I personally would lay a couple of inches of masonry sand and then level that prior to laying the sod. That should help minimize settling and get you a more even base layer to start with.

I could be completely wrong, but that's what I'd do if it were me based on my experience.

 

Good idea. Would think maybe still need to roll the final grade dirt to firm it up some?

 

Good idea. Would think maybe still need to roll the final grade dirt to firm it up some?

I would.

 

I live in the Central California so I know soil types are completely different, we have very sandy soils. Also, I am currently planning on laying new sod for my new construction as well so take my information with a grain of salt as it comes from zero experience and tons of research....lol

Along with the masonry sand idea, I would consider soil amendments as well (compost or some sort of organic material), as the sand is not going to provide much nutritional value to the sod. The dragmat for your surface area sounds like a good idea and rolling sounds like a must. I would also consider stakes with leveling line too if drainage is a worry.

I have read on TLF that multiple people on here talk about applying starter fertilizer just before laying sod or quickly after and watering it in. I'm not sure either is more beneficial, but I plan on spreading some shortly after laying the sod and watering it in quickly after so that I get the water and nutrients directly to the roots. However what starter fertilizer to use, I am still researching and hopefully someone can chime in with what they prefer.

 

I live in the Central California so I know soil types are completely different, we have very sandy soils. Also, I am currently planning on laying new sod for my new construction as well so take my information with a grain of salt as it comes from zero experience and tons of research....lol

Along with the masonry sand idea, I would consider soil amendments as well (compost or some sort of organic material), as the sand is not going to provide much nutritional value to the sod. The dragmat for your surface area sounds like a good idea and rolling sounds like a must. I would also consider stakes with leveling line too if drainage is a worry.

I have read on TLF that multiple people on here talk about applying starter fertilizer just before laying sod or quickly after and watering it in. I'm not sure either is more beneficial, but I plan on spreading some shortly after laying the sod and watering it in quickly after so that I get the water and nutrients directly to the roots. However what starter fertilizer to use, I am still researching and hopefully someone can chime in with what they prefer.

I am certainly no expert - so please take this as me just having a discussion and not pointing fingers. I used to believe in the mix of organic and sand also but much research seems to show the organic will break down and leave lumps. Also golf courses I believe are built on mostly sand. In fact I now only lay new sod on top of 100% sand on top of 100% clay with great success.

I think the nutritional supplements that we add after laying it is what is important to a large degree. Again, I'm not saying you are wrong, just repeating what I've read and experienced myself.

 

No I am glad I commented! Maybe I gotta look into it more! If you have found that it works with great success, then I say you keep doing you. lol

 

I can't believe you are resorting to Bermuda....

1) :thumbup: fine tune with sand. It's not a garden ....any OM you may add at this point is a beer can in the gulf of Mexico.....IMO
2) i think rolling with a ride on is the best for prep.
Areas around concrete would be suspectable to settling as its backfill isn't tamped.

 

Thanks for the replies. Seems that the consensus is that masonry sand is my friend. I'll get a couple of dump truck fulls brought out next week. Luckily, since the property is 17 acres (obviously not sodding all of that!), I have a tractor, which should make moving the sand around way, way easier than it otherwise would be. Thinking spread the sand, then finish it with a drag mat to get it as close to perfect as possible.

 

Thanks for the replies. Seems that the consensus is that masonry sand is my friend. I'll get a couple of dump truck fulls brought out next week. Luckily, since the property is 17 acres (obviously not sodding all of that!), I have a tractor, which should make moving the sand around way, way easier than it otherwise would be. Thinking spread the sand, then finish it with a drag mat to get it as close to perfect as possible.

MAKE SURE you drive and inspect the sand PRIOR to them bringing and dumping it to make sure it is good quality.

 

Does good quality really just mean free of debris and non masonry sand "stuff"?

 

Does good quality really just mean free of debris and non masonry sand "stuff"?

Pretty much, yes. Make sure it isn't clumpy and have larger rocks in it.

 

I would try to get some good rain before hand, if not maybe even some water and roll over the base to assist some the settling. It'll atleast buy you some less work after growing.