How to Prepare Your Lawn for Sod Installation

Installing sod is an excellent way to create a lush, thick lawn quickly. However, proper preparation of the site before the sod arrives is crucial for ensuring the new grass takes root and thrives. Skipping this important step can lead to poor establishment, weed invasion, soil issues, and an overall disappointing lawn. Follow these steps to get your lawn ready for sod installation success.

Timing is Everything

The ideal time for sod installation varies based on your climate. For cool-season grasses like fescue and bluegrass, aim for early fall or very early spring. Warm-season grasses such as bermuda, zoysia, and St. Augustine prefer late spring through early summer. Planting during extreme summer heat or cold winter temperatures reduces the sod's ability to root properly.

Kill Off Existing Vegetation

Whether you have an old lawn, weedy ground cover, or just bare dirt, you'll need to start with a clean slate. A non-selective systemic herbicide like glyphosate is the most effective way to eliminate any existing grass, weeds, or other plants. Spray it evenly across the area 7-14 days before your sod delivery date. For the best results, mow first if there is tall vegetation and water the area to encourage growth before spraying.

Remove the Old Lawn

Once the herbicide has done its job, remove any dead grass and other debris with a sod cutter, tiller, or by hand with a rake and shovel. Getting down to bare soil is essential, as any remaining roots, vegetation, or excessive thatch will prevent your new sod from making good soil contact. Dispose of or compost the old grass and debris.

Test and Amend the Soil

Now is the ideal time to do a soil test to check the pH levels and nutrient content. Your local county extension office can analyze a soil sample for you and provide customized amendment recommendations. They may suggest adding lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it, spreading compost or other organic matter to improve fertility and drainage, and incorporating a starter fertilizer for the sod.

Grade for Proper Drainage

Examine the planting area and identify any low spots that could collect water. For ideal drainage, the lawn should gently slope away from buildings and other structures at least 6 inches for every 10 feet. Fill in any sunken areas with topsoil and use a rake to sculpt the surface into uniform planes that direct water away. Tamp the soil firmly with a lawn roller or plate compactor to prevent future settling. Leave the final grade about 1 inch below any abutting surfaces like driveways or sidewalks to account for the sod thickness.

Till the Soil

After grading, go over the entire area with a tiller or cultivator to loosen and aerate the soil down to a depth of at least 4-6 inches. This prevents compaction and allows the new sod roots to spread easily into the soft, well-drained soil. Break up clumps and remove any rocks, roots, or debris that surfaces.

Level the Area

Use an iron rake or lute to create a smooth, level planting surface free of dips, bumps, and debris. The more uniformly level the soil, the better results you'll get with your sod installation. Compacting the area again with a lawn roller can help put the finishing touches on the level grade.

Install Lawn Edging (Optional)

If you want clean, defined edges along planting beds, sidewalks, or other boundaries, installing edging is a smart move before laying sod. Plastic edging, metal edging, or simply trenching a 4-inch deep edge can help separate grass from the surrounding areas and make mowing and trimming easier.

Order Sod Delivery

With all your preparation work completed, it's time to schedule the sod delivery and installation. Many sod farms require 1-2 weeks advance notice, so order the sod shortly before you're ready to plant. Sod is perishable, so don't get it delivered too early. Have tools like a sod cutter, garden hose, roller, and wheelbarrow ready for installation day.

Water the Planting Area

About 24-48 hours before your sod is scheduled to arrive, give the entire prepared area a deep soaking to lightly moisten the soil down to a depth of 6 inches or more. This helps the sod roots quickly establish in the damp soil after installation. It also makes the soil softer and easier to work with during laying. Don't overwater to the point of creating muddy conditions.

Install the Sod Quickly

After all your lawn prep efforts, the sod installation itself should go smoothly and quickly. Have a crew ready to unload and distribute the sod pallets across the area. Start laying the strips of sod along the longest straight edge and work your way backwards in a staggered brick pattern. Tightly butt the seams together without gaps or overlaps. Use a sod cutter to trim around edges and obstacles. Roll or tamp down each row as you go to improve soil-root contact.

Give it a Drink

Once all the sod is down, give your new lawn its first deep watering to soak the soil beneath. Plan to keep the sod consistently moist through daily or twice-daily watering for the first 1-2 weeks until the roots have knit hold. As grass starts actively growing, gradually reduce watering frequency.

The time and effort invested into properly preparing your planting area pays off huge dividends when it comes to healthy, vigorous sod establishment. Tackle each of these steps methodically and you'll have the ideal foundation for your lush new lawn. With the right site preparation, sod installation transforms any yard into a tidy, green carpet in just a day.