Putting Dirt or Sand over new sod to level lawn

Shannon – posted 17 January 2005 09:00

We just purchased a new home in Dec and the lawn was sod with St Augustine grass. When they laid the sod the lawn was not leveled well. What I would like to do is have a truck load of dirt hauled in and level the lawn by spreading the dirt or sand over the top of the sod. The dirt would cover the sod in some area up to 4 to 6 inches. I guess what I would like to know is would this kill the sod? If this does not kill the sod, how deep can I put the dirt onto of the sod before the dirt kills the sod? Is sand or dirt better? Also when should I roll pack the lawn (late winter or early spring)?

mikemaas00 – posted 20 January 2005 12:58

If you completely cover it, there is always a chance that you’ll kill it. Put down the sand, put a little topsoil or loam on top of that, and sprig or sod into that.