A manual sod cutter can clear about 500 square feet in a few hours without too much exertion.
It is noise-free and does not require gasoline, engine maintenance, or winterization.
Read on for our guide on how to use a sod-cutting kicker.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
What Is a Manual Sod Cutter?
A kick sod cutter has two long handles anchored with a crossbar.
It includes a roller and an adjustable flat blade at ground level.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
Use the cutter by kicking the crossbar to move it along as you cut.
Adjust your sod cutter blade to remove at least 3/4 inch of topsoil along with the grass.
It removes long, narrow sod strips it’s possible for you to roll up and remove.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
What Is Sod?
Sod or turfis the upper layer of soil with grass growing on it.
It can be pulled up like a carpet.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
According to Wayne Thompson, president ofQuail Manufacturing, the sod kicker tool works for many people.
You dont have to bend over to use it.
It relies more on upper thigh muscles than back strength.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
It doesnt require much upper body strength at all.
Other clearing techniques includeweed killers, smothering, rototilling, and gas-powered sod cutters.
When to Use a Manual Sod Cutter
you might pull up sod any time of year.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
It is best done early, midfall, or spring if you plan to replant it.
Let the sod dry out for a day or two if it has rained recently.
It’s difficult and heavier to move soggy sod.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
you’re free to also pull up and lay sod in winter.
Always wear eye protection while operating this tool since it can kick up rocks and gravel that cause injury.
Keep children and pets away from the working area.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
If the sod is good, you might reinstall it at another location.
Tip
Watch out for tree roots to avoid damage to landscape plants.
This tool will cut through fibrous tree roots.
Perennial Harmony, Waterford, CT
Place the Cutter at the Starting Point
Place the cutter at the starting point.
While holding the handles, kick down on the foot bar.
The blade will go beneath the sod to cut it.
Push the Cutter Forward
To lengthen the cut, push forward.
Continue by applying your foot on the press bar and pushing forward.
It takes a bit of technique, which becomes smoother over time.
Make the Next Cut
Pull back slightly, then push again to make the next cut.
Once the sod is cut, roll it up.
Transport the cut sod in a wheelbarrow.
When to Call a Professional
Sod is very heavy.
If you have toclear a large area, you will need help from another person.
good idea to call a professional if it’s crucial that you clear a large yard.
Professionals have higher-end gas-powered sod cutters.
Hardware and home improvement stores also offer motorized sod cutters for rent at an hourly or day rate.
This method is more labor-intensive and takes longer to complete.
A sod cutter can cut three inches deep, sometimes four if the turf is easy to cut through.
How To Protect Established Trees During Your Landscape Conversion.
Southern Nevada Arborists Group.
