Question
Hello,
I live in SW Fl and I have a "natural" lawn, meaning it's mostly weeds. I would like to put down real grass, the kind you buy in sheets, but I'm not sure what to do with the existing lawn. My husband thinks we can just lay the grass on top of the existing lawn, but I don't think so at all! My neighbor suggested spraying the lawn with Round Up to kill all the weeds and then lay the grass down. What's the best way to do this?
I would really appreciate your help!

Answer
Anna:

Your neighbor is correct.  Weed treatment, preparing the soil, and laying sod are the proper steps.

A broad spectrum herbicide like Roundup or a glyphosate product will kill everything in the area.  Wait a few weeks to see if it needs another treatment, then start prep.

I assume that you have sandy soil, as is most of SW Florida.  I would add two cubic yards of compost per thousand square feet, a professionally produced product.  Till into the lawn area, make final finished graded, and lay sod.

The compost should have been made thermophilically, above 131 dg. F for weeks, black to brown in color, and high in nutrients.  There are many producers of compost in the state.  Some must have a professional clientelle.

Water sod in daily until it roots.  Then reduce watering to make roots dig for water.

Varieties for your region are best chosen at sod farm.  There are many good Bermudas, St. Augustines and centipedes.  If you are near the coast and have salt intrusion from sea winds, pick one that is salt tolerant.  Again, ask the sod farm about this factor.

Best wishes.