How To Prep Your Landscape for Sod

If you’re looking to install a fresh lawn of sod, you’re going to want to prep the soil of your landscape. Fortunately, preparing your landscape for your lawn is relatively easy, and you can do it in a handful of steps:

Measure

Measure the amount of surface you wish to cover with sod. Know the right amount to order when the time comes.

Clear & Clean

Clear your surface of rocks, sticks, leaves, pine needles, and anything else that may inhibit you from building a pristine lawn.

Grade Your Surface

You can use a simple rake to grade the surface of your landscape. Grade your surface to rid it of unwanted bumps, and make sure that water will spread evenly over your upcoming lawn. Mind that water won’t flow towards a building structure.

Till Your Soil

Give your soil a quick till to loosen it up. Sod installers often overlook tilling, but it’s a great way to give your lawn a jump start.

Add Topsoil & Fertilizer

Add topsoil and fertilizer to the entire surface that you’ll be sodding. A couple of inches of topsoil will go a long way in aiding your upcoming lawn. While you’re at it, add some fertilizer to that layer of topsoil. Go for fertilizers that are high in phosphorous, and make sure your fertilizer is designed to aid lawn growth.

Tamp

Tamp down the dirt you’ve lain out just a bit. Tamping will ensure that your lawn’s surface is smooth, yet still aerated.

Lay Your Sod & Water

It’s time to lay your sod! Call in a sod-laying company if you’ve got the dollars to throw around - or tackle the project yourself. Remember, sodding takes time; so call on some friends and try to knock it out in a day. You’ll want to plant your sod as immediately as you can once it is delivered.

And finally, water that lawn! You can give your new lawn a good soak right away. You’ll want to give the entire surface of your lawn about an inch of water as soon as it’s installed. If you’re working in the heat of the day, you can water your new lawn as you go to ensure that the fresh stuff stays cool in its new environment.

Remember: once your lawn is thriving you can call on Small Engines Pro Dealer for all your mower engine parts. We know how quickly a mower can clog up in the thick of a lawn - so keep your engine running pristine with our factory-fresh lawn mower parts.