Rolling sod for soil contact

Why roll

Sod roots have to grow from the bottom of the turf into the soil below. Anywhere the turf sits on an air pocket, the roots dry out and that patch browns and lifts. A light rolling presses the turf down so roots and soil touch everywhere.

How

• Use a roller about a third to half full of water. Heavier rollers compact the soil.
• Roll across the direction the rolls were laid, so you press the seams together rather than pulling them apart.
• Go over the whole area once; one more pass on any spot that still feels springy underfoot.
• Roll before the first heavy watering, while the turf is still light.

No roller?

Walk the whole area in short steps, or press each roll down with the back of a rake or a flat board. On small areas this does the job.

Then water thoroughly every day until it roots.