If you have underground sprinklers, locate and flag all heads, valve boxes, controller wiring, and any other sprinkler parts. If you don’t do this, you run the risk of damaging your irrigation system. [3] X Expert Source Keith SouzaHome Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 20 August 2021.

This is a good time to take a few soil samples for testing to ensure proper nutrient levels and proper PH balance.

You may also rent a sod cutter from a home improvement store. It’ll do the same job as your spade and save you some work if you don’t mind spending some money. Sodding is easier when the soil is damp but not saturated to the point of puddling. Wait for a light rain to pass.

For best results, use a half moon shaped manual edging tool.

Sod from a healthy lawn makes a great base for your lawn or garden. Either compost it or turn it upside down over the cleared area before you begin tilling. Unwanted sod may be taken to a waste center that accepts organics. Any city dump is bound to take it, but you may also be able to find home or business owners that will buy it for compost.

Please note: The WHO considers glyphosate to be a probable human carcinogen. Its use is prohibited in some states and countries. Please check with your local laws and use caution if handling this chemical. Be sure to follow all directions properly and wait the recommended time to allow the weed killer to dissipate before beginning prep work. If you don’t get rid of the weeds now, tilling can spread them further. Don’t let them take over your new lawn!

This option is good for when you don’t want to mess with chemicals or rent a sod cutter. However, be sure to leave it on long enough to kill the entire root systems of the unwanted vegetation, or it may grow back in time.

Roll some of the soil between your fingers. Moist soil clumps together when rolled but falls apart when you press it flat.

You may spread these by hand and even them with your rake, but a machine spreader saves a lot of time.

If you don’t want to rent a rototiller, you can dig up the lawn with a spade or shovel. Unless you’re digging a small garden patch, this takes a lot of labor, so the rototiller is worth the cost.

It’s best to avoid tilling near any trees you have. The rototiller can damage their roots.