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Best Way To Lay Sod in a Narrow Area

15 years ago

Hi,

I have a narrow area in front of my property between the sidewalk and curb that needs to be re-sodded. The width of this area is approximately 26 inches by 70 feet long. A normal width of sod is about 24 inches, which if I roll long ways - leave a 2 inch gap to fill the area. I have read that laying a 2 inch strip to fill this area is much harder to survive and will eventually dry out. So, you see my issue. What solutions can you recommend to give me the neatest job which will allow the sod to thrive. Thanks.

Comments (7)

captaintom
15 years ago
My neighbor laid it crossways and it turned out fine. Requires a bit more labor since you have to cut 35 strips. You may also have some wastage since the strips will evenly divide into 26 inch lengths.

Cutting 2 inch strips is difficult and will likely not survive

Capt Tom
rcnaylor
15 years ago
What kind of grass?
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frank1203
Original Author
15 years ago
The sod is Kentucky Blue Grass. Why does that matter? I actually like Captain Toms idea on laying it crossways. The other suggestion is to buy twice as much as split into two even sides.
skoot_cat
15 years ago
Why does it matter?

Because some varieties of grass spread by runners/rhizomes. (I think KBG is one of them.) These types of grasses will send out runners/rhizomes to forms a dense sod, fill in bare spots or in your case a 2" strip in no time.

If you find your grass does spread by runners you could lay your sod in the middle leaving a 1" gap on both sides. The grass should fill the 1" gap on both sides on it own. Do not edge this strip of grass until it has entirely filled the gap. Keep the new sod damp for a few weeks, then slowly back of on the water, then return to deep and infrequent waterings.

On a side note; The strip of grass between the sidewalk and road is usually troublesome for most homeowners. The area is surrounded by concrete which gets heated up by the sun, holds the heat and in turn drys out the soil faster than the rest of the lawn. I strongly suggest you apply a good amount of organic amendments. High quality compost, Alfalfa Pellets, Used Coffee Grounds(free) etc etc. These amendments will increase water hold capacity for this area.
rcnaylor
15 years ago
It matters because of the reasons skoot cat noted. Of course, you could probably have saved yourself the "bother" of such inquiries from folks trying to help you if you had included information about what region you are in when you signed up for GWeb.

Since there can be a little bit of difference between how to lay sod in Houston (mostly St Augustine or bermuda that spreads) and laying sod in Maine (all cool season grasses that spread slowly if at all), it is an annoyance for everyone who wants to quickly and conveniently try to respond with advice.

And, now that we know your type of grass, the easiest thing would be to lay it down the middle and leave a one inch strip on each side to fill in with runners that KBG has unless you want it instantly full for some reason, like a party coming up or personal satisfaction/preference.

All gardening is local, and personal preference.
frank1203
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks. Sorry about not specifying the region I live. It is the Northeast (PA). I am glad to hear that any bare spots in Kentucky Blue Sod will fill in easily. In the interest of time (yes, there are graduation parties coming up), I decided to cut the strips and lay the sod front to back (curb to sidewalk) as Captain Tom suggested. Sure, there are more seems, but from what I read, it sounds like they will be invisible in no time as the new gras quckly fills in. From all the responses, it sounds like if I keep up the watering, I can't lose. Thanks again.
rcnaylor
15 years ago
Don't worry about the seams. They will disappear almost overnight if you got them butted together fairly snugly. Keeping it well enough watered the first few days will help with that (the only time I haven't seen them disappear is when someone lets the new sod dry out around the edges.)

Good luck. The last time I had folks in for a graduation it snowed and then hailed, twice, about 2 weeks before everyone was to arrive.

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