So, what is the best tool to cut sod?

Well, we know that you can rent a motorized sod cutter from sod cutter rental companies but that would overkill if you’re only removing sod from a small area.

That leaves you with basic tools including:

1. A Pocketknife- Well, that is too small for most people.
2. A shovel? – What of a shovel? Folks often use but it’s sometimes too large and quite cumbersome.
3. A hatchet? This also works for some and it’s definitely faster than a

There are other options including an edger (cuts down the strip nicely), a machete (chop! chop! but be wary of wounding yourself), and even large kitchen knives.

Now that you have sufficient ideas, let’s go back to what everyone wants to know: What is the best tool to cut sod?

Now, because it’s hard to narrow down to one single tool that fits all sod cutting tasks, we suggest that you consider these tools:

What is the best tool to cut sod?

Option 1: A serrated knife

You cannot go wrong with a serrated edge knife..

Truth be told, a utility knife with serrated edges is one of the best tools for the job- it’s much easier to use even around obstacles like trees/overgrown sprinkler heads and more accurate when it comes to cutting sod to fit.

Plus, it leaves a cute clean edge around landscape beds.

It also stays sharp for a pretty long time.

Most of all, the serrated edges slice through the roots like it is birthday cake.

In a nutshell, this simple and effective tool is the best weapon even where the sod is absolutely stubborn.

Check out this amazing serrated edge sod knife if you’d like to try the serrated sod knife.

 

Option 2: Use a double-edged sod digging/cutting knife

If what you have in mind is cut sod while metal detecting, we recommend a double-edged digger/knife such as the  Lesche digging tool & sod cutter (with a right serrated blade).

The tool is very nicely weighted for your hands and also digs up sod pretty easily.

We also love that this manual sod cutter comes with a sheath to protect you from its sharp edges.

 

Option 3: Opt for a Sod Knife/Sickle

Are you looking to trim sod overhanging the edge along your walkway?

Or are you worried about shaping your tough Bermuda sod around curves?

There’s a reason why a sickle shaped sod cutting hand tool is ever-present at most landscape design companies-  It’s an extremely useful tool for trimming and cutting invading sod around rock patios, sprinkler heads, flower beds, control boxes, etc.

We highly recommend it especially if you’re trimming sod that is just about to go into the ground (not established lawns).

View it here.

Tip: You can also pick a specialized grass knife sickle if unhappy with the above lightweight sod cutter/sickle.

 

Other Hand knives

• Hori Hori- If you’re searching for a knife that will be useful in numerous other ways and still work for sod cutting tasks, consider the Nisaku NJP650 Hori-Hori Knife.
• Linoleum knife – In addition to cutting and trimming floor covering and roofing material, this ergonomically-designed knife also makes quick work of sod and turfgrass. Check it out.

 

Option 4: Cut sod with edger

If you’re planning to re-use the sod somewhere else (around your home/garden), prioritize using a half moon edger.

These machines give you straight, precise cuts and are generally safe and comfortable.

This has a serrated edge and works great.

 

Option 5: Opt for a shovel instead of an edger

Shovels are all-purpose tools and can be used to cut sod without the need for any other tools.

Use a shovel that’s sharp enough- it will typically cut through sod like a hot knife through butter!

Here is our favorite- the shovel is exceptionally comfortable because of its teardrop-shaped shaft profile.

Best tool to cut sod: Your other manual alternatives

If you have decided that you want to use hand tools, you might try tools such as the bulldog manual sod cutter (functions as both a sod cutter and edger) or earth blade sod cutter.

Still on manual removal tools, you could choose heavy duty sod cutting shears – their heat-treated forged steel cuts anything from overgrown sod to ground covers.

For a budget-minded gardener, a homemade manual sod cutter (search YouTube for ideas) is also an option.

 

When to use a sod cutter (motorized)

As mentioned at the beginning, mechanical sod cutters such as the popular sod cutter kick type, 12 inch wide blade are best only when you want to strip large swathes.

This could be when you’re laying fresh sod and other similar big projects.

Needless to say, a kick sod cutter like best-selling quail sod cutter is preferred here because it cuts wider strips quickly, evenly, and smoothly.

 

Alternatives to the commercial sod cutter

There are alternatives to a gasoline powered sod stripping machine if you’re still not decided and you have a massive project in mind.

You may, for example, select to use a tiller (a rear-tined tiller works best) to break up well-established sod or use chemicals.

And oh, you can build your own sod cutting attachment at home and attach it to your lawn roller, skid steer, or tractor.

Like with a manual DIY kick sod cutter, there are DIY sod cutter plans on YouTube to get you started.

 

Conclusion

When it comes to cutting your own sod, the best tool to cut sod will depend on factors such as your budget, the size of the area you’ll be working on, how deep you want to cut, and more.

Choose the tool that has the highest number of pros and the least cons for your specific situation and consider using a sod lifting tool to lift the sod  (after cutting).