Soil Preparation: Step-by-Step Guide
How to prepare
soil for sod
Sod installation is a landscaping task that homeowners can perform themselves if they are up to the challenge. Preparation should begin a few weeks before you are ready to install new sod. The first step to getting ready for sod installation is to prepare your soil. Follow our step-by-step guide to get your soil ready.
Step 1: Clear the Site
- Clear the site of any and all debris, including rocks and sticks.
Step 2: Rough Grade
- Rough grade is the process of making a level or slope base for projects like turf establishment.
- Rough grade the entire area to prevent drainage issues.
- Always slope away from buildings.
Step 3: Till the Soil
- Initial tilling of at least of at least four to six inches is recommended.
- This should be done before adding any topsoil and will allow for adequate water movement.
Step 4: Add Topsoil
- Add topsoil if your soil lacks nutrients (see step 5).
- Your soil should be a minimum of four inches in depth.
Step 5: Test the Soil
- Test the topsoil pH with a chemical soil test to determine if changes are necessary.
- Acidic soils with a pH of 6 and below can be improved with the addition of lime.
- The type and amount of line can be determined by the level of acidity.
- Our step-by-step guide to testing your soil , your local corporative extension office, or one of NG Turf’s Certified Turfgrass Professionals are all great resources for more information on soil testing.
Step 6: Apply Starter Fertilizer
- Apply a starter fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 13-13-13, and lime to the soil per soil test recommendations.
- Till fertilizer into the soil before laying sod.
Step 7: Finish Grade
- Finish grade the entire site, making sure to maintain uniform drainage of rainwater.
Step 8: Roll the Area
- Roll the area with a lawn roller to firm and settle the soil on the surface.
- Fill in low spots as they appear.
Step 9: Ready for Sod
- The site is now ready for turfgrass sod. Remember to water the sod as you lay it. Sod will wilt quickly on hot days.
What our clients say
Patrick who delivered the sod was always on time with exceptional service.
Bryan Frey
I wanted to say “Thank You” for all of your help with the sod delivery. Your company was fantastic to work with and your driver “Greg” was so nice and had such a great attitude. It’s a pleasure to do business with people like ya’ll.
Mike Clark, CFP, Owner of Chamblee Fence Company, Inc.
I truly value your input because of your approach. It is easy for associates to become “defensive” as to why their product is better than a competitor. Your responses are balanced with fact-based explanations that come across with a level of experience that most do not have. To be truthful I sometimes struggle to display this talent. Please thank your manager and I encourage you to share my email or comments. You truly are an asset to NG Turf.
Amanda
I called back 3 different times for sod. Kayla helped me and she was fantastic!!! Please tell her job well done and thanks. The rest of the staff at the Whitesburg location were very helpful and nice also!! Great experience!
CTSHoops
The shade tolerant fescue is just what we needed to turn 2500 sq feet of dirt and weeds behind our pond into a beautiful park. The transformation is amazing. We're thrilled with the turf quality, price, and our sales rep!
Brian & Michelle
I have been a hydroseeder in Franklin NC for 3 years now and next spring I will expand my business to establish lawns using sod. The lawn I put in, using your fescue sod, for MPP in Franklin is now a beautiful lawn and they are more than happy with the result. NG Turf will see a lot more of me in the future.
Ron Morkel
Zeon Zoysiagrass is a wonderful all around turfgrass. It is a great choice between the wider bladed Meyer but not as fine as Emerald. Very traffic tolerant, drought tolerant and durable. When installed properly this grass gives instant satisfaction.
Larry Taylor
The fairway lies offered by Zeon to-date have no comparison. The downside to Zeon fairways comes when you have to be a guest or play in a tournament elsewhere and are relegated to 419 or some other variety of Bermuda grass.
Carter Speer
In the past, I very seldom recommend bermudagrass for a home lawn. The main reason was poor performance in shaded areas close to the house, under trees, etc. Now with the development of TifGrand Bermuda, the world's first shade tolerant bermuda, I can use it with confidence.
David Douget
NG Turf has been great to work with. The customer support is always friendly and responsive, complete with site visitations. The sod is always delivered exactly when we need it. This keeps our crews productive and allows us to get more done in a day. Most importantly, the sod is always fresh and lush. NG Turf helps to differentiate us in our market area.
Scott Reinblatt
We love using North Georgia Turf at HighGrove Partners. The quality of their Bermuda product is exceptional. They have a tremendous team that always provides great customer service; whether it is with turf questions, scheduling, or looking up old invoices. We really enjoy having them as a vendor partner and would recommend them to anyone.
Sam Sampson
When it first came on the market, I installed TifGrand Bermuda in my front yard because my grass was thinning out due to a north-facing orientation (shade). I have been very pleased with the results and NG Turf was extremely accommodating with their professional advice and service.
Gregg Hudspeth
We found evidence that TifTuf™ used less water than Tifway419 and TifSport. It’s just a very tough and drought-tolerant grass. As soon as it quits raining, TifTuf™ is still performing well, unlike others that can start to fail.
Brian Schwartz
I was very pleased with the customer service and quality of the sod. I only ordered one pallet but was treated as if I was as important as their biggest repeat customer. We couldn’t be happier with Kayla and the NG Turf team.
S Levy
After installation and a month of growth, I concluded Zeon Zoysia from NG Turf was everything I had expected. But the real surprise was the reception I received from their staff when I visited them to review all I needed to do to get it looking outstanding – even though I had a very small purchase, they treated me as if I was their largest customer.
Our company works with high-end residential clients and the sod we install is a reflection of us. We use NG Turf because they always come through with great service, timely delivery, and beautiful sod. We try to give excellent service and we always appreciate getting it in return. NG Turf really takes care of us!
Our company has been buying sod from NG Turf for many years. They never disappoint with their service or their product. They bend over backwards to make sure their landscape contractors and homeowners are 100’% satisfied. Highly recommended.
I ordered 8 pallets of Tifgrand for my yard and called 3 places. I found NG Turf’s prices to be the most competitive. More importantly, the delivery was scheduled for 8am, Saturday and the driver showed up around 7:30ish. No complaints here.
My landscaping business has purchased sod and delivery services from NG Turf for several years. We use them exclusively now. We can rely on them for good quality sod, good pricing, and delivery service. NG Turf is also highly supportive of our Georgia Urban Ag Council and other industry related organizations and causes.
First, the sales department was wonderful and extremely helpful. I ordered 2500 square feet of Meyer Zoysia, and the office set up delivery very quickly. The delivery was right on time, and very prompt with unloading the product. The sod was great quality, and I am extremely satisfied with the company.
Huddleston’s Landscaping has used North Georgia Turf products on many occasions. We have installed multiple varieties of Bermuda and Zoysia. North Georgia Turf products “hold up” after we leave the job site. We trust North Georgia Turf sod, and will continue to use their product in the future.
Huddleston Landscaping
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