How to Prep the Soil Before Installing Sod

Perform a soil test, following the instructions in the kit.

Examine your yard for proper soil drainage. If areas of standing water are present after a rain, add organic matter to the soil to promote drainage. Organic matter such as wood mulch, straw or peat moss are good additives. Mix the organic matter into the top 8 inches of soil.

Apply amendments to the soil as indicated by the soil test results. New sod prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. If your soil is acidic or low pH, add lime to raise the pH. If your soil is basic or high pH, add elemental sulfur to lower the pH. Add fertilizer rich in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous as indicated by your soil test. Mix the soil amendments into the top 4 to 8 inches of soil. You can use a tiller to mix the amendments with the existing soil.

Remove debris from the surface of the soil before you lay the sod. The soil should be free of trash, weeds, rocks and branches.

Grade the soil using a rake so that the land surface slopes gently away from on-site buildings. The rake will also lightly compact the soil, which will help the sod to establish quickly.