Site Preparation: Before You Start

Here is some helpful information to help you prepare your planting site before you lay your sod, based on your soil conditions. Ideally, you can test your site by acquiring a soil test to determine exactly what type of soil you have. UVM provides fairly inexpensive tests for around $15.00. For more information about soil tests from UVM, click here. 

Has your site grown grass previously?

If so, very little needs to be done to prepare the site. Fertilizer, and possibly lime, should be spread and worked into the soil prior to laying your sod. If not, and especially if your soil is rocky or gravelly, 4 to 6 inches of top soil should be added to the site.

Is your site sandy?

If so, you should add compost or another form of organic matter, such as peat moss, to the soil prior to laying sod. If you opt to add peat moss, you should also include lime to neutralize the acidity of the peat moss.

Does your soil have heavy clay?

In this case, you will need to add at least 400 pounds of gypsum per square acre for the site to accept your sod. If you feel the soil is very poor, you can also add organic matter such as compost or peat moss and lime.