Starting a new garden from scratch is time-consuming, but with the right equipment and some muscle power, you can clear a patch of grass in a couple of hours tops.

No need to buy a fancy machine that not only breaks the bank but is also overkill for starting a charming little garden. A manual sod cutter does the trick.

What’s Manual Sod Cutter ?

A manual sod cutter is a hand-held tool that is used to cut sod into small pieces. It has a long metal blade that is attached to a handle.

The sod cutter is used to cut the sod into small pieces so that it can be easily removed from the ground.

Check our gardening tools guide: The most 20 Common Gardening Tools with Names, Use and Pictures.

Different Types of Sod Cutters

There are three types of manual sod cutters:

• the wheel sod cutter,
• the reciprocating sod cutter,
• and the sod kicker.

Wheel sod cutter

The wheel sod cutter is a simple machine that consists of a metal frame with a wheel at one end. The wheel is used to cut the sod and the frame is used to hold the sod in place.

Reciprocating sod cutter

The reciprocating sod cutter is a more advanced machine that uses a blade to cut the sod. This machine is more expensive than the wheel sod cutter, but it is more efficient.

Sod kicker

The sod kicker is the simplest type of manual sod cutter. It is a metal frame with a metal blade at one end. The blade is used to cut the sod.

Ultimate Guide to Manual Sod Cutter

When using a manual sod cutter don’t forget to do these two things: First, wet the lawn to soften hard, packed dirt, and then mow the existing grass to cut the sod’s height.

Read also the Most Common Gardening Tools with Names, Use, and Pictures.

These preparations are important because you want the sod cutter to capture just the right height to remove the grass and the root layer.

Check to see if the ground is soft enough to run the cutter through by poking it with a stick or a trowel. You should at least push the trowel down two inches to ensure that it will be easy to kick the cutter forward.

Otherwise, you’ll have a hard time pushing the tool forward and it’ll take longer than it should.

How to Use a Manual Sod Cutter ?

To use a manual sod cutter, first measure the area where you want to install the sod. Next, mark the area with stakes and string. Then, use the sod cutter to cut the sod into strips. Finally, roll the strips of sod and place them in the marked area.

Here the list of steps in details:

With a simple machine such as this, you can prep a small area quickly to start your garden. Choose a dependable sod cutter to last you a long time.

Manual Sod Cutter Video Review

Check our video version for Building a New Garden with a Manual Sod Cutter:

Criteria for choosing Manual Sod Cutter

When choosing a manual sod cutter, consider the size of the area you need to cut and the thickness of the sod.

Also consider the weight of the cutter and whether you will be able to easily maneuver it.

The following are the factors you need to consider when choosing a manual sod cutter:

1. Size of the sod cutter

The size of the sod cutter is an important consideration. You need to choose a sod cutter that is the right size for the job. If you choose a sod cutter that is too small, it will be difficult to cut the sod. If you choose a sod cutter that is too large, it will be difficult to maneuver.

2. Type of sod cutter

There are two types of sod cutters: manual and electric. Manual sod cutters are cheaper and easier to use. Electric sod cutters are more expensive and require more effort to use.

3. Ease of use

The ease of use is an important consideration. You need to choose a sod cutter that is easy to use.

If the sod cutter is difficult to use, you will not be able to cut the sod properly.

4. Durability

The durability of the sod cutter is an important consideration. You need to choose a sod cutter that is durable. If the sod cutter is not durable, it will not last long.

Top 5 Manual Sod Cutter Features & Review

Fiskars Sod Cutter

Fiskars is renowned for its high-quality gardening tools, and their sod cutter is no exception. With sharp blades and an ergonomic design, it offers ease of use and clean cutting, allowing for smooth removal of grass and roots.

Truper Tru Tough Sod Cutter

This manual sod cutter is robust and durable, designed to withstand tough cutting jobs. Its serrated blade ensures efficient cutting, making it suitable for creating small to medium-sized garden plots.

AMES True Temper Sod Lifter

The AMES sod lifter features a V-shaped blade that makes it efficient for cutting through sod and lifting it out effortlessly. Its sturdy construction and comfortable grip make it a reliable choice for garden projects.

ProPlugger Sod Plugger

While not a traditional sod cutter, the ProPlugger is a versatile tool that can effectively remove small sections of sod for transplanting. Its unique design allows for precise extraction and placement of sod plugs, perfect for creating a garden in specific areas.

Seymour Sod Cutter

The Seymour sod cutter offers a wide cutting blade, enabling quicker removal of sod. Its durability and ability to cover larger areas make it suitable for bigger garden projects.

1- Fiskars Sod Cutter

The Fiskars Sod Cutter is a standout tool renowned for its efficiency and user-friendly design in removing turf for garden preparation. Here’s a deeper look into its features and benefits:

Fiskars Sod Cutter Features:

1. Sharp Blade: The Fiskars cutter boasts a sharp, serrated blade crafted from durable materials. This blade design ensures precise cutting through grass and roots, making the sod removal process smoother and more efficient.
2. Ergonomic Design: Its ergonomic handle design provides a comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. This feature is particularly useful for larger gardening projects, allowing for sustained use without discomfort.
3. Easy-to-Use Lever System: The cutter is equipped with a lever system that aids in lifting and removing sod effortlessly. This design minimizes physical strain while ensuring efficient turf removal.
4. Versatility: While primarily designed for sod cutting, the Fiskars tool often proves versatile enough for other garden tasks. Some users find it effective for edging or creating clean borders within their gardens.
5. Durability: Fiskars is known for producing durable and long-lasting gardening tools. The sod cutter is no exception, with sturdy construction that withstands repetitive use and various soil conditions.
6. Precision Cutting: The precision of the blade allows for clean and neat cuts, ensuring that the removed sod sections are uniform in size and shape, facilitating easier repositioning or disposal.
7. Low Maintenance: With proper care and occasional blade sharpening, the Fiskars sod cutter requires minimal maintenance, making it a reliable and hassle-free tool in the long run.

Benefits of Fiskars Sod Cutter:

• Efficiency: Its sharp blade and ergonomic design make sod removal quicker and less strenuous compared to many manual sod cutters.
• User-Friendly: Designed with the user’s comfort and ease of use in mind, making it accessible for gardening enthusiasts of various skill levels.
• Quality Construction: Fiskars’ reputation for producing high-quality tools ensures a durable and reliable sod cutter that can withstand rigorous use.

Whether you’re preparing a small garden patch or tackling a larger landscaping project, the Fiskars Sod Cutter stands out as a dependable and efficient tool for effectively removing turf and getting your garden ready for planting.

2- Truper Tru Tough Sod Cutter

The Truper Tru Tough Sod Cutter is a robust and reliable tool designed to tackle turf removal for gardening and landscaping purposes. Here’s an overview of its features and advantages:

Truper Tru Tough Sod Cutter Features:

1. Sturdy Construction: The Tru Tough Sod Cutter is built with durable materials, ensuring its resilience when used for cutting through grass and roots.
2. Serrated Blade: Similar to other sod cutters, the Truper Tru Tough features a serrated blade that aids in efficient cutting, making it easier to remove sod in various soil conditions.
3. Comfortable Grip: The handle design prioritizes user comfort, allowing for a secure and comfortable grip during use. This feature minimizes hand fatigue during extended periods of turf removal.
4. Effective Cutting: The blade design facilitates clean and precise cuts, enabling users to remove sections of sod with minimal disturbance to the soil beneath.
5. Versatility: While primarily used for sod cutting, some users find this tool versatile enough for other garden tasks, such as edging or clearing grass in specific areas.
6. Durability: The Truper Tru Tough Sod Cutter is built to withstand repetitive use and various soil conditions, ensuring its longevity and reliability over time.
7. Ease of Maintenance: With proper care and occasional sharpening of the blade, this sod cutter requires minimal maintenance, allowing for hassle-free use.

Benefits of Truper Tru Tough Sod Cutter:

• Reliable Performance: Its sturdy construction and sharp blade ensure effective and efficient turf removal, making it suitable for garden preparation and landscaping projects.
• Comfortable Handling: The design prioritizes user comfort, reducing strain during extended use, which is beneficial for larger turf removal tasks.
• Versatile Use: While its primary function is sod cutting, its versatility allows for potential use in other gardening activities based on individual needs.

The Truper Tru Tough Sod Cutter stands as a dependable tool for those seeking a durable and effective solution for turf removal when establishing or renovating gardens and landscapes.

3- AMES True Temper Sod Lifter

The AMES True Temper Sod Lifter is a specialized tool designed to efficiently cut and lift sod for gardening and landscaping purposes. Here are its key features and benefits:

AMES True Temper Sod Lifter Features:

1. V-Shaped Blade: This sod lifter features a unique V-shaped blade, specifically designed to cut through sod with precision. The V shape aids in lifting the sod effortlessly, minimizing disruption to the soil underneath.
2. Efficient Sod Removal: The blade design allows for swift and clean cutting of sod, making it easier to lift sections without damaging the underlying soil structure.
3. Comfortable Handle: The tool is equipped with a comfortable handle, ensuring a secure grip during use. This feature enhances control and reduces hand fatigue, particularly during prolonged use.
4. Durable Construction: The AMES True Temper Sod Lifter is crafted from durable materials, ensuring its longevity and ability to withstand the rigors of turf removal.
5. Versatility: While primarily designed for lifting sod, some users find this tool versatile for various gardening tasks, such as edging or creating defined borders.
6. Easy to Maintain: With minimal maintenance requirements, such as occasional blade sharpening, this sod lifter offers hassle-free usability over time.

Benefits of AMES True Temper Sod Lifter:

• Precise Cutting: The V-shaped blade design ensures clean and precise cuts, facilitating the lifting of uniform sod sections.
• Effortless Sod Removal: Its efficient cutting and lifting mechanism make sod removal a relatively straightforward task, minimizing soil disturbance.
• Comfortable Handling: The ergonomic handle design provides comfort and control, reducing strain on the user’s hands during turf removal activities.

The AMES True Temper Sod Lifter is an effective tool for gardeners and landscapers seeking a specialized implement for precise sod cutting and lifting. Its unique blade design and ergonomic features contribute to efficient turf removal while minimizing disruption to the underlying soil structure.

4- ProPlugger Sod Plugger

The ProPlugger Sod Plugger is a versatile gardening tool that, while not a traditional sod cutter, excels in removing small sections of sod for transplanting or garden creation. Here’s an overview of its features and benefits:

ProPlugger Sod Plugger Features:

1. Multi-Purpose Tool: While primarily designed for creating holes for planting or transplanting sod plugs, the ProPlugger can effectively remove small sections of sod for garden preparation.
2. Efficient Sod Removal: The tool allows users to extract uniform sod plugs or sections with precision, making it suitable for creating small planting areas or renovating specific parts of a lawn.
3. Ease of Use: The ProPlugger is designed for ease of operation, with a straightforward mechanism that simplifies the process of removing sod plugs without extensive manual effort.
4. Durable Construction: Built from durable materials, this tool is resilient and capable of withstanding repetitive use for sod removal or transplanting activities.
5. Comfortable Grip: Its handle design ensures a comfortable and secure grip, enhancing control and reducing strain during use.
6. Versatility: Apart from sod removal, the ProPlugger can be used for various gardening tasks, including planting bulbs, flowers, or vegetables.
7. Low Maintenance: With minimal maintenance requirements, such as occasional cleaning and lubrication, the ProPlugger remains a reliable tool for gardeners.

Benefits of ProPlugger Sod Plugger:

• Precise Sod Removal: The tool’s design allows for clean and precise extraction of sod plugs, facilitating easy transplanting or creating small garden plots.
• User-Friendly: Its simple operation and ergonomic design make it accessible for gardeners of different skill levels.
• Versatile Application: While primarily used for sod plugs, its versatility extends to various gardening tasks, making it a valuable addition to a gardener’s toolkit.

The ProPlugger Sod Plugger is an effective and versatile tool for gardeners looking to remove small sections of sod for transplanting or creating specific planting areas. Its ease of use and precision in extracting sod plugs make it a valuable asset for various gardening projects.

5- Seymour Sod Cutter

The Seymour Sod Cutter is a reliable tool designed to efficiently remove sod for garden and landscaping projects. Here’s an overview of its features and advantages:

Seymour Sod Cutter Features:

1. Wide Cutting Blade: The Seymour cutter features a broad cutting blade that enables quicker and more extensive removal of sod compared to some other manual sod cutters.
2. Sturdy Construction: Built with durable materials, this sod cutter is designed to withstand rigorous use and varying soil conditions, ensuring longevity and reliability.
3. Serrated Edge: Similar to other sod cutters, the blade is serrated to aid in cutting through grass and roots effectively, facilitating smoother and more efficient sod removal.
4. Comfortable Handle: The handle design emphasizes user comfort, providing a secure grip and reducing strain on the hands during extended use.
5. Versatility: While primarily intended for sod cutting, some users find this tool versatile enough for edging or clearing grass in specific areas of their garden.
6. Ease of Maintenance: With occasional blade sharpening and proper care, the Seymour Sod Cutter requires minimal maintenance, ensuring hassle-free operation.

Benefits of Seymour Sod Cutter:

• Efficient Sod Removal: The wider cutting blade allows for faster removal of larger sections of sod, making it suitable for larger garden plots or landscaping projects.
• Durable Construction: Its robust build ensures durability and longevity, capable of withstanding demanding sod cutting tasks.
• Comfortable Handling: The ergonomic handle design enhances user comfort, reducing fatigue during extended use for sod removal.

The Seymour Sod Cutter stands as a reliable tool for gardeners and landscapers seeking a sturdy and efficient manual implement for removing sod during garden preparation or landscaping endeavors.