I have a large dead area across the middle of my back yard. Nothing will grow here but weeds.

I'm thinking of re-sodding this area soon. What should I do to prepare the soil?

The ground is very uneven (across the whole yard) so I was thinking of getting some landscaping sand to level parts off, then tilling some good mulch into the dead area and laying sod over that?

Yes, no, maybe..I'm crazy?

get some quality soil and steel rake the area. I've always had great luck with laying some fertilizer under AND on the sod.

Use a shovel, pick-axe, whatever and turn the soil to see how deep the topsoil is. In part of my 1/2 pallet resod, I found there was a 5 x 5 section with really thin topoil with clay underneath that I had to dig out and replace with good soil. I wouldn't worry about the mulch but some sand wouldn't hurt. Rake to level it and you're good to go, but if you're going to do it you need to get it in soon.

http://www.randylemmon.com/lawns/gardenline-sod.html

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Rake to level it and you're good to go, but if you're going to do it you need to get it in soon.

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I have always heard that you can resod year round (in TX anyway) - maybe it depends on the type of grass?

Maybe so, it just seems to make more sense to get it in while there's still some decent sun and mild temps vs less sun and cold temps a few months from now. The more developed the roots are the better it can resist a deep freeze like we had last year.

Thanks all...the Round Up is coming out this afternoon and I should be able to till and level out the yard and get it in by next week.

I could be wrong, but I recall reading that you shouldn't lay sod within some certain time period if using an herbicide. I remebrt the time period being long.

There really is no need to till. The main thing you need to make sure of is that the sod has good, firm contact with the soil. There is very seldom an issue with the dirt needing to be amended in a yard, unless you just have absolutely nothing but rock.

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Thanks all...the Round Up is coming out this afternoon and I should be able to till and level out the yard and get it in by next week.

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If you are applying Roundup you should give it a minimum of 7-10 days before disturbing the vegetation. Not doing so will result in less than desirable results.

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I could be wrong, but I recall reading that you shouldn't lay sod within some certain time period if using an herbicide.

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Since Roundup is not a residual "type" herbicide it will not affect new sod as it is tightly bound to clay particles and is rapidly degraded by soil microorganisms.



- Weed Scientist

The gardenline link above says wait until everything thing is dead which usually takes 1-day, then till the soil and rake.

I'll probably do all the prep work over the weekend and have the SOD delivered next week. I actually have a 3-day break in the kid's sports activities that will give me time to get it down.

Direct quote from the link:

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Wait for the death and destruction to happen ... in most cases, the grass will be dead within a week. And this leads us to the next step ...

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My job is to evaluate herbicide on the market and those still in research phases every day. Trust me when I say Roundup will not achieve complete death until 7-10 days after application.

[This message has been edited by AgResearch (edited 12/2/2011 4:41p).]

Ask the Agronomist(TM) says ...

What a perfect time to add some compost just prior to laying the sod. Most sod is radioactive with fertilizer when you get it, so immediate fertilization is not necessary. However, some good compost and/or a quality slow release organic tilled in prior to laying the sod is a great idea.

As somebody else said, tilling is not really necessary, but it sure does help with the soil/sod contact area and the initial rooting.

I'll be doing this in the next year so thanks to everyone on this thread.

I forgot to add ....

If you are in one of the sandier areas of east/central areas go ahead and take a soil test a few months before tilling/sodding. NOW is the time to till in some lime if needed. Once the sod is on the ground, it is tough to get the lime into the root zone the way it really needs to be, and you will never get another opportunity to till it in and get it down.

OK, thanks B1.

Called around for dirt and sod.

I can get 3yds of soil for $30/yd + $20 delivery. Pallet of sod for ~$100 delivered. Need 3-pallets (yes, I have a large yard).

So I can till the existing, rake in the new soil, and lay the sod myself for ~$400.

Or I can pay $225 a pallet to have it raked and scraped and installed for ~$675. I'm thinking my back is worth $275 and many days of work. The guy will also level out the low spots with a yard of landscaping sand for $75....

I'm thinking I may let him do that work for me. It will be done a lot faster (this will take me a week at least b/c of sports/kids) and look better. I don't normally mind doing work but I really should have started this before school and sports made life crazy.

Wow, 3 pallets is quite a bit, in that case I'd say it's worth the cash to let them do it, as long as they do it right.

What are you buying for $100/pallet delivered? Hopefully not St. A.

$100/pallet for only 3 pallets at a retail rate is about what St. Augustine is going for. $225/ pallet installed is reasonable as well.

If you are in Dallas I recommend Millers grass for Sod. They get trucks in very often.

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tilling some good mulch into the dead area and laying sod over that

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I assume you meant compost

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There is very seldom an issue with the dirt needing to be amended in a yard, unless you just have absolutely nothing but rock

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Not really accurate. Most soil will benefit from the addition of organic matter. If you have a lot of clay, you could have drainage issues which will lead to weak roots and disease. Also, like B1-83 said, adjustments for pH could be necessary


[This message has been edited by raidernarizona (edited 10/14/2011 1:57p).]

Did I wait to long? It's going to be in the 40's at night this week.