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DeBuck’s Sod Farm
Growing Quality Bluegrass Sod Since 1956
Growing Quality Bluegrass Sod Since 1956
Preparation for Sod Installation
Proper soil preparation is the key to the success of your lawn, regardless if you plan to sod or seed. Money spent at this stage will yield years of trouble-free low-cost maintenance. The goal is to provide a base in which grass roots can vigorously establish and grow.
- Remove any existing vegetation, either with a sod cutter OR chemically. When applying chemicals be sure to read the label and follow directions.
- Rototill the soil to a depth of 3-5 inches.
- Rake the soil level and remove any large clumps, rocks, or debris. Soil should be loose, but level.
- Keep finished grade 1″ below sidewalks or other adjacent surfaces.
- Eliminate drainage problems by having soil slope away from foundations.
- Apply a seed starter fertilizer to the soil and lightly rake into the surface. An example of the proper analysis is 11-23-10 OR 10-18-10.
Installation of Sod
Sod is a living, breathing plant community and cannot survive long under the stress of transplanting. Sod should be installed as soon as possible for best results. In extremely hot weather sod needs to be installed immediately. In
cooler temperatures sod should be installed within 24 hours.
- Begin installing sod along a straight line, such as a driveway or property line.
- Push edges and ends tightly together. Avoid gaps and overlapping.
- Stagger pieces in a brick-like pattern to avoid long seams.
- For three people laying sod, the best method is for two people to carry rolls to the line and have one person fitting the seams together.
- Prior to watering sod may be rolled with a half-filled roller. This will improve sod to soil contact and remove any air pockets.
- Apply at least 1″ of water to sod immediately after installation.
- Water twice per day during the rooting process and minimize walking on the sod. Water should not puddle, but the roots need to stay moist during the establishment phase.
- The sod will take 10-14 days to firmly root.
Sod Maintenance
Watering
Established sod/grass should receive 1″-1 1/2″ of water per week. Weather conditions can affect the moisture available to the turf and watering amounts and frequency should be adjusted accordingly.
Mowing after Sod installation
- Sod must be firmly rooted before mowing. Check by pulling on sod after 7-10 days.
- Keep mower blades sharp and use care when turning sharply, not to rip turf.
- Only remove 1/3 of the leaf blade at any mowing.
- Kentucky Bluegrass will thrive when maintained at a 2″-2 1/2″ height
The following schedule will ensure sod stays healthy:
- Early May: Use 30-0-5 Lawn Food
- Mid June: Use 30-0-5 Lawn Food, apply preventative grub control if needed
- Early September: Use 30-0-5 Lawn Food
- Late October: Use Seed Starter 11-23-10 or 10-18-10
Sod Fertilization
- New sod can be fertilized 6 weeks post installation.
- Only use weed, crabgrass, insect, or fungicide control if a problem is present.
Fine Fescue Maintenance
Preparation and Installation
The preparation and installation care for DeBuck’s Fine Fescue Sod is the same as for our Quality Bluegrass Blend Sod. Please note the special maintenance care below:
Watering
Established fine fescue mix only needs water during extreme drought conditions. Over-watering can lead to fungal diseases such as leaf-spot.
Mowing
- Do not mow fine fescue mix when wet, to prevent fungal diseases.
- Maintain a 2-inch mowing height
Fertilization
Excess fertilizer can lead to disease in fine fescue mix. Only apply a maximum of 1 pound of Nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft; typically, in Mid-September. Do not fertilize during the heat of summer.
Overseeding
- Overseeding may be needed occasionally to rejuvenate patchy areas.
- Use only a “Fine Fescue Blend.”
- Do not cultivate when wet