How to Prepare the Soil

 

Soil Preparation check list:

 

• Are there any depressions or bumps in the yard?
• Are there any dirt clods bigger than a marble?
• Is all old vegetation removed?
• Are sprinklers in good working order and applying uniform coverage?
• Is the soil next to the sidewalks and driveway cut down 1 inch to allow for the sod?
• Is there access to all parts of the yard for the installation machines?
• If installing yourself, do you have enough help to complete the installation within a few hours?

 

New Lawn

 

Remove all construction debris, stones, vegetation, etc.  Start with a properly graded yard.  Do not expect the sod to hide a rough grade.  Be sure all areas drain properly.

 

Renovated Lawn

 

Herbicide Method:

Following label instructions, spray the area to be sodded with glyphosate non-selective herbicide such as Round-Up.  After a minimum of 10 days, inspect your site to be sure all vegetation is dead.  Repeat the spraying if the vegetation is not all dead and wait an additional 10 days.  Prepare the soil by one of the following methods.

 

A) Using a sod cutter, (these are available at many rental stores) clean cut the existing sod and remove it form the site.  Be sure all vegetation is cut and you have a clean surface left.  Make sure all areas will drain properly.

 

B) Roto-till the area to a depth of 3 to 4 inches, tilling the existing vegetation under, mixing it with the soil.    Water the area, let it dry and roto-till it again.  Depending on the amount of vegetation, you may have to repeat the tilling several times.  Be sure to repeat enough times to give you a good loose soil bed, free of dirt clods and old vegetation.  Water one last time to firm the soil.  Let it dry and rake it smooth.  Make sure all areas will drain properly.

 

Chemical Free Method:

If you prefer not to use chemicals in your renovation you need to use one of the following methods to prepare your yard.

A) Using a sod cutter, (these are available at many rental companies) cut up the existing grass and remove it from the site.  Roto-till the area to a depth of 2 to 3 inches.  Be sure the soil is loose and fluffy and free of dirt clods.  Water the area to firm the soil.  Let the soil dry and then rake it smooth.  Make sure all areas will drain properly.

 

B) Roto-till the area to a depth of 3 to 4 inches, tilling the existing vegetation under, mixing it with the soil.  Wait 5 days to allow the tilled vegetation to die.  Water the area, let it dry and roto-till the area again.  Depending on the amount of vegetation, you may have to repeat the tilling process several times.  Be sure to repeat enough times to give you a good loose soil bed, free of dirt clods and old vegetation.  Water one last time.  Let the soil dry and rake it smooth.  Make sure all areas will drain properly.