How to lay Sod 101 DIY

[@Paintplayer1]

You made the leveling look easy; it is not. I'm a 29 year old new homeowner doing my yard myself, and videos like this are very helpful. Thank you for contributing to the knowledge database so that folks like me can save tons of money and get an excellent product to enjoy for years to come!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW TY GL

[@wokduhfooooook1]

I like the idea of using a worn in steel trowel as a tool for cutting the sod. You have a lot of efficient tips and tricks. Thanks for the knowledge Mr. Odell

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

joshua rainone The trowel is nice

[@bradturner4832]

Your skills, quality, and experience are impeccable. I wish others had your passion and ethics. I do most things myself as I can’t seem to find contractors that meet my expectations. I wish you were local. Great job Sir.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Wow, thank you!

[@Blitznstitch2]

Any home owner would greatly appreciate all the care you took into the job

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I concur

[@ratherbenapping8629]

I took a sod job never have laying the stuff before.. I watched this and the guy thinks I’ve done it my whole life. Thank you sir.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Right on. The green side up.

[@sergiorodriguez7955]

I been watching a lot of your videos lately. I had concrete poured and your videos helped me understand the process. I am laying down sod this weekend myself also. You and your crew obviously care about your profession.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Great GL

[@shutyoassup8377]

I am a professional landscape contractor here in Illinois. I know how to install sod and everything but i just like watching your videos

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Awesome TY

[@FahrvergnugenTaglich]

If ever there was a master craftsman, Dave is he. Great work, showing your range. I like the sod staggering technique.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

It's nice for sure. Green side up is key. TY

[@janettebiggs4550]

Thank you. We are experiencing someone who is doing an absolute horrible job on our sod. Broke our sprinkler. Left grass and weeds along the edge. So much more. We are now stuck with sprinkler companies “winterizing” and can’t get someone out to fix it. Such a great job!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Bummer

[@videos10]

Did you go with the cheapest bidder?

[@JEK]

Your crew is the best. Your sod installs come out as perfect as your concrete work.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Green side up

[@GeoffPeterson33]

When a concrete company does sod installation better than half the subs I’ve worked with 😂

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Green side up. TY

[@joshuaquanstrom370]

Was thinking the same thing lolol

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

@@joshuaquanstrom370 Green side up

[@JEK]

@@OdellCompleteConcrete that's the secret right there

[@DerrickNedzelMtnBike]

Excellent video - very through explanation of laying sod including why you are doing each step - very helpful. My sod is being delivered in a couple of days and this is a big help getting me ready - thank you!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Your welcome

[@jjaafar]

This is how I want to execute my project. Great job!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

sounds good GL

[@tetan71]

As all other videos - excellent! I don't think I know any other chanel on KZbin about concrete that offer the same level of details on all covered topic. Thank you ones again for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

+Taras Tereshchak we aim to be the best! :) Ty

[@antoniogarcia1447]

Nice job with this. I'm NOT a professional, a total amateur and this felt easy enough to follow. Thanks!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

great TY

[@texaspipeliner9432]

Looks good David, it's very clear that you're old school and not a start up.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Matt Covey TY

[@tbonemillz]

Looks great! I’m sure it seems simple to you guys but always amazes me how well you level grade, you can really see it when the video is sped up. You make it look easy man! Happy New Year!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

+tbonemillz Thanks

[@jose-j5w7j]

I have Marathon as well. Great turf! Kids play on it and everything. No complaints! 👌

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Good to hear!

[@fillg]

I've always run a roller across it after I put it down to make sure it's got good contact with the dirt below. I guess I never smoothed it out that much ahead of time though. Should make a really nice lawn.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

fillg I have used the roller before sod, to compact soil.

[@jamesgoodrich8355]

Love the pre-work. Like most jobs the prep makes or breaks it.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

true

[@williamhewitt4950]

Hello from Victoria Australia, looks a million, love the steps, you put in a lot of effort,worth it,good job.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

ty

[@Primo-79]

Nice job with the concrete and the lawn too. Really like the combinatin of the green lawn and terracotta concrete. It adds a lot to the landscape. Greets from Slovenia.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@shannonfreiberg6086]

impressive...attention to detail is everything!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I concur

[@salcortez869]

I think you should name ur company , complete construction 🚧.... you know so much mr. Odell

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

+sal cortez Yes but my passion is concrete.

[@markus1564]

Nice Dave ! I look to all your concrete pour videos for terrific content and was happy to see this installation in your available library. One thing I do on sod installations is to oversees my joints. The conditions are ideal for the seed growth and you’re already doing the watering schedule. It just tightens the job up a bit .

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Nice TY

[@davidburkholder7360]

I was thinking of what is wrong with my sod today (I live in Georgia) and so I started googling prep for sod and your video popped up (I have watched many of your concrete installs but would not have guessed you did sod too). Anyway, just like concrete it's all in the prep. Should be standard action to grade perfectly and use NEW topsoil before placing sod but many contractors don't do it because THEY don't bid the job correctly (I live in a new build community). It gets rushed for the holy dollar and ends up being not right which makes the dollar get a bad name. Screw it, I'm moving to Gatlinburg, TN. Another great video.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I concur GL WITH THE MOVE TY

[@jackassman6726]

Number one rule for laying Sod ,,,,, " Green Side Up " LOL...!!!!! You do Great work My Friend ,,, Have a " Happy New Year " to You , Your Family and Friends...!!!!!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

+Jack Assman That's so true. YT TY

[@VenturiLife]

Attention to detail. Very nice lawn.

[@JacanaProductions]

Thanks for the video. I swore I would rip up all the grass in my yard as it just sucks up water and time but I am putting in a little 200 sq ft patch down today, Most of our grass is more dandelions than grass so I had to start again as I don't use any weedkiller.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Nice

[@danpark417]

Seriously Stud, you have to post these non-concrete related general contracting videos more and more. The extent of your vast knowledge is freakin unreal! Keep up the great work you and your family do day in day out! Happy 2018! Now lets get it on!!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Dan Park TY STUD IM GOIMG TO KEEP GETTING IT ON. THATS WJAST I D O

[@mickeymiller2308]

How many inches should dirt be below concrete before laying sod?

[@minecraftdude229]

1"

[@romangural4]

At 8:45 why is the sprinkler so far from the cement? Is it a good idea to throw down fertilizer before you lay down sod?

[@hedwards4599]

Very very good job guys. And really good work ethics. So many places that I would have had to cut corners but you guys did a very thorough job without any corners cutting or shortcuts.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@jtrogers14]

Can I add sod over several inches of sand?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Probably not

[@jerryhelm5118]

Finally I see a real pro.good job guys ..👍

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

ty

[@01tamala]

Awesome job. Looks wonderful.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@arkansas1336]

Excellent results and a very relaxing video to watch, I didn't "break a sweat"! When you started laying the sod you were doing a great job (on the entire job). I thought, he is in the concrete business, maybe he is going to "post tension" this sod....lol! ....13

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

+arkansas13 A little bonus.

[@sidiusdoe1358]

Well the major part of a good concrete job is ground prep...specially leveling (and framing) Therefore i think concrete workers are perfectly skilled and trained to adapt to lay down sod nicely

[@evaespinosa5395]

I may have missed this but 3 times a week for 5 min. after 2 weeks how many days a week and for how long? Once rooted during spring/summer how often do one needs to water?

[@jmercado4]

watched you video and loved it I learned a lot. Just wanted to ask you questions in regards to prepping the sub-soil here in Oklahoma. I am going to lay Fescue sod but am really concerned about the clay that is probably the majority of yard. I plan on tilling and removing about 4 inches of the soil but don't really know what to do next. I thought some sand would be a good sub-soil but just don't know. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jake

[@noahriedel801]

Do you use a roller After you lay the sod ??

[@AKIYIAKELLY]

Great job. I can tell you have a Love for what you do.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@Damageincorpor8d]

How many square feet was it and how How much did you charge? I have a job coming up for 500 ft.² and I’m wondering how much I should charge? The cost of the materials was just under $500

[@ZwienerZ]

When is it best to apply fertilizer? I see mixed reactions on this. Thanks!

[@Pythons710]

A lot of landscape companies here in San Antonio are not doing round up anymore. That seems like great news, but will that cause more weeding problems or grass mix-ups in the long run?

[@kenneth6731]

That's not a trowel, it's a float! Great job guys, I have to do this to my yard. Thank's for sharing all of your hard work.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TGL

[@paullee1521]

Question: I dug up a big portion of the yard because I pulled out tree roots. Then I tilled the remaining yard so I have a foot or so of lawn out. Can I use roundup on the soil at this point... and then put in the dirt/sod?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Round up only works on the green stuff

[@dannyg.781]

Aaaaaaah. Another great video. Makes me wanna go lay some sod in my front yard now. LOL.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

+Daniel Lopez Get it on It's light duty. With big results.

[@moonblink]

I was thinking the same thing

[@cubanb805]

A trick my uncle taught me was to water the soil once you have removed all grass and are ready for sod so that the weed will grow and show them self, you water the soil for a couple days and let a week go by and you will have a ton of weed grow. Once that happens you kill them with roundup and the you lay your topsoil and so on, just helps with the weeds growing through your grass.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

good idea

[@rohail8farooq]

Good Day, I am planning on sodding my yard.....but i have to fix the soil first, the soil is craking however its not hard i can run my foot over it and its soft ...... there is no grass on the soil only small weeds spread over ..... now what do i do here, do i kill weeds? and then till the yard and mix compost and grade the yard and roll the soil and then put sod? I watched a video where they tilled added compost and sodded?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I like to add add 3"s of blend on top.

[@rohail8farooq]

@@OdellCompleteConcrete what do you mean by 3's ??

[@rohail8farooq]

@@OdellCompleteConcrete are you saying to just till the soil and add triple mix and grade/roll and then sod?

[@semper7717]

Great video. How much did that project cost?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

1500

[@dannyhenry38]

Well done video. Installing st. Augustine this week as I live in Phoenix Arizona and my Bermuda doesn’t get enough sunlight in the summer time. IVE struggled keeping the grass green in the summer

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

yes that can be a challenge

[@spikedpsycho2383]

One trick for laying sod... using a thin auger to drill 1-2 foot deep holes and back filling with compost and sand mixture. This lets grass roots to grow down to considerable depth. Sand improves drainage and helps replicate Mediterranean soil conditions if if you live out west.....

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Some types of grass but not this one

[@optimus_prime_____]

Love the videos mr odell....if you're using round up to kill the remaining grass wouldn't that pollute the soil in turn killing the new grass too?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

no it only affects the greens

[@Gumshoe88]

For the times I did this I used a serrated knife to cut. Prep is everything!

[@SerenityroseStw]

Ours is on a hill. How fragile is the sod and after the ground is smooth is it anymore complicated than picking up and putting down?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

And making sure the green side is up

[@kishanvekaria1456]

i like ur management and style system of working

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

+Kish vekaria TY Staging and planning is crucial.

[@adrielmontiel1887]

Great work. How much do you usually charge per square feet ?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

5

[@adrielmontiel1887]

@@OdellCompleteConcrete what state are you in

[@Rayas420]

What about the drum with water rolling over the installed sod?? Is that mandatory ?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

No

[@Jam3z27]

Great job. Jus this past week we installed new sod, and wen we were in the process i was thinking to myself, I wonder how odell would do it, and wuht do yu kno yu happen to upload this. Awesome

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

+LIL MASK That's awesome. How did it turn out?

[@Jam3z27]

Odell Complete Concrete Went very well, thank yu for askin. Happy New Year, lookin fwd to more awesome videos.

[@buenavistalawnlandscape3523]

I'm a landscaper and have to say very professional work

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Buena Vista Lawncare TY

[@Markosuave]

how much would something like this cost to do?

[@reycitoc]

Excellent job, as always!!!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

+Reynaldo Chevez Thanks

[@raceface_m2579]

Hey guys, there was mention of roundup being used on the existing grass and weed, but how long do you have to wait before putting sod down, so you don’t kill the sod?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

It only effects the green leafs

[@pinnaclecooking2384]

Question.. since I cannot afford a tiller can I apply it on top of my existing grass?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

No

[@chobby1830]

I'm laying sod in my backyard where there is a natural slope. The top of the slope has a few trees with deep roots so there is no way to make it completely flat. We want to keep the trees. Its about a 6-8 difference from the top to the bottom of the slope. Does this grade present a problem for sodding and later on for drainage? We are in Northern California where it often does no rain for long periods.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

No problem

[@KeepinYouUp07]

Great vid, thanks. My only question, you don't use a starter fertizer?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I don't need it with the top soil blend I used.

[@scottgoodwin1073]

Looks like carpet nice job and the coloured concrete you did there looks like its drying out nice to

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Scott Goodwin TY

[@johnnymata523]

If i don’t have an irrigation system do I install sprinklers first then prep soil OR prep soil then sprinkler system??? Thanks I’m advanced

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

depends how deep you want to prep

[@8371807j]

Looks awesome ! I just wanted to know why didn’t you lay it down side to side ? I’m just curious

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Good question

[@Simitrackstar]

How has your experience with Southland Sod Farms been? I have about 300 sq ft front that i am going to lay sod. Is it worth it for delivery or should I do pickup? Do you have a soil place you like as well?

[@hervavengill8734]

Love the beginning of that song already like the video. Only the beginning is the best part whole song. We east Indians love old school rock

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

OSS

[@mariosalas4312]

How big are those roles? Here in washington they are 10 square feet each also shouldnot the sod lay lower by the concrete and sprinklers need to be closer to the edge

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

you want excess water to run off

[@brodygoalie]

No starter fertilizer applied on dirt before sod gets layed down?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

It's mixed with top soil

[@AwfulGen]

I noticed when everybody aerates their yard or a clients yard. They get nice brown or black soil. My yard is completely grey sand. What do I do about this? Should I drop compost on top of the grey sand?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Good question, I don't know

[@laurynyoung6278]

What was the square footage of this area? My yard is very similar.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

1000

[@laurynyoung6278]

Thank you! Do you know how much the sod was estimated for that square footage?

[@debbieharoutunian79]

@@OdellCompleteConcrete how many rolls did it take? 100? how many per pallet?

[@AddictedtoProjects]

Awesome job as always David! I love how the lawn and the concrete turned out. Especially the smooth edging on the sidewalk :)

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

+Addicted to Projects TY

[@fattd9725]

How much do you charge to do a job that’s size ? Great job and video Ty

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

2500 TY

[@tireddad51]

Great video. I don't work in construction & have no impending projects but I do look forward to you posting a new video. I find them very relaxing, especially in the evening with a glass of something.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Great

[@Repla12481]

Is it necessary to let the water soak into the top soil over night before applying sod ? Was thinking of making this a 1 day project.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Depends how deep the soil is

[@Repla12481]

@@OdellCompleteConcrete thank you, last question, tiller or sod Remover? I have patches of dead grass and the rest dirt.

[@88888888homer]

How come those pieces of sod are so small ? When we do this its always in rolls that are like 40cm wide and 2-3m long.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

+SLEURHUT Different supplier. Different material

[@beamonholloway4621]

The rolls are more sq yard the squares will only cover 450 the rolls 580 sq feet

[@Nativtexan2]

Did you use a power compactor or a water filled roller to compact the dirt before the top soil was added?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Plate compactor

[@zacknelson8918]

What is the depth on when ypu lay the sod from the concrete, like how high does the dirt need to be ?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

About 1" below

[@purityajoko8238]

Do you have to put any type of fertilizer on top of the soil before you lay the sod, or it can be done after laying?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I blend fertilizers with the soil

[@purityajoko8238]

Odell Complete Concrete what if fertilizer is not mixed with soil before laying the sod?

[@purityajoko8238]

Or does not have fertilizer at all under the sod?

[@alexanderb4465]

What tool did he use at 7:30 to cut the sod in half?

[@alliasallias1967]

What machine was that used to remove old sod?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Ctx 100 vermeer

[@user-cy5ol3xl5y]

What if you have sprinklers how does that change tilling process

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

You may not go as deep.

[@abdullahabunaiyan5220]

Thank you!! Cool video. Well explained. Keep up the good work 👍

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

+Abdullah Abunaiyan TY

[@ayomiike4692]

At 7:58 what is that drain? Where does it lead to and what exactly is it for?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

The drain picks up water runoff from the roof and other areas. It goes to the street

[@soteroalbarranalbarran3004]

Hey Sir. How’s you compact before laying down the top soil ?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Sod roller

[@soteroalbarranalbarran3004]

Odell Complete Concrete roger that. Thank you.

[@jayjackson4053]

What tool should I be using if don’t have an old trowel?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

A knife

[@katsshibainus3258]

How long does it take for the sod to take root and look green?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

a couple days

[@a.rayray7085]

where did u guys get the truck load of cow manure and how much? keep up the good work

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I get it from South Coast

[@danielalvarez2279]

Awesome work! Thanks for sharing 👍.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thanks for watching!

[@jwilli850]

Looks amazing… great video of the process unlike the other videos on KZbin that guys doing sod wanna keep the camera in their face instead of on the work

[@jdjds1]

If my lawn has goat head seeds everywhere what should I do?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Round up

[@urbanrootslandscaping3874]

Can the RoundUp application ever effect the growth of the sod? Thanks for the great videos.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

no

[@urbanrootslandscaping3874]

Thanks

[@mbryant1136]

ROUND UP IS BAD BAD PERIOD NEVER HIRE THIS COMPANY

[@JUSTDREAMFREE]

@@mbryant1136 Don't be an idiot... Roundup or any other lawn chemical is not bad if used with proper PPE gear and common sense like fully reading and following the instructions. The company that makes Roundup has already changed their formula along time ago. Stop with the sky is falling crap and please explain how not doing business with Mr. Odell has anything to do with your idiotic paranoia?

[@shabgard666]

Can manure compost be used as a substitute to topsoil? If so, what should be the application rate of the manure compost?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Straight manure will burn it up. need a blend of soil and manure 20% manure to 80% dirt

[@floriotj]

Nice job Dave.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

+sleepercell TY

[@victornunez9204]

Awesome video thank you for sharing your time

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thanks for watching!

[@Joemama13479]

First and foremost I want to wish you and your family a very blessed happy New Year so let me get into what I was going to explain to you Uncle David I was always taught from my grandfather when you lay down sod to not leave a gap between the sod and my grandfather always told me when you lay down the side to roll a water roller across the lawn so that way the roots will grab onto the dirt quicker now everyone's different don't get me wrong and I'm not trying to say you did not do a good job but I'm just giving you a word of advice from an old-timer that knows and my grandfather was a carpenter in the Union for 37 years I'm talking about old school Carpenter he was the master Blaster from Lancaster will you take care and I'm hoping that you're going to have better and upcoming videos in the new year to come

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

+JOE BILLINGS That's interesting, but I have a feeling I might not get paid with that technique.