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How to prepare an area for a sod lawn
How to prepare an area for a sod lawn. Installing sod creates instant beauty and functionality in any yard, and soil and site preparation is the key to a great lawn.
Installing sod creates instant beauty and functionality in any yard, and soil and site preparation is the key to a great lawn.
Things You'll Need
Top soil
Rake, Shovel, and Wheelbarrow
Starter fertilizer
Dolomite Lime
Sod roller
Marking paint
Measuring tape
Broadcast spreader
Mark the area that you want to install your sod in using marking paint. This will give you a better idea of what the area will look like, and allow you to calculate how much sod you will need.
Measure the length and width of the area, and then multiply. That will give you the number of square feet that you will need in sod. Always add extra sod during your order to ensure you will have enough should some of the pieces not be up to standard.
Rake out the area you are going to lay the sod, leveling as you go. If you have high spots, use a shovel to remove and place that dirt in the wheelbarrow for use in the lower spots or to cover outside seams later. You also need to make sure to rake out any rocks as that will make it harder for the sod to take root.
Using a sod roller filled with water 1/3 full, roll the entire area to compact and make sure all areas are level. If they are not, rake out again and then use the roller again.
Purchase enough top soil to cover the entire area 1/2 to 1 inch thick. Using the previous measurement for the sod, you can look on the back of the bags (for smaller areas) as to how much you will need. For larger areas, you can contact your local supplier for the amount required for that coverage and have it delivered.
Using a broadcast spreader, spread out the dolomite lime at a quantity of 50 lbs per 500 square feet of surface.
Again using the broadcast spreader, spread out a starter fertilizer such as Scott's. Make sure to follow the directions on the bag as to how much you should use and what setting the spreader should be on.
Rake the area again lightly to work the lime and fertilizer into the top soil, and level for one last time. The sod can now be delivered for installation.
Tips & Warnings
If your soil is very hard, rototilling before you start can make it much easier to level and get all rocks removed.
If you are unsure about how much to sod or top soil to purchase or how much soil amendment you need, visit the local home improvement store with your measurements. They can assist you with those calculations.
