Your old grass, that is. As with many other tasks, preparation is everything when installing a new sod lawn.

After the "bomb" drops, among the few things surviving will most likely be cockroaches, quite possibly Jerry Springer, and most certainly common Bermuda grass.

Although for some, the word Bermuda conjures up pictures of idyllic beaches and tropical drinks with umbrellas, for landscapers it refers to an extremely persistent type of grass found in virtually every yard which can be more bothersome and difficult to get rid of than visiting relatives.

Before new sod is laid, it is very important to properly prepare the area to be sodded, including mulching, tilling, grading, fertilizing, and in almost all cases, weed eradication.

Having a little bit of Bermuda grass in your lawn is like being a little bit pregnant. Although other weeds such as oxalis, spurge, crabgrass, and dandelions can be treated chemically if needed after the new sod is installed, Bermuda grass should be thoroughly poisoned with systematic herbicide before the new sod goes down. It may take several applications but it is well worth it - because to eradicate it as it grows through your new grass is an expensive and difficult proposition.