currently. I want to start over.? My lawn is currently established on clay and rocky soil. I have a very hard time with it. It turned brown this summer with drought in the area. Id like to put topsoil on top of it and plant new grass seed. Do I have to cut the sod first?

add top soil and start over

You need to remove the rocks, then do a soil sample and figure out what you need to add to balance out the clay.

The best way to get all the rocks out? Gather some neighborhood kids (or relatives) and offer them 10 cents for every rock they gather and put in a wheelbarrow. They'll have fun, earn a little money and you'll get your yard cleared.

You can,but I'll tell you a secret. Get a couple of bags of Gypsum and sprinkle across the top . Water it in well,sprinkle you seeds, add some topper,or a potting type soil on top of that. I use topper.After it starts to grow,a couple of months down the road,sprinkle some Epsom Salt on it and water well for three days.The Gypsum changes the composites of the clay soil,and makes it more like soil we all wished we had. But that wont take affect for about a year. In the meantime,the Epsom salts adds magnesium and makes the grass almost golf course like.It's true,ask my neighbourhood.After I added it to mine,a few weeks later,we where all standing out front looking at the lawn in amazement! It looked just like a very expensive golf course turf. That's a true story! Byee

Yes, you can do this.

Keep the seeds moist.

Next summer you will need to water once or twice per week if you have another drought. Lawns need water, water, and more water. )