Sod Prep Checklist

(Keep It Simple, Do It Right)

• Kill existing grass & weeds
  Don’t lay sod over living weeds unless you enjoy watching them win.

• Remove debris
  Rocks, sticks, old roots, construction junk. Sod likes soil, not archaeology.

• Loosen the top 4–6 inches of soil
  Tiller or rake it out. Compacted clay is basically concrete with feelings.

• Add organic matter if needed
  Compost or screened topsoil improves drainage and root penetration.

• Grade for proper drainage
  Slope away from structures (about 1–2% grade). Water should leave, not linger.

• Level the surface
  Smooth it out. No dips. No moguls. This is a lawn, not a ski resort.

• Lightly compact
  Use a roller half-filled with water or simply walk it in. Firm but not brick-hard.

• Apply starter fertilizer
  High-phosphorus blend (unless soil test says otherwise). Roots need motivation.

• Moisten the soil before laying sod
  Damp, not muddy. Think sponge, not swamp.

• Lay sod immediately after delivery
  Don’t let it sit stacked in July sun unless you’re into composting experiments.

That’s it. Do this once, do it right, and you won’t be the guy asking why his $3,000 lawn looks like a quilt.