Whether you rototill before laying sod depends on your preference, but your ground needs to be prepared for the sod to take root in the soil. A rototiller makes it easy to till up compacted earth so that new sod can easily take hold, but there are other methods you can do. Consult with a sodding professional to discuss which preparation steps should take place before laying sod.

Landscapers and sod installation specialists can lay sod. When choosing a professional to lay sod in your yard, read their ratings and reviews from customers. Also, search for photos that showcase actual work done by the pro. And always get cost estimates from several sodding professionals so you can get an idea of how much you should pay for their services.

Sod can be laid any time of the year, though the best time to do so is in the spring or early fall. During this time, temperatures are cooler but grass is still growing.

Summer isn’t ideal for laying sod (but still possible), as the high temperatures demand extra watering that can not only drive up your water bill. It can also make conditions ideal for mold and fungi.

There are differing opinions about this topic, which is why you should talk to a sodding professional near you to find out if it’s possible to lay sod over your particular lawn. In some cases, it might be possible. For example, some professionals say the new sod will kill the existing grass underneath and release nutrients that will benefit the new sod.

However, others believe the old grass will disrupt the sod's ability to take root in the soil, and it will die due to a lack of nutrients.

If you plan on sodding your yard, expect to pay between $250 and $1,250. You can get a better idea of your own cost by requesting free estimates from sodding professionals near you and calculating the square footage of your yard. Other factors will also affect your cost, including delivery prices, any prep work that needs to be done and additional labor costs.

Read our cost guide, “How much does sod installation cost?”