How to Prepare for Sod

Take a shovelful of soil from 10 different locations in your desired sod-planting area. Place all 10 soil samples into a bucket and mix them until they're well-combined.

Send some of the combined soil sample to your county agricultural extension office for analysis. The extension office will send you a report telling you exactly which nutrients should be added to the soil.

Kill any existing grass, weeds or other vegetation in your planting area with a non-selective systemic herbicide, such as glyphosate. Apply the herbicide at least two weeks before laying your sod, to ensure that the chemicals have time to dissipate.

Amend the soil at your planting location as directed in the soil analysis report; also amend the soil to improve aeration and drainage, if necessary. Add a 3-inch layer of peat moss to sandy soils. Lighten heavy clay soils by spreading a 2-inch layer of coarse builders sand or perlite. Till all the amendments into the top 4 to 6 inches of soil with a tiller, until they're evenly distributed.

Rake the soil of your planting location so it is even and smooth . Fill in any dips in the soil with a high-quality, weed-free topsoil.

Water the planting area generously two days before laying your sod, to settle and moisten the soil. Provide as much water as necessary to moisten the soil to a depth of at least 4 inches.