Question
I live in Provo Utah (84606) and am planning to seed before the winter sets in.  I have in my current patchy lawn some sod that ended up dying.  If I am going to seed, so I need to pull up the dead sod to seed, or pull it up and just seed over it?  Thanks for the help.

Answer
Kyle:

I would remove the dead sod.  The ground underneath should be adequately prepared to host new seed.  If there is a level difference between the existing good sod and the removed sod patches, I might add some topsoil to make it level with the surrounding grass root system.  If there is no appreciable difference in level, then seed those spots directly.

I wonder about the reason for dead sod.  If it was watering, then, there should be no problem seeding.  If the problem was a fungus, then, the problem may appear again and require a fungicide.

Consider using a high quality compost, made thermophilically (over 131 deg. F for several weeks) and with a nutrient anaylsis (1-2N, 1-3 P, 1-3 K) from a professional landscaper supplier of the product.  It should have anitfungal characteristics and provide mulch and fertilizer for establishment.  Apply 3/8 inch thick over whole lawn area after reseeding.

Best wishes.