How to Prep the Ground for Sod

Sod will not successfully establish a strong root system if the soil is unprepared at the time of installation. Soil preparation is an essential part of establishing a lush lawn. It can take six months to change the soil pH if it is outside of the preferred range of your turf. Gardeners should test their soil pH range and spread either lime for acidic soil or sulfur on alkaline soil to achieve their correct range for their grass. Growing grass outside of its preferred soil pH range can result in dead sod.

Herbicide
Fertilizer
Tiller
Compost
Peat
Limestone

Instructions

- 1
  Spray the lawn area with a herbicide that contains glyphosate to remove all vegetative growth. Sod has a hard time spreading when it has to compete with weeds and other vegetation for the soil's nutrients and moisture. Pick a dry day to apply the herbicide.
- 2
  Apply a starter fertilizer that is high in phosphorous over the lawn area. Use 20 lbs. of fertilizer that has a NPK amount of 5-10-5 or 5-20-10 per 1,000 square feet.
- 3
  Till the starter fertilizer into the first 2 to 4 inches of top soil. Be sure to break up any compacted soil areas.
- 4
  Spread 2 to 3 inches of compost over sandy soil and work into the first 4 inches of top soil to add nutrients. If you are dealing with clay soil, spread four 6 cubic yards of peat per 1,000 square foot area to improve the drainage. Work the peat into the first 4 inches of top soil. Loam soil does not need additional nutrients.
- 5
  Water the lawn area until the soil is moist. Keep the soil moist while installing your sod.

How to Prepare a Weedy Area for Sod

Grass That Thrives in Shade

Growing Grass