tile, as far as pattern etc... Also think your teaching style is pretty cool. Some ppl learn by doing, & some don't. Allowing them to "see" what's happening is great experience & best teacher. Your also pretty chill, & not shouting & demeaning them, that awesome if you👍🏻 Hired a company to lay sod on my new 10k building years ago (just didn't have time to do myself for personal Fam reasons) & OMG, they did everything wrong, half died in first month & nothing was graded correctly from beginning. Kinda sucked....

[@Dirtmonkey]

Appreciate the comments, thank you !

[@TerryScarafiotti]

Great video never did I ever lay down sod. This was great for me.thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@TommyT777]

Some bosses out there could definitely benefit from your firm but fair managing. You lead by quickly earning respect from your workers who want to listen and be a hard worker like you!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Tom !

[@ainakeakaafi4116]

As a female i never thought i'd one day be looking up sod videos for my business. Great info !

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Ainakea!

[@stellajones7681]

Thank you for putting this out. We'll see if I learned anything in a few days. Laying the sod tomorrow.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Good luck and hope it turns out great !

[@GA-pl7sp]

This is my first year installing Sod in 2 homes. The beggining of your video was spot on because I have passion for my work. Short story, I got into it with a representative from a sod company and i threaten with a lawyer for not wanting to refund my delivery fee that I refused. Simply, because she was incompetent and anyone that was whispering in her ear. The sod brought to me looked a week old. Stated it was a day ago. Hell, I will not even accept that. I told her, I placed my order in advance to get FRESHLY new sod that morning. She was goin on and on about why it was brown and because thats how it is and , "where else is it supposed to go, it needs to be in the sun, just like you go to home depot, you wont find sod, hidden" she sated. I went off on her, that it needs be in the shade. The only reason it can survive on the ground is because it is laid properly and with proper watering. Anyways, it was a long argument and she refunded my money because she was in the wrong. As a landscaper, I will not accept her incompetence. Im about to make 10-20 fake google accounts to bring their 4.4 rating down, because I dont understand how they're in business after trying to rip me off

[@MOtherNature790]

I work on the other end of the sod I operate a harvester I always try to ship out the best sod. I can tell by the look of your sod that the field was pretty dry and wasn’t rolled first. the dude that cut it should have cranked his head pressure and slowed down the cutter head speed. we are limited to how thick we can cut. if we cut the rolls too thick the machine won’t be able to set the skid down and pull away without the pallet injector pulling it over. too thin and the rolls fall apart and there isn’t enough root. Bad rolls happen sometimes when you look ahead to see what’s in front and when your watching your rolls behind you sometimes your steer ski will slip out and your machine will drift off into the middle of the field gotta watch for that.same as watching to make sure your cutter heads don’t hit a rock and stop moving theirs a lot going on in those machines plus there’s 16 unlabelled buttons on the controls 4 of them are an instant self destruct if you hit it at the wrong time and one of them is right next to one you use all the time and they look identical lol

[@19993gt]

Tell us more !

[@bch5513]

19993gt NO.. VIDEO it AND tell us more.. 👍🏻

[@19993gt]

RECORD ALL AND SHOW ALL!

[@douglaspierce3997]

i hate it when they hit a rock or something and bend the blade leaving no dirt in the middle. then your having a unpleasant conversation with the sod farm asking for 5 more pallets of sod.

[@MOtherNature790]

@@douglaspierce3997 you’re describing a rut in the field not a bent blade the blades are hardened steel they normally snap rather than bend

[@everythingalways5932]

I just got my sod delivered and I thought I’d better watch a pro so I avoid as many mistakes as possible. Very good video now I’m off to lay mine

[@martybell7930]

Love your videos, very insightful and given me the confidence to get DIY jobs done myself, from retaining walls to laying turf. Big thanks from Australia 🤙

[@Dirtmonkey]

That is so awesome to hear Marty, thank you !!

[@je2916]

Good video. I like how you corrected the installer when he was kneeling on the wrong side of the sod. Thank you.

[@poultefas]

I re-rake the subsoil where they were walking and kneeling before the sod gets laid down. If not you end up with the same thing as if you were kneeling on the sod and working your way out. And I lightly roll the soil before I lay sod. Gives you a better product.

[@travisdoesfirewood]

I was asked to do a smallish sod job for a friend of mine. Your channel was the first thing I thought of when researching how to go about the job. Thank you.

[@Ayomi28]

I am doing my own sod after removing a pool. Thanks for the tips. Begining this process was super intimidating for this lady. Glad I found your channel!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Stoked to help ya out in any way! Hope it turns out awesome 👍

[@yourpapifosho962]

Hope these young men appreciate the knowledge you are passing along.

[@josephmendiola766]

I would like to have seen you prepare the dirt first before laying the sod.

[@esantana6722]

I replaced my sod and had some uneven areas. The guys I hired leveled it, but the dirt is still not solid.. in other words if I walk on it it still feels a bit mushy.. they say it takes about 1 month to settle in, is that true?

[@enkrypt3d]

@@esantana6722 wait about 2 months after sodding and then come back and add some soil3 to the yard and level it out with the back of a rake. soil3 is sand and compost mix. only use this for areas that are no deeper than 1". The back of the rake will make sure the sand / compost mix goes under the grass and lets the leaves come through.

[@pooslinger6839]

It really doesn’t matter as long as it’s watered in.

[@marcusvogt95]

@@pooslinger6839 That depends on your location and soil grade.

[@sodhog6311]

As a lifelong sod grower i would say this is a very good video. I am in the northeast in suburban Philly. Don't know where you are but we get people asking as early as September when we stop cutting sod and i tell them "When the ground is hard frozen or it's so wet the machine sinks into the ground". I would add that while the grass goes dormant after first frost in october the roots will continue to grow and knit the sod into the ground. And yes there is much less watering to worry about, no weed pressure, very easy.. I would say that sod doesn't often need to be overseeded but to overseed the rest of the lawn to match the sod is a good idea. The farm may even tell you what the mix is ( although it may not be available to the public ). Grub holes, well, grubs can be very expensive to treat for and often don't get treated unless there is a heavy presence. I would say take one of those rejected pieces home and test it out to see how it does. Usually a small spot will do ok with the other grass around it and the roots and thatch will allow it to grow in healthy. A long comment, but again thanks for the PSA.

[@sabinestrader9535]

I love the tips especially as you go through as you're doing the work. Easier to learn this way.

[@staxjackson1559]

I am really glad I found this video. Back in March I had a taproot completely destroy the pipe to my leach pad. On top of that, we found out that since we added a new addition to our home, including a bedroom, we had to upgrade our septic tank. Long story short; my once lush backyard is a dirtball. Living in the country; the nearest sod dealer is about 2 hours away. I was (before watching this video) considering going to Lowes, buying my sod, and hiring landscapers to lay it soon. This is late June in Indiana. Thank you for posting this. I think I am going to not skimp, pay the extra for the sod and services from the sod farm, and shoot for October/November. You saved me thousands

[@etslawnservice5338]

You guys are lucky that your sod comes in rolls in my area it comes in square cuts so it's like doing tiles in the ground just seems so much quicker with rolls

[@xenonram]

Et's lawn service It all depends on what type of sod it is. You're prob talking about St. Augustine grass. Stan is up in the north, and is using a type of sod that is more cold tolerant. If you tried to roll St. Augustine up like that, since the roots are so thick, (The roots of St. Augustine grass are rhizomes. Long, branching roots, that grow laterally rather than DOWN into the earth.) the soil breaks apart easily; since it doesn't have dense, thin, compliant root systems like other grasses. This is also a generalization, as it also depends on the particle size of the soil, the water content, and other factors. If the particle size is smaller, and more clay like, it'll hold together better. I have rolled up St. Augustine before, but it just isn't as easy as other grasses.

[@paverdaddymcslingsabrick896]

Me and 3 others laid 50 pallets of tall fescue rolls in 5 1/2 hours so it does go really fast

[@JohnLemon48]

Isn’t squares faster

[@temujinkhan6326]

its actually much faster with squares as you dont need to be on your knees.

[@johnmulligan1382]

That has got to be the best way to explain any diy project ,by expaining the errors,I found the info about rolling a good tip

[@victoriaevermoore9398]

I love the instructional video that you have made, it has taught me a lot

[@ryanfarrar9734]

I was cringing watching him kneeling on the sod he was laying. Done a few lawns in my day and that's why I always wore knee pads. Helped the clean up after.

[@SledgeHammer43]

I use to used peat moss sand and hit it with a light tilling for prep the morning before laying the sod. I to used a local sod company for my sod. Kentucky Blue grass. I am glad that you mentioned rolling after laying it. I had done that for years. Also you should do a part Two for the sod and cover steep slopes and proper stapling of sod.

[@wayneessar7489]

Don Hanson I think he has a video about this already.

[@MrCityJerry]

I was looking for the slope comment. I have only laid sod a few times but was told the longer seams should go against the slope, so that when it is watered the seams catch the water. Correct me if I am wrong. And/or add a comment about proper stapling for those too lazy too look for the other video.

[@Erix7810]

I found your channel tonight. Really enjoyed your video. Thanks for not talking 500 words per minute.

[@ethans7397]

I have a landscape co. In Texas we plant grass year round, now I can't say anything about other states. I've had pallets in the winter time sit for a 3weeks and by spring it was really lush and blue green. But in the summer we plant grass water 2x per day. Here we have st. Augustine Bermuda and zoysia. Bermuda by far roots much faster in at about 3-5 days. We don't roll our grass because 8 out of 10 times is pretty level. To your point that grass is trash after one day on a pallet. Here that's a myth I've laid 3 day old grass and it greens back up in about 5days (in the summertime) (with the right amount of water) another myth is you need to have lots of dirt on your squares or rolls that's just simply not true. The less dirt the better why? Because the grass will root faster. Granted you want to have some dirt. The more dirt the more time it takes for the roots to grow thru. Now you can have grass that is not mature yet and its crumbly just plant it you'll be fine however it will take a while for the edges to fill in. Now we pick up our own grass from the farm in our 18wheeler and usually have it down the next day. Here in texas you can grow grass on anything but rock. Sandy soils require a bit more water because there's nothing holding the water where as clay soil retains a bit better moisture. To your point about having the right soil mixture in my opinion is a myth. That's my two cents

[@siliconvalleylife2.048]

Sod differences by region is really something. Here in Silicon Valley Bermuda and ST.Augustine is weeds. We get paid to eradicate those grasses. Here Tall and Dwarf Fescue is the most popular grasses. Requiring 4 waterings per day for 21 days to establish. Then once a day, 3 times a week for 20 minutes for a lush lawn. 2 times a week to keep it alive and green. I've read that our Fescue won't survive the Texas environment, which is why you guys use Augustine and Bermuda.

[@David-sw3on]

Back in the early 90s I laid Sod for 4 years I have a yard project to do so I thought that I would brush up by watching a Vid which I am so glad that I did. Besides other tips, I really like that trick about spreading grass seed to have the new and existing sod blend into each other... Very Simple but Awesome! Thanks for your help 👍😉🇨🇦

[@hungry_arch]

I'm in north east NJ...had no idea about the late fall install. Thanks dude

[@Dirtmonkey]

No problem Dave, thanks for watching !

[@hijinks21]

great advice on late in the year. I live in Colorado and replaced my backyard. The landscape company didn't want to lay sod in mid-October but I told them just do it. Come early April my lawn was a dark green with one app of fertilizer. I have to mow 2-3 times a week the lawn is so healthy.

[@bizzzzzzle]

Depends on where you live, in VT we’ve had to go back and lay sod after septic companies re seed in fall and it failed

[@jasonlauzon5223]

Great video, was going to lay sod now (late July early August) but will wait till October for the cooler weather. Thanks for the video!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Awesome Jason, glad you saw the video!

[@jamesboyd7030]

Been laying sod commercially for 12 years in North Florida. You covered the three musts, at least for the area I know. Plant in native soil!!! Loosen soil for proper leeching and if possible install when it's dormant always out performs sod cut while it is growing. I have always explained it to customers like going into surgery awake versus being out. Your gonna have some shock if your awake.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks for the comments James !

[@smartaccounting2767]

Hello Stanley, Wow!!! This is one of the best teaching. Thank you.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Glad you think so! Thank you !

[@caged0902]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. Very informative and bgives me confidence going in to my own project.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Glad to hear it Chris, thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@caged0902]

Liked comment and sub. Proud to support ya.

[@toddvillano7994]

Thank for all the great tips, I don't know the one about how long it can stay on a pallet in the sun or shade. Funny thing is the Big Box Stores leave the sod out in the sun light. Another reason not to buy from those stores.

[@brandoncage3820]

Excellent "how to" on laying sod, found this very helpful and I will attempt to lay down sod in the next few weeks. This provided multiple tips and approaches to get the job done easily and correct the first time.

[@brandoncage3820]

Also as a follow up to my previous comment, even if I was not going to tackle the project myself, this video is a good check against any installer that is bidding a job and walking a sutomer through the process.

[@gunversation1081]

I like to use an old steak knife for my cuts, longer blade, doesnt dull as quickly and you can sharpen easily. Plus you dont risk a piece of box cutter blade snapping off and ending up in a childs foot once its ready to play on.

[@oscarrodriquez2763]

When to lay the sod was very informative. I was planning on having someone do my yard this summer because I'm a disabled vet. But I think I'll wait until early fall to contact my landscaper to begin late fall.

[@dysfunctional7714]

I work for a sod farm, and lay sod daily. We use a 20-10-10 fertilizer before sodding. The way we do the cutting in is a little different. We lay our border or “soldier course” and cut in the second pieces the cut sod is never any smaller then 16” so you end up with very little waste and no risk of the smaller pieces drying out

[@jeremyfowler1519]

Good to know. Thanks for the info.

[@elbolillo2703]

Tell that to Texas. I came to TX to work landscape. Biggest joke and waist of time. These people have no clue. And its everyone here. I cant stop laughing at the quality of work that is accepted here.

[@erichogue7384]

Not sure I am following you. By soldier course are you meaning you run it perpendicular to the rest of the pattern? Also, I'm assuming you are referring to the curved edge they were cutting in. Are you saying they should have ran full pieces in line with the old sod versus cutting pieces parallel to the new pattern?

[@chrissmith2921]

@@erichogue7384 Dont worry too much its just some old grass.

[@tokenlectronix5223]

​@@elbolillo2703 What part of Mexico did you come from? It's all of your cousin's doing the work, Maybe you should tell them they suck at their low paying job.

[@mindingmyowngaming6914]

im about to start a sod for the first time with my company. such a perfect time for me to lay it also.... im just trying to figure how how much SF i need. I have learned alot from watching this.

[@JB-jy5ed]

Always remember, green side up.

[@shingj4007]

Cool video. You gave a lot of practical tips: plywood, overseeding, laying sod in the rain and snow, rejecting unhealthy sods...

[@ramonebills9318]

We do it a bit different where I work. First thing is we go over the soil with a rake; packing the soil down as we go(I'm usually the one that does it; as I am very picky with my raking). Then we go over it with a 4' rake and get rid of all the little pieces of gravel that is in the soil(the longer rake helps to grade it better). The day that the sod is delivered; we re-rake the area with a 4' rake to get all the pieces of gravel out of the soil.. You guys don't pack the soil down and I can see that you have a bunch of junk in the soil below that we usually take out(I'm not sure if that is necessary or not; that's just what we do). Yes you have to water it constantly but the lawn is graded a lot better. I am very picky when it comes to grading a lawn to make it as smooth as possible (I've worked on a lot of lawns where the lawn goes up and down all over the place and it really pisses me off)..... Second; One person should be rolling it out and the other person should be delivering it to the other person. And then you cut the edges at the end.. It goes a lot quicker that way. 3rd: Look at the forecast to determine when to order the sod and when it should be delivered to the clients house. I have never laid sod in pouring rain; and i've been doing this for 19 years. 4th: if you don't pack the soil down and you walk on it you get footprint holes and knee holes in the lawn when you lay it out.... Then the ground is uneven. I am very picky with uneven lawns. Perfectly graded lawns look a lot better imo. And it makes it a lot easier when putting stone mowing strip in; as you want the mowing strip to be as smooth as possible; but if the lawn isn't graded properly then you have part of the mow strip appearing to be 3 inches too high in some spots; for which you have to add more soil and flare it out..

[@santilloo88]

One more thing, DONT use youre f** knees. Sound like youre in the same seat as me. Dr.Rake. Im from Sweden and it really hurt my eye to see these guys work. Prepare before sod is the main thing. I guess these guys dont really care, as long as its green.

[@poultefas]

I give the topsoil a light roll and re-rake before laying the sod. Takes a bit more time but you end up with a better finish.

[@Primesethttv]

Ramone Bills man I work at a sod farm a I like the way you think about not laying it in the rain, it’s seems like every time it rains we’re busy.

[@boblafountaine9560]

I agree Emil. I roll it then do a final rake and it turns out nice and level. Grass will find its way thru if it needs to grow. You just don’t want to roll it several times and make it feel like concrete.

[@volkerwiedner8035]

That how we did it back in the „fatherland“ (Germany) . Prep top soil . Roll top soil , even it out and rake it just before you put the sod down . After sod is placed - roll it again ! If necessary, ( because of different sod thickness or dried out ends) we over lapped our sod before we cut - was always a perfect cut , you couldn’t see it ! Interesting topic and channel ! Stay safe !

[@scumbagg6155]

Thanks for the Knowledge and content. It’s 2024 and the vid still provides gr8 intel!

[@ZipKickGo]

I worked at a landscape and garden centre, we've had sod sit for days, not usually, it goes quick but sometimes we do. We've had sod come full of grubs or ants. I was young, didn't know any better and sold what I was told to sell. I will admit, if it sits for more than 3 days it usually goes out back as clean fill to compost.

[@meaghantrueland]

This was AWESOME. Early spring project for me here in Canada… now to apply what I’ve learned.

[@Donald_Shaw]

Good video, but most of sod laying is academic... good adhesion, watering and as always, green side up. Thanks Stan, keep up your informative videos. We love 'em.

[@imbonked]

Thank you very much for all the practical knowledge and then allowing them to make the mistakes and how to fix it. Outstanding video.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you, appreciate that !

[@mordyfisher4269]

I use a stanley chisel tip demolition knife for cutting in , it lasts forever... And only things i do different is never let my guys kneel down on the grass or soil and also i do light soil compaction... I rake it perfect once, do a light roll, rake it out another time, light roll, then fluff it up slightly with a leaf rake. Its the only way to get golf green quality grass without waitting a year to top dress, reseed and roll. I offer two levels of sod for my clients: 100% perfect, and really great

[@zacturf-n-sports6203]

Thank you very much. You are a very good teacher and make it easy to understand.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Glad to hear that! Thank you Zach

[@lml6.653]

Iv seen soooo many guys get left over sod for free that sat for way longer than a couple day and yea it was a little brown but a couple weeks of watering it looked great....

[@jimmys.8062]

Yeah, i like the idea of laying right away. But it can last weeks if shaded and watered. IF you see it browning before you get it laid, That’s too long, Throw it out! Save yourself the time of redoing the job.

[@TrevyTrev-andTheFunkyPets]

I appreciate the boys working hard and eager to learn and not being know it alls. I had to put sod down in Late May at our soon to be rental house because the yard looked terrible. I’ve been watering the heck out of it through the summer ( 7am & 8pm) I hope it works.

[@scottforgues8711]

love the video as always. can you make a video about completly redoing the low with seed cause me and my parents are looking in to doing that it would be vary helpful for your insite

[@Dirtmonkey]

Good idea Scott, thank you !

[@terrifaris1]

Love how OCD you are with this!! Sooooooo wish you could come to TN and sod my backyard - destroyed in a recent tornado that downed about 20 large trees from my neighbors’ property in my backyard.

[@lpccali]

Excellent video bro, I’m gonna apply a lot of this when I lay down my sod tomorrow. Wish me luck bro!!

[@BjornNatan]

Wish I had seen this video a few weeks ago. I work for my town municipality. I have been laying sod a few times this summer. We get it in 30m² bundles. And we buy it straight from the farmer. Straight from the field that morning. Almost everything I have done this summer working for the town has been things I have not done before. What I have been hearing from my boss regularly is "You will figure it out" KZbin and google have been my mentors. Thank you for your videos. i have learned a bunch from you.

[@martindaman5280]

I had no idea Richard Rawlings was a solid guy...great info!!

[@latreeselove8742]

I know zero about laying sod but I love it definitely want to try this

[@donperry3508]

Sod... Instant grassification

[@riptorn8399]

I hate when customers say that. I install sod professionally. I've heard it all. One lady wanted it to look checker pattern like you double cut it. I had to explain it's the guy who mows does that. She didn't understand

[@riptorn8399]

Not gonna last long wrapped like that

[@danielirvine7468]

You’re a good teacher mate .

[@johnmaloney1570]

ive laid sod after its been sitting on a pallet for a month and it pegged within two weeks after laying it

[@DS-ju2sq]

fescue 47 47 6 grows in a neuclear winter

[@claireemptage3028]

Great video thanks. I am about to lay sod for the first time. Your video is a great help

[@aidanosullivan837]

I was taught when laying sod you should always have the cut peaces on the inside because the smaller the peace the more likely it is to burn. So you would lay a border where it meets the lawn with full peace’s then cut the strips inside of that giving the smaller peaces full contact to prevent burning! Overall great work!

[@shaymoose17]

Aidan O'Sullivan you're correct. When you cut you expose fresh roots to the outside edge.

[@GuessWho-uc5uq]

Spot on Aidan. I do the exact same thing. Always keep my cut pieces inside. Lot better chance of healing in and surviving.

[@keytobe1]

Peace bro.

[@brianbaca8343]

I like your guys, they ask good questions and make sure everybody knows the answers!

[@felisindorodriguez3347]

Hi, yep, goog video. Thanks for that. Maybe you already covered it but how do you prepare the ground? Thank you!

[@jimmys.8062]

Good question! I plan to put some sand between my dirt and sod for adhesion. Loosen dirt first with rake Or tiller if your super picky

[@charles-ih7zp]

My dad made me do it by myself at 10 and i have never done it and it came out great thank god for common sense too.This was before the internet lol. Thank god for the internet and great professional sharing videos like you.