Soil preparation for sod

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linkdupont San Jose, CA Mar 19, 2008

We're looking to expand our existing lawn, and our current plan is to lay down some sod over the uncovered surface. Our soil content is mostly clay, and I've been told that we'll need to till the soil (and optionally mix in some sort of mulch). My fiancée feels that we don't need to till the soil, and doesn't see any reason why. To me, laying sod right on top of a largely clay soil base seems like a bad idea, but since we're new to this, I'm asking for the Internet's experts.

To till or not to till? That is the question. Thanks in advance.

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Mar 19, 2008

Here are some articles you can use to support your argument:
http://gardening.yardener.com/YardenersPlantHelper/LawnCareForYardeners/FixingLawns/RenovatingLawnswithSod/PreparingToSodtheLawn
http://www.sodding.com/prepare/index.html
http://landscaping.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_lay_sod
There are plenty more out there if you google "preparing soil for sod" or something along those lines. Proper soil preparation is one of the keys to being successful in getting your sod established so I'd definitely make sure you don't take shortcuts!

I don't know what your timing is for this--I'd try to get it in ASAP before our weather gets too much warmer.

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linkdupont San Jose, CA Mar 19, 2008

Cool, so my next question, is we have a couple of trees that are within the area we want to sod. I know tilling this area is going to be a nightmare because of all the roots; are there any tips for avoiding having to till heavily rooted ground?

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Mar 19, 2008

I'd probably turn that area into a garden bed or mulch it rather than trying to grow grass...when you have lots of tree roots close to the surface like that combined with the shade from the tree it really makes things tough for the grass and it's unlikely to do really well in that part of the yard.

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