How to Remove Old Grass to Permit Installation of Sod

Spray the herbicide on the lawn using the garden sprayer. Follow the directions on the herbicide container to mix to the correct strength for your sprayer. Let the herbicide sit for several days until the existing lawn turns entirely brown. All the existing grass should be dead before proceeding.

Use the rototiller to till the soil six to eight inches deep throughout the entire space that is planned for sod. Use the rake to smooth the area and gather the clumps of old grass.

Shovel the clumps of old grass into the wheelbarrow and remove from the area.

Roll the area with the landscape roller. After rolling, low areas will be easy to identify. Use a shovel and rake to remove soil from the high areas and place it in the low areas. Rake the area smooth.

Continue using the landscape roller to identify high and low areas until the entire plot is level. Rake until smooth.

Water the entire area until there is 1/2" water penetration. Dig small holes in several areas to see if the water had enough penetration. If not, continue to water until 1/2" penetration is achieved. Fill in the test holes and smooth with the rake.