How to Prep to Seed Grass

Remove weeds, plant debris, stones and building material from the planting area. Depending on personal preference, kill undesired vegetation growing over the site with a chemical killer or pull plants out by their roots by hand.

Slope the soil by 2 1/2 to 3 inches every 25 feet to direct the flow of water away from a building, hardscape or your house. Called rough grading, this process improves drainage and prevents many problems that arise when grass is planted in poorly drained soils. Add topsoil to depressions in the soil to make it level with the surrounding area.

Loosen the soil with a rototiller to aerate the soil, break up compacted mounds of dirt and remove annual weeds. Spread fresh topsoil over the area to forms a 3- to 4-inch layer after compaction.

Test the soil pH value to determine whether it falls in the range required by turfgrasses. Depending on personal preference, conduct the test yourself with a home testing kit or send soil samples to your local county extension. Most grasses thrive in a pH range of 6.0 to 7.2. Also till 2 inches of peat moss or organic compost over the top 4 inches of soil. Mix the soil amendments well to enrich the soil and improve its quality.

Rake the soil level, running the tines over the soil in the same direction. Remove any stones or plant debris that resurface. Fill a lawn roller two-thirds of the way with water and roll it over the soil to smooth it further. Fill any exposed depressions with quality topsoil and tamp to level it.