Spring Sod Prep: Getting a Lawn That Actually Roots

Sod looks great the day it's laid. Whether it's still green in August depends almost entirely on what happened before the rolls arrived.

Step 1: Clear and grade

Old lawn, weeds, debris — all out. We grade away from the house foundation at a minimum 2% slope and break up any compacted areas with a rototiller.

Step 2: Topsoil

Most Ontario yards have heavy clay under the surface. We add 4-6 inches of screened triple mix on top. Roots will only reach as deep as the good soil goes.

Step 3: Lay tight and roll

Seams stagger like brickwork, edges butted tight, no gaps. A weighted roller right after laying presses the roots into firm contact with the soil — this is what kicks off rooting.

Step 4: Water like you mean it

• Week 1: Water twice a day, enough that the soil beneath the sod stays wet
• Week 2: Once a day, deeper
• Week 3+: 2-3 times a week, deep watering only
• Don't mow until you can't lift a corner of the sod by hand

Skip the watering schedule and the sod will look fine for two weeks, then go dormant in the first heatwave. We'll walk new clients through it when we hand off.