To replace a weed infested lawn with new sod what do I need to do?
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Kill the weeds using a weed killer designed to eliminate weeds from your lawn... not a non-selective, kill everything plant killer... the lay over time from weed kill to planting is shorter and there is less long term damage. Next, after waiting however long the weed killer recommends, till up the top 6-8" of the lawn; mix in any amendments now (compost for example). Use a landscape roller to flatten it back down. Wait 2 weeks pulling any weeds that regrow. Seed using high quality seed. Cover with 1/2 inch of peat moss (helps prevent weeds and keep seeds moist). Water regularly.
It takes time to do it right... If you rush the results will be poor. When your new lawn get up and growing consider using a 4-step program. A healthly lawn should be able to out "compete" any weeds.
if there are just to many weeds to put out by hand, or you do not wish to use weed killer, (as this can also damage the soil) due to animals or kids aound the home, you will need to dig the whole lawn up and remove approx 10-15 cm of the underneath soil. Then buy clean "top soil" and rack it through and plant the new seed or buy ready to roll lawn.
Remove the existing sod, spray a non-specific short-acting weed killer (like Roundup), wait for the required period, prepare the soil, and lay the new sod.
instead of the round up weed killer, and then waiting, rent a sod cutter and cut the old lawn up, roll, and remove. depending on your soil type, improve as needed, till, grade, then roll the new sod down. hard work, do small section at a time if you can, good luck.
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