Site Preparation For Sod Installation - Saratoga Sod Farm

Skip to content ×

• Products
  • Saratoga Sod
  • Scotts ProVista Sod
  • BigYellowBag Black Mulch
  • BigYellowBag Black Garden Soil
  • Seed & Fertilizer
• Buying Sod
  • Request a Quote
  • Sod Installation Services
  • Find a Garden Center
• Who We Serve
  • Golf Courses
  • Homeowners
  • Landscapers
  • Landscape Architects
  • Athletic Fields
• Service Areas
  • New York
  • Connecticut
  • Massachusetts
  • Vermont
• Tips & Resources
  • Sod Blog
  • Sod Calculator
  • Sod FAQs
• Our Company
  • Our Team
  • Careers
  • Around the Farm
• Contact Us
  • Hours & Directions

518.664.5038

That’s a wrap on sod harvesting for 2025! See you next season in Spring 2026.

Extra efforts to properly prepare your site pay off… Excellent sod + excellent site preparation = excellent results! 

How to Prep for Sod

1. Clear The Site

Clear the site of all building materials (wood, cement, bricks, etc.), as well as any buried stumps, rocks, stones, or other debris larger than 2-3 inches in diameter. 

2. Rough Grade The Area 

“Rough grade” the area to eliminate any drainage problems. Slope the grade away from building foundations, reduce severe slopes, and fill in low-lying areas. Use a tractor-mounted box blade for rough grading large areas. Use hand tools for small areas. Rough grading may uncover more debris that needs to be removed. 

3. Till The Soil

Initial tilling to a depth of at least 2 inches should be completed prior to adding any soil amendments. This will control most annual weeds, alleviate subsoil compaction, permit bonding of the topsoil to the subsoil, and improve root penetration, air exchange, and water movement. If no new topsoil is going to be added, till to a depth of 4-6 inches. 

4. Add Topsoil

Add good quality topsoil to achieve a total depth of 4-6 inches, after firming. To the extent possible, incorporate a nutrient-rich compost/soil blend. (We suggest BigYellowBag Black Garden Soil – delivery available within zones) 

5. Test The Soil pH

Bring a soil sample to your local Garden Center or county Cooperative Extension office. Turfgrass usually grows best in slightly acid soils (pH of 6.5). Alkaline soils (pH of 7.5 or higher) can be improved by adding sulfur or gypsum. Acidic soils (pH of 6 or lower) can be improved by adding lime. If amendments are added, work them into the top 3-4 inches of the soil. 

6. Finish Grade The Site 

“Finish grade” the entire site, maintaining the rough grading contours and slopes. The final grade should be approximately ¾” below driveways and sidewalks. 

7. Apply Fertilizer

Apply “starter” fertilizer, such as 18-23-12 (N-P-K), at the recommended rate. The middle number, Phosphorus, encourages root growth. Ideally, rake the fertilizer into the top 1-2 inches. 

8. Settle The Surface 

If your soil is loose and fluffy, you may want to roll the area with a lawn roller to settle the surface. Fill in any low spots. If time permits, allow the area to settle further with rainfall or by applying irrigation. 

Your site is now ready to install sod! 

DIY INSTALLATION Sod Care More Resources

Get In Touch

Please contact us for pricing, installation services, or with any questions about sod.

Contact Us