Sod Installer Skipped Tilling: Compacted Soil Will Kill Sod

Sod farm cut old grass, raked, filled low spots—but didn't till. Some areas densely compacted. They said "sod grows on concrete." Should I till before they return?

They're Wrong. Sod Dies on Concrete.

• Roots need loose soil to penetrate.
• Compacted = no roots = dead sod.
• If they install on compaction, warranty is on them—but you get dead grass first.

Demand Proper Prep

• Till or spade compacted zones to 4–6".
• Incorporate compost.
• Re-level.

Don't pay for sod twice. Make them do it right.