How to Prepare a Yard for New Sod

Sod is a way to get a lush, green lawn instantly, but there's more to it than laying squares of sod on the dirt. A successful lawn depends on properly prepared soil with the right balance of soil pH and nutrients in order for the sod to grow instead of wither. Preparing the soil for laying sod begins with soil testing two months in advance. This gives you plenty of time to ensure the soil is in the best shape possible before the sod is delivered to your home.

Soil testing kit
Post-emergent herbicide
Shovel
Wheelbarrow
Rototiller
Lime, peat moss or compost
Water ballast roller
Rake

Instructions

- 1
  Check the pH and nutrients in the soil with a soil testing kit from a garden center, nursery or university extension office.
- 2
  Spray post-emergent herbicide on weeds in the area where you are placing sod. Follow the directions on the label and repeat if necessary.
- 3
  Remove rocks, large roots, tree stumps and construction debris from the yard.
- 4
  Scrape the topsoil off high areas in the yard, using a shovel and spreading it around evenly, or use it to fill in low areas if needed.
- 5
  Rototill the yard to a depth of 6 inches to loosen the soil. Remove any rocks and debris as necessary.
- 6
  Add lime, peat moss, compost or other amendments needed to the soil. Use the rototiller to work the amendments into the soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches. Let the soil settle for two to three days after tilling.
- 7
  Install sprinklers or another irrigation system 12 to 18 inches underground.
- 8
  Firm the topsoil with a water ballast roller. Look for dips and humps in the yard and fill or level them. Rake the yard to help the sod root easier once laid.

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