Soil testing — Water-wise grasses usually do not require soil amendments, but getting a soil test is never a bad idea. If your soil’s organic matter is below 1%-2%, soil amendments should be considered.
You can get a soil test through CSU Extension’s Soil Testing lab.
You will need to decide if your soil should be tilled, aerated or left “as is” prior to seeding your water-wise grass lawn. If your soil is heavily compacted, tilling or aeration is recommended.
PRO TIP: Tilling improves airflow in the soil, but it also promotes weed growth if there are weed seeds lying dormant in the top layers of your soil. Some people choose to avoid tilling because of this. We recommend using an aerator to avoid weed growth unless your soil is extremely compacted.