A lush, green lawn enhances the beauty of any garden or property.  However, building a new lawn is a major undertaking that should not be rushed.  It’s important to get the soil preparation right because once the grass is planted, you will find it much harder to correct any major problems.  Here are the steps you should take to prepare the soil before seeding or laying down sod.

Test for pH

Soil destined for growing grass should be neutral to slightly acidic.  A pH between 6.8 and 7 is best, but if you can achieve a pH somewhere between 6.5 and 7.2, that will do.  Use a home test kit, sold at nurseries and garden centers, to get a pH reading.  If the soil is too acidic (pH too low), apply ground limestone several months before planting.  Faster-acting lime products are available if you’re in a hurry.  On the other hand, if the soil is too alkaline you can lower the pH by applying elemental sulfur.

Correct potential drainage problems

Both heavy and sandy soil can lead to lawn problems.  If the soil is heavy and clay-like, it may retain water instead of letting the excess drain away quickly.  This cuts off air circulation to grass roots, causing them to drown.  Sandy soil may have the opposite problem - it doesn’t hold water long enough for grass roots to absorb it.  To correct either situation, incorporate lots of organic matter into the top 24 inches of soil.

Add organic matter

Ensure the fertility of the soil by mixing in compost or other organic matter.  This material provides nutrients and helpful microorganisms.  If you didn’t already incorporate organic matter into the soil to improve drainage, this is the time to do it.  A 1-inch layer of compost spread over the entire area and tilled into the top 6 inches of soil will accomplish this step.

Remove weed roots

After mixing in a substantial amount of organic matter, let the soil rest for a week or two, giving any weeds time to sprout.  Then pull or cut them out with a hoe.  One of the advantages of using sod is that the new lawn starts off weed-free.  But if you are using seed, take care to remove as many weeds as possible so they won’t be competing with newly sprouted grass.

Rake soil smooth and level

Now that the soil is fertile and free of weeds, make a level surface for the new lawn.  Any hollows or dips in the ground can affect turf growth.  Wet or dry spots will encourage fungus and bacterial diseases and attract insect pests.  Once this step is done, the soil is ready for grass.

For best results, you should plant a new lawn during the prime grass-growing season.  When that is depends on your location.  Generally, late summer or early spring is good if you live in the northern U.S., while late spring or late summer is the best time in the southern part of the country.  Try to plan things so that seeding or sod laying is likely to be followed by a month of temperate, moist weather.

Getting the soil ready for a new lawn may seem to you like a lot of effort.  And you’d be right - it requires as much painstaking work as preparing flower or vegetable beds.  Although you may be eager to see green grass in your yard, don’t rush through the critical preparation stage.  A lawn that gets off to a good start will require less maintenance in the long run and provide enjoyment for years to come.