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No, it's not a good idea to put grass seed directly on top of dead grass. For successful germination and growth, grass seed needs good soil contact. To prepare the area, start by removing the dead grass using a shovel or a sod cutter. Then, loosen the soil, add soil amendments if necessary, and spread the grass seed evenly. This allows the seed to come into direct contact with the soil, promoting better germination and establishing a healthier lawn.

Aeration improves soil health, enhances water and nutrient absorption, and promotes stronger grass roots.

When your sod is new, you should keep an eye on it to prevent dehydration. As new sod plants its roots into the soil beneath it, it can easily get dehydrated and start to turn brown. Keeping a consistent watering schedule for your new sod will help prevent this issue and will help it thrive as it roots into your yard.

Once your sod is about six weeks old, you can start to establish a regular lawn maintenance routine, complete with mowing, edging, and fertilizing.  

Aerating a newly sodded lawn is generally not recommended immediately after installation. It's crucial to allow the sod to establish itself first, typically over the first growing season. Aerating too soon can disrupt the fragile root systems of the newly laid sod and potentially damage the turf. It's best to aerate prior to laying new sod or wait until the sod has fully rooted and the lawn is stable before considering aeration, usually after the first year.