FAQs About
Establishing A Lawn:
When’s the best time to establish a lawn?
Turfgrass sod can be installed year-round, even
on frozen ground, if sod is available; however,
sodding during the heat of summer will require more
water than during cooler periods. Seeding or
sprigging is best attempted in the Fall in most
areas, with Spring being the second best time.
Winter and Summer planting of seed or sprigs is
strongly discouraged
Can a homeowner install turfgrass sod?
If you can understand "Green Side Up," you can
successfully install sod. Because turfgrass sod can
be heavy, the help of a few friends is recommended.
For more information click to
"Turf Installation Guide."
Is seeding cheaper than sodding?
A big bag of grass seed will cost less than a
pallet of sod, but that is like comparing the cost
of raw wool to a fine sweater. Turfgrass sod is a
finished product that will provide nearly instant
use, beauty and environmental benefits, whereas seed
is an unknown that requires two or more years of
on-going time, attention, water, fertilizer and
pesticides to reach a maturity equal to sod on its
first day.
What do I look for to determine quality and
freshness?
Sod is a living plant that should be installed
between 24 to 72 hours after it is first harvested
from the farm field. The best indication of
freshness is soil that is moist (not hard and dry).
The grass blades should be dark green and cool to
the touch.
Strength of sod can be tested by holding a piece
by its narrow end and raising it overhead, without
it tearing or falling apart.
Uniformity of texture, mowing height and overall
quality, can best be determined by placing several
pieces on the ground and looking for extreme
variations or visible weeds.
What can I do to maintain a beautiful lawn?
- Quality grass simply needs water, air,
sunlight and nutrients. In most areas, grass
needs approximately one-inch of water a week.
Infrequent and deep watering encourages deep
roots and a healthy lawn.
- Mow frequently enough (with a sharp blade)
so you never cut-off more than one-third of the
grass blades in a single mowing. This will also
allow you to leave the clippings on the lawn so
they can naturally degrade and return nutrients
to the lawn.
- Prune trees so they allow as much light as
possible onto the lawn.
- Fertilize at least annually, or according to
the specific needs of your lawn.
- Aerate every other year to reduce compaction
and increase the exchange of water and air at
the root level.
How can I patch thin or dead areas?
- Turfgrass sod can provide an instant patch
by cutting out the old grass and trimming in a
sod patch. It’s easy, simple and immediate.
- Seeding can be used when the area is small
by raking out the old grass, loosening the soil
and sprinkling seed. Keep the seed very moist
with waterings two or three times a day until it
matures.
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