Backyard Prep Sequence: Concrete, Irrigation, Soil, Sod

Phasing a Sacramento Backyard Build: From Dirt to Landscape

Bare backyard, new construction. Contractor pours concrete, installs drainage and irrigation. Homeowner preps soil, lays sod, plants later.

Pre-Irrigation/Concrete Prep

• Mark bed and lawn areas clearly with stakes/string/paint.
• No tilling or soil amendment yet—equipment will ruin it.
• Ensure contractor knows final grades for drainage.

Irrigation Installation

• Lines buried 12–18 in deep (below future tillage).
• Request "as-built" plan showing lines, valves, heads.
• Mark heads with flags before any soil work.

Lawn Area Soil Prep (Just Before Sod/Seed)

1. Rototill lawn area only.
2. Spread 1–2 in compost; till in.
3. Rake smooth; roll lightly.
4. Test/fix irrigation coverage.
5. Lay sod or seed.

Planting Beds

• Amend each planting hole individually (1:1 compost:native soil).
• No mass tilling near irrigation lines.
• Plant trees/shrubs after hardscape, before or after lawn.

Phasing Tip

If delaying lawn, keep irrigation capped/blown out. Tilling later risks line damage only if lines are shallow—proper depth prevents this.