Sod Care

TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR SOD

Good sod maintenance is important to keep it looking great. Proper installation, regular maintenance, watering, and ongoing care are critical to sod success.

WATERING

Ensure the lawn will flourish for years to come with proper watering. When new turfgrass is installed, take heed of its unique watering needs. Immediate watering after installation will ensure that turf is established well.

Soon after the turfgrass is installed.

Once the new sod is laid on the soil, immediately begin watering until one inch of water has been applied. Get the soil beneath the turf wet at least 3 to 4 inches below the surface.

The next 2 weeks are critical for continued growth.

Until the turf takes root, gently look under one of the corners of the sod to make sure the dirt underneath it is wet. Check daily. This is especially critical during summer months.

Continued monitoring for the turfgrass

Your turf will become more difficult to pull back once it is taking root. That’s a good sign.

WATERING ESTABLISHED TURFGRASS

Most established lawns require 1 inch of moisture per week. Seasonality and soil variation, however, are important factors when adjusting this level.

The grass needs water if:

You observe a grey-blue grass color
Footprints are visible after 30 minutes of walking on the grass

INSTALLATION

Any existing weeds and/or grass should be killed, the ground tilled to a depth of 3-4", and all rocks and debris removed. The soil should be raked smooth. Topsoil is recommended either with three or four inches raked smooth.

Place the sod on the soil in an alternating pattern, being sure to break the joints on each consecutive run (like a brick pattern).

Fertilizer can either be placed on the ground under the sod or on top of the sod after it is installed. If placed on top, be careful not to apply it too heavy.

Start watering the grass as sod is continuing to be laid.

DON’T FORGET TO WATER NEW SOD

Once the sod is installed, immediately water the sod. Then, water every day thereafter for at least two weeks.

The first three days sod must be watered to the depth of 3-4" in the soil underneath the sod. The next seven days the sod must be watered until the soil directly underneath the sod is wet. The next few days, the sod must be kept wet and never let the grass wilt.

The sod is established when it is attached to the ground and cannot be pulled up. Watering can be backed off to every other day. In temperatures exceeding 80°, a general-purpose fungicide should be applied to avoid brown patch, etc.

To maintain a plush, healthy lawn, one should get on a 5-step program at the local garden center.

LONG TERM CARE

Mowing

Mowing short all year is bad for grass. Fescue should be mown 3 1/2 - 4 inches all year round.

Clippings

Clippings recycle nutrients to the soil. Don’t collect them unless they are super long and cover the grass.

Watering

Speak with a sod specialist about specific watering needs for the long-term care of the sod. Consider a sprinkler system, a soil moisture sensor, and how the temperatures are affecting the sod’s water needs. Higher temperatures mean more water for the sod, if rain is not in the forecast.

Fertilization

Work with a Sod specialist to find the right fertilization program for the sod. A local garden center can supply the needed products.

FAQ

What is the price of sod per pallet?

Pallet prices vary depending on variety. Call the office at 706-866-4062 for exact pricing.
What is the price for delivery?

It is a 3-pallet minimum for deliveries. Deliveries are priced per square foot and the price varies depending on your total square footage. Call the office at 706-866-4062 and we can give you a total price for sod and delivery based off your square footage.
What is the square footage per pallet?

504 sq. ft./pallet.
Do you install sod?

There is an 8,000 sq. ft. minimum for installation.
What is your price for installation?

The price for installation varies depending on variety and square footage. Call the office at 706-866-4062 with your square footage for exact pricing.
What is the best type of sod for my area?

Fescue can handle some shade but needs about 6-8 hours of sun. Bermuda needs full sun.
When do you stop cutting sod?

We cut Fescue all year. We cut Bermuda sod varies depending on year, usually we cut it May-September.
Do you cut sod in rolls?

We can cut sod in mega-rolls that are 250 sq. ft. each.
Do you sell grass seed?

We sell the Black Beauty Fescue seed in a fifty-pound bag. One fifty-pound bag covers 12,000-15,000 sq. ft.
What size are your sod rolls?

The rolls are 30 inch’s wide and 100 feet long.
What is the size of the sod pieces?

The sod pieces are 16x24 inches.
What is the weight/size of the sod pallet?

A full pallet weighs around 2,000 pounds and is 4x4 feet.
How high do I need to mow my sod?

Mow fescue sod at 4 ½ inches. Mow Bermuda sod at 1 ½ inches.
What is the dirt thickness on a piece of sod?

The dirt thickness is 1/2 to ¾ inches. The sod thickness is ½ to ¾ inches.
How many pieces do I need for my area?

To find out how many pieces you need, divide your square footage by 2.6.