Question
Can I lay sod over beauty bark and expect it to grow?
Ken

Answer
I am not sure what "Beauty Bark" is but for our purposes I will assume that is either a local colloquialism for "bark mulch" or a trade name for "bark mulch".
In any case, if you are asking if you can lay sod on top of mulch made from tree bark of any kind, the answer is generally NO. Sod SHOULD be laid on clean raked soil (dirt) so the roots will have something to grow in immediately. If you lay it on bark mulch is will quickly dry out and die.
However, if the mulch is very old, thin and degraded. That is, it has broken down into mostly soil with some small pieces bark still left, it may do ok. But it is still not best for sod.

You should generally spray out and kill all weeds, then rake the debris out so you have nothing but clean exposed soil. Then rake and roughen the surface before laying the sod. The you should spray it with water and lightly step it in. This means walking on it when it is a little wet to be sure the roots are pressed into the soil.

Best of Luck

Sean J Murphy, LA,ISA, LEED AP
Please check out my blogs and articles on landscape topics like this on my websites.
http://www.seanjmurphy.com
http://amenityarchitects.com



Follow UP:
Ken, you have rated my knowledge below what I would expect. Is this becuase I did not know what Beauty Bark was? Please keep in mind that questions come in from all over the world and many people have many different names for the same products. I clearly answered your question and should have left no doubts. If I was wrong about the product, perhaps you could elaborate as to what it is so that I can better answer the questions. Also, please note, I am a volunteer and generally questions asked on the weekend do not get answered the day you ask. For me to respond first thing Monday morning when you asked on Saturday, should be considered very timely. Thanks