Soil Preparation and Grading
A great lawn starts with proper preparation. There are two important parts of preparing a site for sod: soil preparation and grading.
Soil Preparation
Remove leftover debris and rocks
Clear the area of anything that would interfere with root contact or seam alignment.
Add topsoil if needed
If the current soil is not adequate for grass growth, add quality topsoil before tilling.
Till to 2 to 4 inches
If possible, till the soil to a depth of 2 to 4 inches and bring it to a rough grade.
Eliminate low spots
Make sure there are no low spots that will collect standing water. They will drown your new sod and create dead patches.
Grading
Time your final grade
Final grading and raking can take place the same day the sod is applied, or up to a week in advance.
Rake one and a half inches below adjacent hardscape
Rake the soil to one and a half inches below any nearby driveways or sidewalks so the new sod sits flush.
Remove rocks and debris
Remove all rocks and debris larger than 2 inches in size.