New sod preparation?

Question

In preparation for laying new sod in my 15X40ft backyard, I have done the following:

1. Used Roundup to kill whatever little grass and weeds there were. (btw it worked well)

2. Soaked the ground the night before and rented a Rototiller to remove whatever grass was left.

Afterwards, I raked up as much of the dead grass and weeds as I could, but obviously I couldn't capture all. I plan to add a layer of new soil/fertilizer mix before laying sod.

So my question is, can I leave bits of dead grass and dead weeks in the existing soil?

Answer 1

No you should have tilled it over after you did the roundup and let the sun bake the remaining roots for a day or so then raked them up then soaked it and till it again to make sure there wasn't anything left ...because the ones left remain now wasn't turned over before soaking it and now that you soaked it the ones you left if there is any life at all in them and i bet there was in some of them will take root again and come right back through the sod before it gets taken off growing really well i know someone who did this and had to kill the sod all over again because when he tried to kill the remaining regrow weeds it killed huge spots in his lawn and it was a mess he spent a fortune in it before getting it right his yard was like dirt off and on for over a yr. Good Luck and you can call the sodding company in your area and they will also answer your questions because they want the business whether they get it or not they don't know that so call one of them and ask if you want to make sure but remember you  gave them lil devils alot of water to regain strength with so make sure before you lose alot of money and time.

Answer 2

Dead grass = fine

DEad weeds = not fine - obciously you can't get it all, but you want to get as much as possible.

Answer 3

I would think you can.  

The evidence of a healthy soil is the presence of weeds.

The weeds are often the best attraction to birds.

Good King Henry is a weed, but it is edible.    Oxalis is a little yellow clover that has purplish leaves, and is also edible.

Forgetmenots, violets, wood violets., mints, savory, basil and parsley, and the little lettuce flower all grow as weeds in our yard and garden.   I leave them to grow, except where air is needed for a special plant.    Sage is also growing in our yard, and Rosemary.  English Thyme.    They all bloom at different times, and the yard just keeps buzzing with activity from the water in an old wash tub in the back.  The bees have found it a nice supply of water, and I keep it fresh by watering it through clean every three days.    I dig up the plantain and let those dry on the pile of branches and lay it on the top.

Keeping it watered down.    The birds will come and use it for food, as the plaintain is a small wild onion that when the Indians used it, they let them grow bigger.  Have fun in your lawn.    With the dirt spots, dig out the soil, and put it a slip of sod where it needs it.