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New Sod over dead grass/weeds

7 years ago

I live in New Orleans and my back yard was filled with far more weeds than grass and would like to start fresh by re-sodding. I also need to regrade first to improve my drainage situation.

I already sprayed a few applications of round up to kill everything and would like advice on what to do before planting new sod. Some questions:

Do I need to remove the existing sod or can I just cut real short with mower and then till?

If I till, can I plant sod right after or do I need to wait a period of time for the old grass roots to decompose?

I got a quote for someone to grade the backyard which they plan to do with a bobcat by moving a lot of the existing dirt around. They don't plan to add more dirt or use a tiller b/c they said the bobcat will tear it apart good enough.

Would I still need to till?

Should they add a layer of sand/soil also?

Soil in New Orleans is real wet and clumpy how do I ensure I have a smooth lawn and it's not all clumpy?

Is it worthwhile to do soil test and/or do I need to treat the soil with chemicals

I have a million more questions but will start there and appreciate any advice I can get. Thanks

Dan

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Comments (3)

dchall_san_antonio
7 years ago
YOU NEVER NEED TO TILL. Oh, sorry was I shouting? You never need to till in preparation for grass. I'm short of time here at lunch so I'll just drop that and leave it without explanation.
Don't let the bobcat guy on your lawn. If he can come up with a real tractor, then fine, but bobcats take 10 times longer to do the grading job as a tractor with a box blade. A tractor can do that job in 15 minutes to an hour. A bobcat might take a week.

It would be best if you could rake the dead stuff up. You want good contact between the bottom of the sod and the top of the soil. Roots will not grow through the air looking for soil.

Gotta run, but I have more to say. If you want to ask more questions, go for it.
shapdaniel thanked dchall_san_antonio
shapdaniel
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks much for the advice.

Why don't u recommend tilling everyone I've talked to has told me I either need to sod cut it all out or till it? Curious why you say Not to people have said that sod ontop of old grass will have fungus problems as they grass decomposes

In terms of not using a bobcat, is it strictly b/c of time or are u concerned the bobcat will not do a good job? (FYI lawn is about 1800 sq ft)

I'm also limited on space to get the machine back there maybe 5 feet but will need to double check?

Do many landscaping companies use box blades Ive called several rental place and can't find anyone that rents them, so fear that they are not used around here.

Thanks again

Dan
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Eric E
7 years ago
Don't till cause it will cause settling after a year or even years after making lawn uneven and bumpy.

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