putting down sod

[meirman]

When I put down sod, what do I need to do to the earth underneath it? The builder left a lot of rocks and even bricks in this area** and I planned to take out the big ones, but find myself taking out the small ones too, down to about 2 inches. Does is help at all to go that deep or to remove one-inch stones?

Also, without a lot of sod trimming, some spots still has grass growing. Should I take out the current grass, or can I just lay the sod over the grass? (I realize this will leave a bump, but here I don't mind. It is outside my yard, and some kid with a bicycle might ruin it again. And I want to be able to do this quickly, especially since it's getting colder and raining more and the days are getting shorter.)

Thanks a lot.

**It used to have grass but kids going to school, at least the one who rode his bike when the ground was wet, killed it, and the rain washed enough soil that rocks are now showing in some places.

Meirman If emailing, please let me know whether or not you are posting the same letter.

Change domain to erols.com, if necessary.

[Pop]

Talk to a place that sells sod; they proba8y even have booklets and flyers on it.

Pop

[Bob]

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If you don't break up the layer below the sod, the new sod will not tend to root well. Till it, grade it, smooth it, roll it, re-smooth it, then put down your sod - for best results.

Bob

[Kyle Boatright]

It is best to kill the existing vegitation with round-up or similar before re-sodding. Also, you really, really need to do some soil prep before installing the sod. At least mow the dead grass/weeds as low as possible, then use a dethatcher or rotary cutter to break the layer at the surface. To do it *right*, you need to till the soil...

[barry martin]

Meirman:

M > don't mind. It is outside my yard, and some kid with a bicycle might M > ruin it again. And I want to be able to do this quickly, especially

If there is a problem with kids (or adults) riding/walking through your yard put up a temporary fence: use gardening stakes and twine - you can use them next year to support plants.

- ¯ barry.martinþATþthesafebbs.zeppole.com ®

• Streakers, repant! Your end is in sight!

[Norminn]

No need to sift the soil. Pick up what comes to the surface. Rake it and smoothe it, pick up what appears. If there is debris at the surface, it will keep sod from rooting and eventually, if large enough, leave a bare spot. Rocks at the surface can be picked up by mowers and that is dangerous.

Don't quite understand the question - put the sod on bare, even soil. If there is a layer of grass or weeds, it will be a barrier for the sod to take root in the soil. The thicker the barrier, the more difficult for the sod to take root.

If you have grass and don't want to cut it out, then treat it and get rid of the weeds. Don't lay sod on top.

Sprinkling after smoothing the soil, before laying sod, will help get rid of debris. Tillers or power rakes or some other gadget may help get the job done.