How to Use a Sod Cutter

All About Sod Cutters

A basic sod cutter looks a lot like a shovel with a serrated edge and a beveled back. However, don't be fooled into thinking you can just use a shovel to do a sod cutter's job. You could, but it will be a lot easier if you use a sod cutter instead.

This tool allows you to easily remove the grass and its roots, making your cleared site much cleaner than if you'd just used a shovel.

There are also sod cutters with a blade about the size and shape of a foot. You clamp your foot onto the blade, walk across the yard and the sod cutter does the rest. This type of design is also good for edging lawns around sidewalks and driveways.

You may also find sod cutters with a curved blade. As with many garden tools, there are different ways to get the same job done.

How to Use a Sod Cutter Correctly

Sod cutters are very easy to use and quite similar to a shovel in terms of operation. Use your foot to step on the sod cutter as you would when using a shovel. Keep pushing and hacking at the turf until you start to hear the roots tearing.

The beveled shape of the back of the sod cutter will keep you from digging too deeply. Once the roots have been loosened, you can cut free a square of sod and run the shovel underneath to break the last of the roots and pick up the sod.

Carry it grass side up, and handle with care if you want to use the grass as sod elsewhere in your yard.

Projects that Require Sod Cutting

Now that you know how to use a sod cutter, you might be wondering why you would ever need to use this tool. The most common reason to need a sod cutter is when you are starting a new garden bed where there is currently yard.

Using a sod cutter is the quickest way to turn that patch into a new garden bed. You could always cover the area with newspapers and a tarp for a season and wait for the grass to die, but most people don't have that kind of forethought when it comes to planning the garden.

Sod cutters are also useful for cutting out a garden path or clearing ground for a sidewalk. Many models can also be used as edgers, which will help keep your lawn looking tidy.

Monster Sod Cutters

There is one more type of sod cutter that should be mentioned for those who have a very large piece of land they need to clear of sod: the gas-powered sod cutter. These monster machines look like large tillers on four wheels and cut the sod into long rectangles that can be rolled up and carried away.

Gas-powered cutters are a little hard on the operator, as they are noisy and there is a lot of shaking involved in operating one. They are also somewhat difficult to handle, so it might not be the best choice if you're trying to create a gentle curve for the front of your flower bed.

Gas sod cutters can be rented by the day from many equipment rental stores, or check with a local gardening or landscaping company to see if you can pay someone to do the job for you. Expect to pay $40 or $50 a day to rent a sod cutter.

No matter which type of sod cutter you choose or how much sod you need to cut, you'll find that choosing and using the right tool for the job will make this back-breaking work a little easier.