Thinking about installing new sod? One of the most important—but often overlooked—parts of the process is what happens before the grass goes down. Proper yard preparation is key to helping your sod take root and thrive.
At Texas Sod Pros, we don’t just install sod—we ensure every lawn is set up for long-term success. Whether you're working with us or just planning ahead, here’s how to properly prepare your yard for sod installation.
Remove all debris, including:
The goal is to create a clean surface that new sod can directly contact for strong root growth.
If your lawn is overrun with weeds or dying grass, we may recommend applying an herbicide several days before sod installation. This ensures unwanted vegetation doesn’t compete with your new lawn.
Tip: Never lay sod on top of old grass—it will die and ruin the new sod from underneath.
We grade the soil to:
A smooth, even surface ensures your sod lays flat, looks seamless, and roots uniformly.
Healthy soil is critical for strong sod. We often:
If your soil is compacted or low in nutrients, sod won’t establish well without this step.
In some cases, we add a 1–2 inch layer of quality topsoil to improve the growing environment. This helps with both drainage and nutrient content—especially important in clay-heavy or sandy areas.
Moistening the soil before laying sod helps reduce shock and allows roots to settle in faster. We never install on dry or waterlogged soil.
Once the yard is properly prepped, our team gets to work:
Don’t want to worry about prep? We’ve got you covered. At Texas Sod Pros, we handle every step of the process from start to finish, including:
Start fresh the right way. Contact Texas Sod Pros today for a free estimate and let us prepare and transform your yard with expert sod installation.
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