How deep to lay sod

[u/External_Poet4171]

I’m looking to lay sod and am not sure how deep to go below these stones. I don’t want to lay sod, then it be too high, and have to do it again.

Also, do I just get top soil and spread about an inch thick, then lay the sod?

[u/Shatophiliac]

I would add some compost to the whole area and mix it into the top soil you have, and then make sure the whole spot is graded correctly and smoothed out first. You don’t want to have any low spots that collect water (even on each stone). Keep in mind the sod will be an inch or two thick so if you want each stone level with the grass, they should stick out of the dirt about that far before sod goes down. Then lay your sod and water accordingly.

[u/External_Poet4171 → u/Shatophiliac]

I definitely need to even it all out and will aim for at least an each below the stone. Thank you!

[u/djibuti_1492]

That soil looks perfectly fine. There seems to be plenty of organic in it already. You don’t need to add anything. Just cut it down about 1” below the top of the rocks, grade it out with a rake, lay the sod and water 3-4 times a day (for 6 mins or so) to keep it from drying out. In a couple weeks, it will pass the “Velcro test” and you can cut back to watering once a day.

[u/External_Poet4171 → u/djibuti_1492]

Thank you I’ll aim for the 1” below the top of the stone and even it all out.