Laying fresh turf is an excellent way to establish a lush, green lawn quickly. However before the sod can be laid, the underlying soil needs to be carefully prepared to ensure the turf takes root and thrives. Proper soil preparation is crucial for healthy turf growth and will save you time and frustration down the road if done correctly at the start. Follow these key steps to level and prepare the soil before installing new turf
Remove Existing Vegetation
The first step is to remove any existing grass, weeds or vegetation in the area Use a shovel or garden tiller to dig up all plants by the roots This eliminates weeds and gives you a blank slate to work with. Be thorough and dig down several inches to remove deep roots. Dispose of the dug up vegetation offsite.
Till the Soil
Once clear of vegetation, use a rototiller or shovel to break up and loosen the top 6-10 inches of soil. Tilling improves drainage and aeration while allowing you to remove rocks, debris and break up compacted areas. Go over the area several times in different directions to thoroughly mix and soften the existing soil.
Remove any large stones or sticks as you till. Level any low spots or depressions with added soil. The goal is to achieve a uniform, stone-free soil base approximately 10 inches deep for the new turf.
Add Organic Amendments
Most soils benefit from some added organic material before laying sod. Compost, well-rotted manure, peat moss or leaf mold are great choices. Spread a 2-3 inch layer of organic matter over the tilled soil and mix it in thoroughly with a shovel or tiller.
The organic material improves moisture retention, fertility and the overall texture of the soil. It also encourages healthy root development in the new sod.
Grade and Level the Site
With the soil tilled and amended, it’s time to grade and level the area. Use a rake, shovel and lawn roller to smooth and flatten any high or low spots. The goal is to achieve a completely flat, uniform grade across the entire sodding area.
An unleveled site will lead to bumps, divots and other issues in the finished lawn, so take your time with this important step. Measure grades with a leveling tool and fill in low areas with added topsoil as needed to maintain proper slope and drainage.
Final Raking and Compacting
Just before laying the turf, go over the site with a garden rake to loosen the upper 1-2 inches of soil and remove any last rocks or debris. Use the backside of the rake to lightly tamp down and compact the soil’s surface.
This final raking and compaction firms the soil below the sod without over-compressing it. The loosened top layer gives the turf roots a fertile bed to easily establish in.
Moisten the Soil
Water the prepared site lightly before laying the turf to moisten the soil. The sod will root in more quickly if the ground below is damp but not overly wet. Let the water soak in, then lay the turf over the moistened soil right away.
Follow Best Practices
Adhering to a few best practices when prepping the soil will ensure your new turf thrives:
- Dig down 8-10 inches when tilling to allow deep roots to develop
- Break up and rake away any hardened or compacted areas
- Add 1-2 inches of compost or organic material before laying sod
- Allow 2-3 weeks for any soil amendments to settle in before sodding
- Grade evenly, filling low spots and leveling any bumps for flatness
- Tamp down the soil lightly before laying turf to prevent settling
Properly preparing the soil takes time up front but is well worth the effort. Follow these key steps before installing new turf and you’ll give your lawn the healthiest possible start. With good soil prep, your sod will establish beautifully and provide a lush, even lawn for years to come.
How to Prepare the Ground before Laying Turf | Online Turf
FAQ
How do you level soil before laying grass?
Should you compact topsoil before laying turf?
Does ground need to be level for turf?
Should you use your feet before laying turf?
The idea behind using your feet to level the soil before laying turf is that your own weight will help you break every single bump of soil down more effectively. Furthermore, a roller could easily “miss” any depressions in the soil as you go along and navigate the equipment with your hands.
How do you level ground in a lawn?
Once you know how to level ground, it is a fairly straightforward process. First, mow the lawn and then identify dips. Fill them with a mix of compost, sand, and topsoil. Dig sod up in high spots and remove some of the soil before adding a thin layer of the same mix and replacing the sod.
How long should you leave soil before laying turf?
If you’re aware of any deficiencies that your garden soil might have, then this step is a must. Experts advise leaving the freshly cultivated surface for a few weeks to settle before proceeding to the next step. This will also help you spot any new weeds that have come through before you lay the turf.
How much soil should be below a lawn edge?
Finally, it’s time to get your levels correct. When looking to lay turf flush with an edge, keep your soil about 30-40mm below this height. This will allow for the thickness of the turf. Smooth out the rest of your soil, remembering to factor in drainage as you do so.