As springtime approaches, those considering applying landscape sod to replace their dead lawns should start planning for the necessary preparations that will ensure their efforts are worthwhile.

Though the best time to install landscaping sod in Texas is during the spring when warmer weather and rain showers encourage growth, doing so involves more than just putting down the sod pieces.

Ensure that money invested in a sod lawn installation is well-spent by following these crucial soil preparation steps.

Whether homeowners handle this on their own or hire a local landscaping service to do it for them, it is vital to give new sod a welcoming environment to promote fast growth.

1. Clearing and Tilling

Start preparing for a landscape sod installation by clearing the area where the sod will be laid down of any leaves, sticks, rocks, buried stones, and other debris.

Mow any existing grass as short as possible and then use a tiller to break up the soil as well as old roots and till the top 2” of soil.

Till as deep as 4 to 6 inches if no new topsoil will be added in Step 4.

Clear out larger, old roots, leaving only solid ground behind for the new sod to establish in.

2. Rough Grading

With all debris and roots removed, continue preparing for new landscaping sod by rough grading to resolve drainage issues, fill in low spots, and more.

Grade the soil so drainage flows away from the house and other structures by using a tractor and box blade for the greatest efficiency.

Continue removing any debris or large roots that come up during the grading process until the soil is clean and even.

3. Soil Testing

Once the soil is tilled and rough graded, have a pH soil test done on a sample to confirm soil acidity.

Sod lawn installation will be more successful if the soil is slightly acidic, with a pH of around 6.5.

Soils that are too alkaline can be improved before laying down new sod by adding gypsum or sulfur, while those that are too acidic can be improved with the application of lime.

Apply additives after adding topsoil in the next step and then mix it into the top 4 inches of soil.

4. Adding Topsoil

After the ground is tilled and a sample for a soil test has been taken, add 4 to 6 inches of high-quality topsoil if necessary to provide new landscape sod a good bed for taking root.

Use a topsoil/compost blend to improve poor-quality soils and then mix in any soil additives to correct pH imbalances.

If the existing topsoil is of good quality, adding more may not be necessary.

5. Finish Grading

After the topsoil is added and any necessary additives are mixed in, the next step to prepare for new landscaping sod is finish grading to level the soil out again.

Grade to ensure the soil is even and level at about ¾-inch below the level of walkways and driveways.

6. Fertilizing

Next, apply a starter fertilizer to the topsoil that will promote the growth of a new sod lawn installation and gently rake it into the top 2 to 3 inches of soil.

An 18-23-12 (N-P-K) fertilizer is a great one to use to provide immediate nutrition to new sod roots.

7. Final Surfacing

Finally, use a lawn roller to gently compress the fluffy, loose topsoil a little bit so it is more stable and ready for the sod.

Do not overly compress, but just roll lightly to flatten the topsoil and make it easier for laying down sod pieces.

Encourage Landscape Sod Survival With Great Soil Preparation

Landscape sod makes it easy to gain a beautiful new lawn in Texas in a fraction of the time it would take to grow it from seed.

Yet it still requires the correct soil preparation for landscaping sod to take root and continue to grow.

Using these steps, anyone investing in a sod lawn installation this spring can be sure their sod will live and flourish to give them a lush green lawn in as little as a few weeks!

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