How to Prepare a Yard for New Sod

Good preparation helps new sod make even soil contact and establish more consistently.

1. Remove unwanted turf and debris

Old grass, weeds, rocks, construction debris and thick organic layers can prevent the new sod from sitting flat.

2. Check grade and drainage

Correct obvious low spots and make sure water can move away from buildings. Sod follows the contour beneath it, so rough soil often produces a rough finished lawn.

3. Confirm irrigation coverage

Run the system before installation. Identify broken heads, dry zones and overspray so you are not troubleshooting irrigation after fresh sod is down.

4. Final smooth and timing

Finish grading before delivery and schedule installation so sod is not sitting unnecessarily long before it reaches prepared soil.