Why drainage should come before sod
Sod needs root contact, oxygen, and predictable moisture. A soggy low spot can suffocate roots, invite fungus, and leave seams soft long after the rest of the lawn looks healthy. If water stands for a day after rain, the site problem should be understood before new sod arrives.
Simple drainage checks
- Watch where downspouts release water during a hard rain.
- Mark puddles that remain after the rest of the yard dries.
- Run sprinklers and look for runoff before the soil absorbs water.
- Check whether patios, sidewalks, or driveways trap water against turf.