Soil preparation is one of the most important steps you can take prior to taking delivery of your new sod in Salt Lake City. Prepping the area you plan to lay turf (and modifying it, if necessary) helps you establish the perfect environment in which your grass will become established and thrive. Proper soil prep will also help minimize your water use over time and help ensure that your lawn stays as healthy and weed-free as possible.
You can prep as long as two to three weeks before you expect your sod. However, the closer to your sod delivery date that you complete the preparation, the better your results will be.
- Clear the site of all surface debris and vegetation. If any obstacles are present, such as stumps, rocks, etc., make sure to remove them as part of the site-clearing step. If you use a vegetation killer product, be sure to carefully follow label directions and take all appropriate steps to protect yourself from exposure.
- Rough grade the site appropriately. Essentially, your turf area should be level and even. However, it is important to ensure that the grade slopes away from homes and other buildings located nearby. This ensures proper drainage in the future.
- Add soil amendments. Typically, you want a mixture of high-quality topsoil and compost. Pro tip: stop by BioGrass in West Jordan before you prepare your soil for a soil test kit to determine exactly what’s needed to properly amend your soil.
- Add fertilizer. We recommend BioGrass Suståne® (4-6-4). You will need one 50 lb. bag for every 2,000 square feet.
- Till the soil to a depth of four to six inches. This ensures proper drainage, root growth, and aeration while allowing your soil amendments and fertilizer to mix in completely.
- Final grade the site to one inch below the concrete. If the soil is significantly loose, lightly and carefully roll with a lawn roller, taking care not to over-compact the soil or create any low/high spots.
- Water the site lightly and evenly to help everything settle in. Repeat this process three to four times in the days preceding your sod delivery, taking care not to over-saturate the soil. You want to soil moist but not soaking wet prior to sod installation in Salt Lake City.
That’s all there is to it! You are now ready to take delivery of – and install – your new BioGrass sod!