lawn uneven after sod install
|

Why Your Lawn Is Uneven After Sod Installation

Installing new sod is a fast way to refresh your yard, but what if your new lawn doesn’t look as smooth and level as you hoped? Uneven sod is a common issue for homeowners in Ogden and across Northern Utah. At S&S Sprinklers, we help clients understand why this happens and how to fix it the right way. In this post, we’ll walk you through the most likely causes and practical solutions.

Common causes of uneven sod

Even the healthiest, greenest sod can end up looking patchy or uneven if the underlying conditions aren’t right. Here are the most common culprits behind lumpy, bumpy, or sinking sod in Northern Utah yards:

1. Poor soil preparation

Proper prep work is critical for a smooth sod installation. If the soil beneath the sod isn’t adequately graded or conditioned before laying the new turf, you’re almost guaranteed to see uneven results.

What can go wrong?

      • Compacted soil makes it difficult for sod roots to take hold, which can lead to poor establishment and patchy growth.
      • Lumpy, rutted ground creates high and low spots that only become more visible over time.
      • Uneven grading may not be noticeable immediately, but as the sod settles, dips and mounds can emerge.

Unfortunately, skipping or rushing the prep phase is one of the biggest mistakes we see. At S&S Sprinklers, we always take time to grade and prep the area properly to ensure long-term success.

2. Soil settling after installation

Even with careful prep, soil can shift once the sod is installed—especially in areas where fill dirt was added, trenches were dug, or heavy rainfall occurs. Soil settling is a natural process, but it can cause noticeable dips or uneven patches if not addressed early.

Key contributors to settling:

      • Sprinkler line trenches that weren’t compacted properly
      • Fill dirt or topsoil added to low areas without sufficient tamping
      • Heavy foot traffic or rain shortly after installation

Settling can happen gradually, so it might take a few weeks or even months for the unevenness to show up. If you’ve recently installed sod and now see new low spots, this could be the reason.

3. Inconsistent watering

New sod requires consistent, even watering during its first few weeks to establish strong roots. If your sprinkler system isn’t reaching every area evenly—or is overwatering in certain spots—you might notice uneven growth or softness.

What to watch for:

      • Dry areas may curl at the edges or turn brown
      • Overwatered zones can become squishy or sunken, especially near garden beds
      • Mismatched sprinkler coverage leads to uneven saturation, creating weak patches

Modern sprinkler systems can prevent this issue with zone-specific timers and precision heads. If you're unsure whether your system is properly balanced, S&S Sprinklers can perform a sprinkler audit to fine-tune performance.

4. Gaps between sod pieces

How sod is installed plays a big role in how even your lawn looks. If there are visible seams between the pieces or the edges weren’t tightly pressed together, gaps can appear as the sod settles and shrinks slightly during root establishment.

Common issues include:

      • Separation between sod rolls that exposes bare soil underneath
      • Edges curling up or lifting, especially in hot or dry weather
      • Visible cracks that don’t fill in without additional topdressing or reseeding

Properly installed sod should look like a seamless carpet, not a patchwork quilt. If gaps are forming, it could indicate rushed or careless installation.

5. Debris or tree roots under the sod

Sometimes unevenness isn’t due to soil or watering—it’s caused by hidden obstacles just beneath the surface. Tree roots, buried rocks, chunks of old concrete, or construction debris can all create bumps, heaves, or soft spots under the sod.

You might notice:

      • Raised or spongy sections from roots pushing up over time
      • Sudden dips from decomposing organic matter or shifting buried debris
      • Uneven watering or drainage caused by buried gravel or compacted materials

This is especially common in older yards that have been renovated multiple times. At S&S Sprinklers, we always recommend a full site inspection before installation to detect and remove any hidden debris.

How to fix uneven sod

Uneven sod may look discouraging at first, but there are proven ways to restore a smooth, healthy lawn. The right solution depends on the extent of the problem. Whether your lawn has minor low spots or more serious grading issues, S&S Sprinklers offers professional lawn repair services tailored to your yard’s needs.

Topdressing

Topdressing is a highly effective method for correcting mildly uneven lawns. It involves applying a thin layer of soil or sand over the existing grass to gradually fill in dips and create a level surface.

How topdressing works:

    • A soil mix (often sand, compost, and topsoil) is spread across the lawn at a depth of ¼" to ½"
    • The material is raked into the low spots and blended with the existing grass
    • Over time, the grass grows up through the new layer, smoothing out the lawn’s appearance

Benefits of topdressing:

    • Non-invasive—no need to remove your existing sod
    • Improves soil health and drainage as a bonus
    • Can be repeated once or twice per season for gradual leveling

This approach is ideal for homeowners who want to maintain their existing lawn while addressing small problem areas. S&S Sprinklers can help choose the right soil blend and handle the topdressing process to ensure an even, healthy finish.

Regrading and resodding

If the lawn has widespread dips, poorly installed sod, or has suffered from long-term settling, a more comprehensive fix may be required. In these cases, regrading the soil and laying down fresh sod offers the most reliable long-term results.

What regrading and resodding involves:

    • Removing the old sod and assessing the condition of the soil underneath
    • Using leveling tools and compactors to reshape the base for proper drainage
    • Installing high-quality sod on a smooth, stable surface

When this method is needed:

    • Your lawn has deep, widespread low spots or uneven ridges
    • Previous sod was installed over debris or unprepared ground
    • You've experienced repeated water pooling or soggy areas that never resolve

This is a bigger project, but one that delivers lasting results—especially when paired with upgrades to your sprinkler system. At S&S Sprinklers, we ensure everything below the surface is ready to support new turf that looks great and grows strong.

Sprinkler system improvements

Many uneven sod issues start with inconsistent irrigation. If some areas of your lawn are overwatered while others are dry, this can lead to soft spots, sunken areas, and patchy turf growth. Evaluating and improving your sprinkler system is a smart move alongside any lawn leveling work.

Key sprinkler upgrades we offer:

    • Zone-by-zone pressure checks to ensure each area gets consistent coverage
    • Sprinkler head replacements or adjustments to eliminate dead zones or overspray
    • Smart irrigation controllers that adapt watering schedules based on weather and soil moisture
    • Drip zone additions for garden beds or oddly shaped lawn areas

Addressing irrigation at the same time as lawn repair helps prevent future unevenness and protects your investment in new sod or topdressing.

How to prevent uneven sod installation

The best way to avoid problems is to make sure the soil is properly prepped before sod ever touches the ground. Here's how to set your new lawn up for success:

    • Clear debris: Remove rocks, roots, or leftover construction materials
    • Loosen the soil: Till 4–6 inches deep to promote healthy roots
    • Level and grade: Smooth out dips and ensure proper drainage away from buildings
    • Roll lightly: Use a lawn roller to slightly compact the soil without overdoing it
    • Hire professionals: Work with a trusted local company like S&S Sprinklers for expert prep and installation

Proudly serving Northern Utah

S&S Sprinklers provides expert sod installation, sprinkler repairs, landscape grading, and irrigation system upgrades throughout Ogden and nearby cities. Our service area includes:

Let us level your lawn the right way

If your new sod isn’t looking the way it should, don’t settle for a lumpy, uneven lawn. S&S Sprinklers can diagnose the issue, regrade the soil if needed, and ensure your lawn is healthy, beautiful, and built to last.

Call today or request a free estimate to get started. We serve homeowners across Northern Utah with high-quality landscaping, sprinkler, and sod installation services that deliver smooth results every time.

Similar Posts