Ground Preparation and Grading
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Did I say joint sand was the icing on the cake? I meant sod! ☺️
What happens here
After clearing, the ground needs to be meticulously prepared. The video shows a person actively raking and smoothing the dirt, and a small skid-steer loader (bobcat-like machine) is visible in the background, suggesting that significant grading work might be involved, even if not explicitly shown in detail. This step involves tilling the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches to loosen it, adding any necessary soil amendments (like compost or topsoil) to improve drainage and nutrients, and then grading the area to ensure proper water runoff. The final surface should be smooth, firm, and level, with a slight slope away from any structures (like the house shown in the video) to prevent water pooling. Use a garden hose to lightly water the prepared soil a day or two before sod delivery to settle it and provide some moisture.
Goal: Create a smooth, level, and nutrient-rich base for the sod
Tools and materials
- Garden Hose — Lightly watering the prepared soil before sod installation
- Garden Rake — Leveling the soil, spreading amendments, and creating a smooth finish
- Rototiller — Loosening compacted soil and mixing in amendments
- Topsoil Various local suppliers — Improving soil quality and providing a rich base for sod roots