A new lawn is mostly preparation. Get the ground right and both sod and seed will succeed. Get it wrong and neither will.
Prep
- Clear weeds and debris, and break up compacted ground.
- Add 4–6" of screened topsoil where the existing soil is poor.
- Rake level, firm the surface by treading or rolling, and rake again.
- Apply a starter fertilizer.
Sod: quantities
Sod is sold by the square foot, by the piece (often 16" × 24" or 2' × 5' rolls) and by the pallet (usually 400–500 sq ft). Order the area plus 5%. Lay it within a day of delivery.
Seed: quantities
Rates depend on species: about 2–3 lb per 1,000 sq ft for Kentucky bluegrass, 6–8 lb for tall fescue, and 7–9 lb for perennial rye. Use about half that for overseeding.
Timing
Cool-season grasses do best sown in early fall. Warm-season grasses do best in late spring.
This guide is general information for estimating. It is not engineering, legal or tax advice. Check local codes and your inspector for your project.