How to Prepare Your Yard for New Sod Installation

There is more to adding a lawn to your Florida property than simply laying down fresh sod and hoping for the best. First, you’ll need to prepare the site for the sod installation to give it the best chance of taking root successfully. While you can hire people to complete the work for you, it isn’t particularly difficult to get it done on your own. Here’s what you’ll need to do.

Measure Your Intended Lawn Area

Before you do anything else, take detailed measurements of the site so you know exactly how much sod you will need. For simple, regularly shaped areas, multiply the length by the width to get the total area. If the space is irregularly shaped, you may need to measure smaller areas individually, then add their area’s together to determine the total size. It is always a good idea to order 5 to 10 percent more sod than you think you’ll need to ensure there are no gaps. This is particularly important for irregular shapes, as measuring accurately can be more challenging.

Clear the Site

Once your measurements are complete, it’s time to get to work on preparing the site for fresh sod. First, clear away any rocks, twigs and other debris that may have accumulated in the area. Use this opportunity to pull any weeds as well, taking care to get the full root structure out of the ground. The last thing you want is weeds popping up in your new lawn, so be meticulous about getting rid of them.

Prepare the Soil

Next, use a rake to smooth out the area, adding soil to fill in any unwanted dips. Then, till the soil at least 2 inches deep to loosen everything up and aerate the soil. Finally, add topsoil so that you have about 4 to 6 inches of quality soil to work with. At this time, it is also a good idea to conduct a soil test to determine whether the pH levels of your soil need to be adjusted to create a hospitable environment for your grass to thrive. Adjust as needed.

Pre-Fertilize the Area

To ensure the soil will be as nutritious as possible for your new lawn, apply fertilizer to the area prior to sod installation. The specific fertilizer formulation you’ll need will depend on the type of grass you have chosen, and the Duda Sod team is here to help with fertilization advice. In general, you’ll want a fertilizer that is high in phosphate, as most grasses require it. Mix the fertilizer into the top few inches of the topsoil so the sod’s roots can have easy access. Lightly tamp down the soil once it is fertilized to create a smooth surface for your sod installation.

Make Final Preparations

If you haven’t already, schedule a date for your sod to be delivered. Don’t forget to book the installers as well if you don’t plan on doing the installation yourself. Duda Sod can help put you in touch with a qualified sod installation company in your area, and you can count on our recommendations. Don’t forget to tidy up your yard before the sod arrives to clear a staging area for the sod and any tools or equipment necessary for the installation process.

After the Installation

Once your sod is installed, do your best to stay off of it for at least the first week or two. Newly installed sod is in a delicate state and will need time to firmly establish its roots in your topsoil, so it is best to leave it undisturbed as much as possible. Follow any guidance for your specific grass type with regards to watering and any additional fertilization that might be needed in the early stages. When you are confident that your new lawn is well established, you’re ready to enjoy your beautiful new outdoor space!

Select Your Sod Today

To get the process started, reach out to Duda Sod to choose the best grass type for your yard. Our sod experts will be more than happy to help you make your selection from the many sod varieties we have for sale in Florida, including Floratam, Bahia, Zoysia, St. Augustine and more. Contact us today for more information.