Laying sod can be the quick way to a perfect lawn, but if the ground underneath isn’t ready, the odds of success and a healthy and long-lasting lawn won't be in your favor. Poor soil prep leads to uneven growth, dry spots, and sod that fails to take hold. We know that laying a sod lawn can be a big investment, so do yourself a favor and put in some work before the sod arrives.

1. Clear the Area

Leaving behind old grass, weeds, or debris creates problems and removing it is an important step. Anything between the sod pieces and the soil makes it harder for healthy roots to grow, leading to weak or patchy grass.

• Remove old grass and weeds completely. A sod cutter makes this easier, but if you’re doing it by hand, use a shovel or hoe to strip away the existing grass. And, don’t just scalp it... remove the roots too. Your new sod needs a clean slate.
• Pull out rocks, sticks, and debris. Even small objects can cause bumps that prevent sod from making full soil contact.
• Check for buried obstacles. If tree roots or leftover construction materials are in the way, dig them out or adjust your plan to work around them.
• Kill any persistent weeds. Some weeds will push through new sod if not dealt with first. If needed, apply a weed killer a few weeks before sod installation.

2. Fix the Soil: Compaction, pH, and Nutrients Matter

Shocker, not all soil types are ready to support sod. You can fix this! Compacted, unbalanced, or nutrient-poor soil structure makes it harder for roots to establish. A little work now on proper soil amendment prevents big problems later.

• Break up compacted soil. If the ground feels hard, roots will struggle to grow. Use a rototiller to loosen the top 2-3 inches of soil. In small areas, a garden rake can work, but it takes more effort.
• Test your soil’s pH. Grass prefers slightly acidic soils to neutral soils (around 6.0-7.5). Home soil test kits are cheap and easy to use. If the pH is too low, add lime; if it’s too high, add sulfur. Some counties or colleges will test a soil sample for you at a low cost, try them if you don't want to test it yourself.
• Improve soil quality if needed. If you have sandy soil, it won’t hold moisture well; clay soils will stay too wet. Mix in organic matter like compost to create a balanced texture that drains well but retains moisture.
• Level the ground. Fill in low spots to prevent drainage issues and air pockets, smooth out high areas so sod lays flat on a level surface. A landscape rake works well for this.

3. Get the Soil Ready for Sod Installation

Once the soil is in good shape, a few final steps will help your sod take root quickly.

• Water the soil lightly before laying sod. Moist soil...the ground should be damp—not dry, but not muddy either. If water pools on the surface, let it dry out before moving forward.
• Avoid over-packing the soil. Firming the ground slightly helps with even installation and sod contact, but pressing it down too much makes it harder for strong roots to grow. A light pass with a lawn roller can help achieve the right balance.
• Use a starter fertilizer. A fertilizer designed for new sod gives roots a head start. Look for one with phosphorus, which promotes root growth.
• Double-check the finish grade for evenness. Walk the area and look for dips or bumps. Smooth out lumpy soil or any trouble spots on the soil surface before the sod arrives.

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FAQ

How long should I wait between prepping soil and laying sod?

If everything is ready, you can lay sod immediately after soil preparation; however; if you used weed killer or soil amendments, wait at least a few days (or as directed on the product) before laying sod to avoid harming the grass.

Can I lay sod over old grass?

No, a piece of sod needs direct contact with the layer of soil to root properly. Leaving old grass underneath can block root growth and cause the sod to dry out or shift. Always remove existing grass and do proper soil preparation before laying sod.

I did my successful sod installation, now what?

That's a whole other article, but be prepared to have a watering schedule, go easy with the lawn mower, and manage foot traffic for a bit. In other words, keep them dang kids off my lawn!