Question
I have a new home, the yard is nothing but dirt which I would like to plant grass, some trees and shrubs. What I would like to know is how and what I would need to economically till/treat the soil? The Equipment that I may need to hire and any additional do it yourself tips that may be important for me to do?
Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon.
Art

Answer
Hmm.  I'd need to know more info.  How big is the yard?  A condo patio doesn't need a large piece of equipment, but a few acres may require a farm plow! When I was living back east, they don't really do much but toss out some lawn seed and step back.  No irrigation, no soil prep. nada.  Hence, I'd need to know a bit more about where you are (state?) and how big (10 x 10 pad, or 1/4 acre?).

As far as "sweetening" the soil with additives or fertilizer, professional opinions vary, as much as soil types.  Our standard detail for turf installation here in the west is to spread 4" of topsoil, till it in with either a rototiller or in bigger areas a backhoe with a tiller attachment.  Then we install irrigation (if required), and carefully spread the soil to grade for drainage.  After testing the irrigation for coverage, we "carpet" the area receiving the lawn with pre-cut turf that comes on pallets from the grower.  You can also use seed for a more economical lawn.  It is not as nice-looking initially, and results may not be consistent.  Also, if there is debris in the soil (tree branches, construction left-overs, etc.) this can cause a spotty-looking lawn later.

As far as trees and shrubs, we mix 2/3 native to 1/3 topsoil or planting mix into the plant hole.  Purists think that this creates an artificial planting hole that restricts the plant's later growth, and insist on only native soil...I disagree. Plants aren't that smart, frankly.

Not much to it.  

If money were the issue, I'd lessen the amount of topsoil (to 2", maybe) or use something besides turf - stones, rocks, bark-mulch planters, etc. Besides, you don't have to mow rocks!