I use a straight edge spade/shovel.

When I remove sod I do it in sections, not having a sod cutter thingy I cut down the strip with an edger then like natal I use a straight edge spade.

Annette

Thank you I will get over to HD and see what they have. I appreciate it. c

An archaeologist and a flat blade shovel. :-) LOL

Cameron

I don't do sod!

Glenda

I'm currently using a fork because my "sod" is pretty annoyingly weedy. The fork will get right into the clay.

Caroline, I don't envy you your job. It's one of my least favorite things to do.

For my money, the best tool for getting sod up is one of those motorized sod cutters you can get from the tool rental centers, but I'm sure that's overkill for your little job.

For your job, how about a sod lifter, the tool that was made exactly for cutting sod. I've used one, and I think it's definitely easier than using a spade or shovel.

Good luck!

ThinMan

Here is a link that might be useful: Sod Lifter

Holy Toledo Thin Man that is just the ticket. I wish they sold them here...sigh. But I love Lee Valley and they do send stuff fast. Although I could use the other spade for other things...where is an archaeologist when you need one ??!!

If you only new...I have finished all the porches and the brick and have moved on to repairing all of the wall around the pool and then will paint it. I have one trellis done...still have all the others and the pergolas...then remove sod and get new beds ready...then 10 roses from Ashdown on the way...I could use a couple helpers LOL. But it keeps me out of trouble...mostly. :)

Thank you ALL...I will keep you posted . c

Dang, I'm tired just reading your list.

k

I guess I must do it the hard way. I have a couple of large kitchen knives that I use for weeding and cutting out sod. I cut the edge and then I take it out piece by piece in less than one foot squares. I shake the dirt out and then toss them into my garden sled.

I was thinking of making a new bed in the front this fall, but I think I will wait until spring. I always have more ambition in the spring, lol!
CMK

I dont remove the sod at all. I just dig in and turn the soil over so grass is down. I have also seen in one of the forums, that someone just lays out wet newspaper over the bed they want to make, and then mulch on top.

You could probably turn the soil over and do the same. I just like the idea of the nutirents that get put back into the soil by the decaying grass. Your beds will never be weed seed free anyway.
Tammy

Tammy, I think Caroline wants to transplant the sod elsewhere.

Hey Tammy, natal is correct , I am going to use it elsewhere. But even so since this is Bermuda...you can NEVER get rid of it...and you can't turn it over...just keeps growin..and growin. Most folks consider it a scourge in the yard but if you are in the South and have the right conditions it is the best and cheapest and impossible to get rid of. Thank you for all the help. I will get to it soon...beds have to rest till Spring anyway..

Sorry. I am not familiar with bermuda grass. I have heard of it but thats it. Sounds like a big job. Good luck.
Tammy