Memphis Yardwork? Best time to lay sod and sand? (contractors, live)

[cheapsk8]

I have some rough spots in my back yard; when is the best time to lay a pallet of sod?

Also, I want to get a truck load of sand to level out my yard a bit, when is the best time to put that down? I have visions of our March and April showers just washing it away and pissing me off?

Thanks

[BirdieBelle]

You should only put down sand if you don't want anything to grow.

As for sod, generally the best time of year is late spring so you don't hit the brutal heat of summer. You will have to water it liberally to get the roots started.

[shpgrl1001]

I too will be getting sod soon, about 4 pallets delivered from a sod farm, probably this week.

I've been reading about the benefits of sod as opposed to seed and see that the benefit of sod is that you CAN indeed lay it out anytime of year. Even winter. Contractors have to do it all the time. (and within 24 hours of delivery. or else keep it watered so that it doesn't dry out.)

One thing I am unsure of though is whether I have to lay out dirt underneath. I'm getting contradicting info on that. The yard I'm working with is compact dirt. The previous owners apparently used to drive and park on it. I've been told that I could just wet the area and lay the sod. But I've also read and been told that i need to add top soil or filtered dirt, or have the original dirt tilled so that the roots will grow properly.

I was going to get fill dirt, not sand. Do you mind if I ask where you were planning to get your sand?

I'm looking for the best place to get dirt and mulch in quantity (not bags), preferably free. I know they were giving out free mulch at the fairgrounds a couple of months ago.

Anything like that now....anywhere? Free dirt?