Yes, you would need to kill and remove the old grass before installing new sod. This will create a successful environment for your new sod to grow into. First, you would begin by making an application of Roundup or some other glyphosate-based product 10-14 days before installation. Then you would wait 3-4 days before making a second application if the grass is not dying quickly enough. Use a sod cutter or rolo-tiller to remove the top layer of grass and debris.

    There are a few things you should do before your sod arrives. One important factor is considering where you want your pallets of sod placed when they are delivered. For example, you should check with the delivery driver to confirm they can deliver the sod to your backyard, otherwise, you would need to make arrangements for carrying the sod (piece by piece) from the front yard to the back yard. You will also need the correct tools to make this an easier project.

• Soil analysis kits-One of the optional tools would be a soil analysis kit. The soil analysis kit is definitely useful when you are installing a new lawn. It can be used to test the soil to determine the overall health of your grass. It will help you balance your soil’s pH so that when you apply nutrients like fertilizer, your grass is able to actually absorb the nutrients.
• Topsoil and a landscape rake are needed for leveling the soil out after you have removed the dead grass. After removing the dead grass all you should have left is soil. A landscape rake will loosen up the soil and organic matter across your entire lawn. Next, you will use the backside of the rake to level out the surface of the soil. Topsoil is only needed if you find that you need to add more soil to your yard to level it out.
• You may also need a utility box cutter or garden knife to shape the sod pieces that will be in different curves and irregular shapes.

It is not recommended that you apply herbicide at all during the summer when temperatures exceed 85° or the herbicide can damage your grass. Pre-emergent herbicides serve as preventatives and control annual lawn weeds before they germinate and reach the soil’s surface. Pre-emergent herbicides are best applied in the spring before summer annual weeds appear or in the fall to control annual winter weeds.

We will be more than happy to sell to you in quantities less than a whole pallet. You can even buy just one piece if you want.