Installing sod is a great way to take care of any bare or otherwise rough spots in your yard. But to prepare your soil for sod the right way, you need to keep a few key things in mind.
Grading and Tilling
First, you’ll want to make sure that the area in question is clear of any potential obstructions – not just tools and other items that may be lying around, but also debris, stones, and even buried tree stumps (if applicable).
Next, you’ll want to perform a straightforward grading of the area to help avoid any potential drainage problems later on. Make sure the grade is at an angle away from the foundation of any nearby buildings or structures. For small areas, you can easily use hand tools to do this. For larger areas, you may need larger equipment.
Then, till the area where the sod will be planted to a depth of at least 2 inches. This will help significantly with weed control, among other factors, moving forward.
Topsoil and pH Levels
At this point, you can add topsoil to the area to get your depth to between 4 and 6 inches. Test the pH level of your soil, either by bringing a sample to the team at Green Valley Turf or with a DIY kit. For the best results, your soil needs to have a pH of around 6.5.
If the pH is too high, add sulfur. If the pH is too low, add lime.
Final Preparations
Rake fertilizer into the top few inches of soil and use a lawn roller to make sure that everything is broken up properly. At that point, your soil is ready for sod installation.
If you’d like to find out more information, please don’t delay – contact us today.
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