How to Use a Sod-Cutting Kicker

Turf professionals say that when the turf is 60 percent weeds or more, it is probably time to clear the area for fresh seeding. If this describes your lawn, you might consider using a turf or sod cutter or “sod kicker” to clear your lawn. A sod kicker is a muscle-powered manual tool, much like an old-style farm tool, like a sod plow. It can clear about 500 square feet in a few hours without too much exertion. A manual sod cutter is noise-free and requires no gasoline, engine maintenance, or winterization.

A kick sod cutter has two long handles anchored with a crossbar. It includes a roller and an adjustable flat blade at ground level. 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 you can roll up and remove.

According to Wayne Thompson, president of Quail Manufacturing, the sod kicker tool works for many people. “You don’t have to bend over to use it. It relies more on upper thigh muscles than back strength. It doesn’t require much upper body strength at all.” Thompson says he’s shipped thousands during his tenure at the firm. Users range from 115-pound women to people over 75. 

Other clearing techniques include weed killers, smothering, rototilling, and gas-powered sod cutters. Here's how to use a manual sod removal tool for creating bare ground.

When to Use a Sod Kicker

You can pull up sod any time of year. It is best done early, mid-fall, 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. You can also pull up and lay sod in winter.

Reasons to pull up sod include wanting to install new sod or plant fresh grass seeds or transitioning your yard to new landscaping, a garden, installing a yard feature, or a new type of grass planting.

Before Getting Started

One to two days before you use the sod kicker, water the area thoroughly. Manually cutting a dry lawn is backbreaking work.

Clearly mark off the area with marking flags or grass-safe spray chalk where you intend to remove the sod. You don't want to remove too much or too little sod. It’s easier to remove sod than to establish new sod, so do not remove any sections of the lawn you wish to keep.

Remove all visible rocks, branches, fallen leaves, and debris. The tool will glide easier, and the tool will go down three inches effortlessly if big rocks are eliminated.

Plot out the pattern for how you will remove the sod. Plan to remove sod in long, straight lines.

Safety Considerations

Before cutting sod, read the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you use the tool correctly. Always wear eye protection while operating this tool since it can kick up rocks and gravel that cause injury. Wear close-toed shoes. Keep children and pets away from the working area.

The cutter's tempered steel blade requires periodic sharpening. A dull cutter blade can cause premature wear and difficulty using the tool.