I don't think you can go wrong with the 'adding a ~3 inch layer of topsoil, and then starter fert and then sod' approach. Sounds like a lot of work though. In my limited experience, having maintained ~500 sq ft TTTF sod, proper irrigation is important. If you have the means, reducing compaction where the sod is to be installed will help with the transition. Quality sod should not need extraneous amounts of fertilizer.

 

I did irrigation, topsoil, sod, then starter fert. Irrigation is pretty much a must here and I put the starter fert down after I laid the sod because I had friends and family help lay the sod (sigh) and felt like we all didn't need to get covered in the fert.

Something else to keep in mind is that really no matter how well the sod gets laid you'll have tracks at the seams. Fill those with sand later this fall. It'll help smooth out the lawn a lot.

 

I did a small sod installation a year ago and I'm happy with the results.

I would add compost instead of topsoil or at least be very careful that you get a very high quality of topsoil. A lot of it is crap. In with the compost/topsoil, I would go very mild on the fertilizer, no more than a 10-10-10. The sod comes with everything the grass needs so you're really just preparing the soil to pair with the sod.

I was renovating a previous bermuda lawn so I did allow a fallow and a few days before final gyl.

If you get family/friends to help then make them go through a Roger Cook (This Old House) video instruction. It's not rocket science but it needs to be laid correctly so that it doesn't overlap or have gaps.

 

Thanks for the tips everyone

 

I would fallow the existing dirt even before you add the topsoil. Mix some sand in with the topsoil. Now is the time to do some leveling and get rid of any high and low spots. Run a lawn roller over the soil before you lay the sod to get some even compaction. Starter fert above or below the sod. Roll the sod well after laying. Keep it watered well and let it grow so the roots can attach. Cutting grass into sod stresses it. Keep it fed and watered.

 

I sodded a former landscape bed last summer. As others have said, take the time to make sure the ground is level after you add the topsoil. Water the soil and use a lawn roller to identify any settling before you lay the sod. I applied starter under the sod and it worked out well.

Sodding in the summer will require lots of watering. I also let it grow quite long, probably 5"+ before I mowed it. And then I used a manual reel for the first couple mows.

 

Thanks for the input 😀

 

https://youtu.be/yatGi7khpIk