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Tilling, sod cutter or Aerate #879467

Asked July 30, 2024, 5:34 PM EDT

Looking at the installing new sod page on Plant talk, it says i should till my dirt with compost/manure. Currently my yard is mostly compacted bare dirt with sections of weeds (no actual grass). I was planning to use a sod cutter to level the yard and cut out the weeds. Should I just till the dirt instead with the weeds included? I have made an attempt to kill the weeds, but have not had much luck. If i used the sod cutter should i still till after? Or can i just use an aerator after sod cutting? Essentially looking for a recommendation because I have seen that tilling can cause issues by emerging old weed seeds, etc... i know this is basic info, but looking for a solid path forward and wanted to double check if tilling is recommended.

El Paso County Colorado

Expert Response

Ian,

Your email has reached the El Paso Co Master Gardener Landscape and Garden Help Desk.  Thank you for contacting us regarding your question on renovating an existing lawn.  

I am providing a link to the fact sheet 7.241, Renovating the Home Lawn.  

Review this fact sheet and section in the fact sheet on "How to renovate a lawn".  It is important to kill off weeds completly.  The recommendation would be to NOT till in actively growing weeds.  As the fact sheet states you would want to spread your compost and till or core aeriate, prior to placing sod. This will intermix the current dirt and the new compost and eliminate any interface issue between the two different types of soils.  It will also reduce soil compaction.  Giving you a clean slate for your turf to take root.  

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the El Paso Landscape and Garden Help Desk at <personal data hidden> or 

CSU Extension El Paso County
17 N. Spruce Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
<personal data hidden>

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 02, 2024, 6:31 PM EDT

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