Till any grass or weeds growing in the area where you want to lay down the sod. Loosen the soil with a rake and remove all debris, including grass or weed clumps, rocks and sticks.
Level out the area. Shovel any small rises or hills that you do not want and place excess dirt in holes or dips. Allow three-quarters of an inch around walks for the height of the new sod.
Use a rake or a broadcast spreader to spread a complete fertilizer over the entire area. Make sure the fertilizer has phosphorus, nitrogen and potash (potassium). Work the fertilizer into the soil with a rake.
Moisten the soil right before the sod is laid down if the weather is extremely hot or dry.