Question
Hi, three weeks ago I sprayed and killed my bahia grass. A week ago I tilled my lawn about 10" deep. I wanted the deep rainfall we had to wash away the chemicals used to kill the lawn. Should I remove the dead crabgrass or lay over it?  I purchased Floratam sod. Do I need to add top soil before laying the sod? The sod farm appeared to be very dry not swampy like the areas around it. (zone 10)The sod has a layer of soil and some grayish looking substance underneath it. The grayish looking substance resembles clay only it isn't orange like the clay most people have in my area. Do you think the gray substance is clay? Also the empty yard has a few grass looking weeds popping up in it. I pulled one out. It has a hard dark brown seed attached to it. Does that mean the soil is too alkaline? I have never seen something grow so fast.

Answer
Hi Candie,  First, have you pH checked and adjust it if necessary.  The pH should be around 6 1/2.  Rake the area flat and lay the sod.  You don't need to add any soil and you can do all this the same day.  Don't worry about the weeds right now, you can always get them out.  Focus on establishing the turf first.   Jim