If you're disappointed with your lawn, replacing it with sod will make a dramatic difference with no waiting period. You can replace thin, patchy, and unhealthy grass with growth that's thick, green, and designed to last. To do this, you need to prepare the ground and remove your old lawn.

How to Get a Yard Ready for Sod

1. Remove the Grass

The best way to remove your old lawn is with a sod cutter. This tool removes a layer of soil deep enough to get to the whole grass root. You can rent sod cutters at a local hardware store. You can also do this with a shovel and spade, but it will take longer. You can till the lawn under using a rototiller, but you risk some of the old grass growing back.

2. Amend the Soil

Use the rototiller to loosen up the top layer of soil. This will make it easier to mix in fertilizer, and also make it easier for your new sod to sink roots into the soil. Have a soil sample tested to find out the makeup and nutrient content of your lawn. Depending on what you find out, you may need to add manure, fertilizer, lime, compost, or clay to create the ideal growing environment. Spread out these materials across the surface of your yard and then till them in.

3. Level

The flatter your yard is before you lay down the new lawn, the smoother the results will be. Use a rake to smooth it out. Remember that your lawn sod will have about half an inch of soil attached to the bottom, plus the thickness of the grass itself. To keep it even with driveways and sidewalks, your soil level should be roughly an inch below the level of the pavement. Once the ground is level, water it lightly.

If you're looking for a sod company to provide a healthy, sturdy new lawn, choose Arkansas Sod & Turf Farms in North Little Rock, AR. Serving Pulaski County for almost 40 years, this family-owned and -operated company offers Bermuda grass, St. Augustine, and Zoysia sod, all at competitive prices. They serve everyone from residential customers to golf courses. Call (501) 753-5377 or visit their website to get started.