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How to Prepare Your Yard for Sod Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide
February 26, 2024

Getting new sod is exciting—it instantly transforms your yard. But the secret to a successful lawn actually starts before the sod arrives. Proper prep work is essential for healthy roots, even growth, and a lawn that lasts.

In this blog, we’ll break down how to prepare for sod installation so your yard is ready to support fresh, green grass from day one.

🧹 Step 1: Remove Old Grass and Weeds

Before new sod can thrive, the old lawn must go. This includes:

  • Existing grass (dead or alive)
  • Weeds and invasive roots
  • Rocks, sticks, and debris

Use a sod cutter or shovel to remove the top layer, or let professionals like Texas Sod Pros handle it quickly and cleanly.

🪨 Step 2: Clear and Level the Soil

Once the surface is cleared, it’s time to prep the soil:

  • Rake the area to remove remaining debris
  • Break up compacted soil with a tiller
  • Fill in low spots and smooth out high ones
  • Slope the surface slightly away from your home for drainage

This step ensures your sod has even contact with the ground and drains properly.

🧪 Step 3: Test and Amend Your Soil

Healthy sod starts with healthy soil. Consider a simple soil test to check for:

  • pH levels
  • Nutrient deficiencies
  • Soil texture and drainage

If needed, add compost or soil amendments like lime or fertilizer to improve growing conditions.

🚿 Step 4: Water the Soil (But Not Too Much)

Lightly moisten the soil the day before installation. This helps:

  • Settle the soil
  • Keep dust down
  • Provide a welcoming surface for sod roots

Avoid soaking the area—too much water can make installation muddy and messy.

📏 Step 5: Measure and Order the Right Amount of Sod

Accurate measurements are key. Use a tape measure or online calculator to estimate square footage. Always order a little extra to account for trimming and curves.

Texas Sod Pros offers free estimates and takes care of the measuring, ordering, and delivery so you don’t have to guess.

🛠️ Bonus: Call in the Pros

DIY sod prep can be time-consuming, physically demanding, and easy to get wrong. Hiring professionals ensures:

  • Proper grading and drainage
  • Thorough debris removal
  • Soil conditioning tailored to your lawn
  • Seamless sod installation and aftercare advice

At Texas Sod Pros, we handle everything from yard preparation to sod installation, so your new lawn has the best start possible.

If you’re searching how to prepare your yard for sod installation, the team at Texas Sod Pros is here to make it easy. From start to finish, we help homeowners get lush, lasting lawns with expert care.