Sod removal-any tips?

Hi Everyone,
I know this is wishful thinking but does anyone know an easy way to remove sod? Instead of edging I am going to make a small ditch around some of my beds. I know from last year when I put in the flower beds that digging sod is hard work. I even rented a sod cutter but it was a manual one you kicked as you went along. I'm not sure it was any less work than a shovel.
Any one have any ideas or tips for me?

Best wishes,
Sue

Do you only need to remove the little edge for the ditch or take off the sod for a whole new bed? You can now rent an edger. Terry posted it about it not too long ago. There is a small mower sale and repair place by me and they said they could attach it to a 0 turn and drop it off for me to use. I'm still doing it the old fashioned way. LOL I walk around the inside with a shovel then the outside with a shovel then the kids help me pick up all the grass "snakes".

Hi,
I just need to remove a small strip. I will check out the lawn edger idea.


Thanks
Sue

I saw in a magazine where a guy removed grass witha chain saw, wouldn't recommend it, it sounds dangerous.

Yikes!!!

Hey Sue, go get your self a cheap bread knife at the dollar store .. it's perfect for removing sod and makes the job easy! Just cut straight down around your borders than go to one end, have a sitdown and slide the knife sideways under the sod about an inch down and start sawing away. I love my bread knife .. it's one of the best and most used garden tool I use.

X

Ah now that sounds like something I could do. Thanks for the tip!


Sue

The great part about it is that it cuts so beautifully the sod will come up in 1 piece if you want and you can put it elsewhere. That's why you need to go down at least an inch, to get roots. That's how I do new beds .. rather than digging up the whole thing, I'll just strip the sod off the top, rolling it as i go.

Bread knives are also great for getting grass that has over grown a sidewalk or stepping stones. Just slide the knife underneath the grass and start sawing.

X

Thanks for the wonderful tip. I did a section by my front sidewalk and it worked like a charm.
I am very thanful for the tip.

Best wishes,
Sue

Glad it worked for you! Bread knives are also good for coaxing root bound plants out of pots.

X