I am in Pensacola, FL. I purchased my home last winter, and the previous owners neglected the centipede lawn, despite having a sprinkler system. I would like to resurface a large portion of it with St. Augustine or Zoysia (probably Empire). I do have several live oaks on the property, but 90% of the area I plan on covering gets sufficient sun for most grass types.

Most of my questions revolve around preparation, grading, etc. I have already conducted 3 applications of roundup to kill all the weeds and whatever grass remained over the past couple of months.

My original plan was to till in some amendments, wet it down, then rake smooth and add necessary topsoil to level before laying sod the next day. However, after reading some posts here, it seems most feel that tilling is unnecessary, even counterproductive since it promotes lumpiness. I have seen the use of box blades and sod cutters suggested over a tiller. So, should I rent a sod cutter and/or box blade & tractor (I don't have a riding mower/tractor)? Or would it not be that much more expensive just to hire a landscaping company to come in and prepare my lawn? I can handle the laying of sod. Any idea of what a company would charge for the preparation phase only? I am looking at covering roughly 3000 square feet.

Any other tips on replacing sod in my situation would be welcome as well. Thanks in advance!

Otherwise you are wasting your time tilling the soil as it does nothing but cause problems. Just grade with a tractor with box blade and you are ready to go.

I ask, because centipede is actually very popular in this area. This is a 28 year old house that was most recently a rental, so I'm thinking that the last person to resod simply used one of the cheapest options.

Thanks for your help. I'm stopping by the extension office to pick up a testing kit today.

One of the most expensive options here.