How to Lay Soil for Sod

There are two different ways to establish a new lawn: plant seed or lay sod. Sod is more expensive than grass seed; however, it is less work and a full lawn is established more quickly. The first step in laying sod is preparing the soil. Improperly prepared soil does not allow the sod to attach. If sod fails to attach after six weeks, it dries out and dies.

Soil test kit
Tape measure
Metal rake
Fertilizer
Broadcast spreader
Rototiller

Instructions

- 1
  Perform a soil test. Soil test kits are available for purchase either online or from your local gardening center. Or, take a soil sample to a local landscaper two to three months before establishing your lawn.
- 2
  Remove any large rocks, branches and other debris from the area. If this is a newly constructed house, ask the contractors not to dump left-over cement or paint in the area to be sodded.
- 3
  Measure the length and width of the area to be sodded. Multiply these two numbers together to determine the area's square footage. Call a local landscaper to order enough topsoil and sod to cover the area.
- 4
  Use a metal rake to smooth out the topsoil. Maintain topsoil depth between 4 to 6 inches over the area. Slope the topsoil down, away from any nearby buildings to help avoid puddling and basement flooding.
- 5
  Apply the correct amount of required nutrient, according to your soil test. Pour the fertilizer into a broadcast spreader. Set the spreading rate, following the manufacturer's directions on the bag. Use a rototiller to mix the nutrients 6 to 8 inches into the soil. Smooth out the soil's surface.

How to Cover Grass Seed With Peat Moss

Installation Recommendations for New Grass Seeds

Growing Grass