Can I rototill an area of old grass and rake it out and then lay new sod on the newly tilled dirt?

Question

I am tilling and sodding an area around the existing grass and just for uniformity and to make sure the grasses are the same, I was going to sod over the existing grass area. The existing grass is growing fairly well but is uneven and a bit clumpy. I want to till it and then roll the whole area before laying the sod so I have a nice smooth surface.

Answer 1

Your plan is sound, but I would suggest that you take this opportunity to work some organic compost into the soil before you apply sod. There is no better time to address soil issues than before you replant a lawn. Since you are rototilling it would be the perfect time to throw down some leaf compost, peat, and/or rotten manure. Work this material well into your soil and then roll the area flat. You can also work a starter fertilizer into the soil before you sod.

Here are a few good sites that can help with your project. They apply to most lawn restoration projects. Check your own state's university extension site for the specifics that apply to your area.

Soil preparation for lawns: http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/lawntalk/lawntalk05.html

Planting a new lawn: http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/lawntalk/lawntalk06.html

Answer 2

it is not an excepted practice to lay sod or seed over an existing lawn, the grass will not grow right and the other grass will come back. The new grass roots need to penetrate the soil, having the old grass on the saide will create a barrier.
if you have lots of time doing more labor , you could till the old grass up and pick through it to remove it. Most professionals however do not do this practice, instead they utilize a sod cutter .

Answer 3

That's how I did it, however, I also raked it throughly to remove all the old grass clumps, raked it again to level the ground and then planted seed and within a couple of weeks I had a lawn. Sod would have been even better, but this was just a small area. Sounds like a solid idea to me.
Good Luck

Answer 4

Yes, you can. Your plan sound good to me.

Bert