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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to give 24 hour notice when
placing an order?
What is the shelf life of sod? Why does sod have
to be installed the same day as it is harvested?
How much water does a newly installed lawn
require?
Before installing sod, do I need to put down
topsoil? If so, how much is adequate?
Do I need to fertilize the sod after I install it?
If not, when should I apply the first shot of fertilizer?
If apply too much fertilizer, will the sod come back?
How does the sod farm keep it's sod weed free?
Why is your sod grown on Peat soil?
When is it too late in the year to lay sod?
What's digging holes in my new lawn?
I think I’ve got grubs in my lawn, what
should I do?
Are animals a problem on the farm?
Do you recommend installing an irrigation system?
Facts about Turfgrass Sod- Did you know....
More Questions? Let us know!
Email: Jim McLeod
Why
do I need to give 24 hour notice when placing an order?
A: Sod needs to be harvested when the
ground temperature is the coolest; therefore, the sod is harvested each
morning between 5:00 & 6:00 am. Placing your order the day before you
would like to install it, helps to insure that your order will be ready
when you are.
What is the shelf life of sod? Why does sod have to be installed the
same day as it is harvested?
A: The shelf life of sod
depends on the time of year it's harvested, we always recommend
installing your sod the same day as it is harvested to prevent it from
drying out. Because we fertilize the sod weeks prior to harvesting it,
the longer it sits on the pallet, the more chance you have of it
"building heat".
How much
water does a newly installed lawn require?
A: The initial watering of
newly installed sod is the most important. Begin watering immediately
after installation of the new sod. Saturate the turf making sure that
the water goes through to the roots into the ground. Keep watering daily
for 1-2 weeks or until the turf roots in. After the turf
"roots" in, it will need about 1- 1 1/2 inches of water per week.
Before installing sod, do I need to put down topsoil? If so, how much is
adequate?
A: We recommend 4-6 inches
of top quality topsoil. Too often, homeowners and Contractors hope
to save money on a new lawn by putting a minimal layer of topsoil over a
hard packed construction site. Proper drainage and oxygen to the root
system is the basis of healthy sod.
Do I need to fertilize the sod after I install it?
If not, when should I apply the first shot of fertilizer?
If apply too much fertilizer, will the sod come back?
Most Landscapers apply a starter
fertilizer on the ground before the sod goes down. Make sure when buying
a starter fertilizer that you purchase a "low nitrogen content" to
prevent burning the roots of the sod. You can start regular
fertilizer applications around the holidays. (Memorial Day, Labor Day,
and the last part of November with a application of straight nitrogen)
If you only want to fertilize once a year, do it all in the fall. If you
burn the lawn with too much fertilizer, with time, it will usually
recover if there are still green spots throughout the lawn. It wouldn't
hurt to throw a little seed down to help it along.
How does the sod
farm keep it's sod weed free?
By implementing a good fertilizer
program, your lawn will be filled in and lush, choking out any weeds
that try to invade. Bare spots in your yard tend to become an "opening"
for weeds.
Why is your sod grown on
Peat soil?
Most of the sod farms in the USA grow
their sod on mineral soil, the muck / peat farms are mainly in Michigan
and surrounding states. Our company grows sod on both Peat and Topsoil
base. Most Landscapers prefer peat base do to the fact that peat base is
naturally organic, containing "natural" fertilizers and high in
nutrients. Not to mention that peat base is substantially lighter in
weight.
When is it too late
in the year to lay sod?
The best times to lay sod are Spring
and Fall, sod can be installed throughout the summer months as long as
water is readily available. We harvest sod Mid-April through the first
snow fall that sticks to the ground, usually the end of November.
What's digging holes in my
new lawn?
The holes in your lawn are probably
caused by raccoons, possums, or skunks. Raccoons are the most likely.
Try putting out a live trap at night with a little dry dog food as bait;
wet cat food also works well. After you catch the critter, you can then
relocate him.
I think
I’ve got grubs in my lawn, what should I do?
Unless you are seeing dead grass,
it’s best to do nothing. If you feel that you have to do something or
you are seeing dead grass, treat the area with Dylox. The Bayer Company
makes a good fertilizer that contains Dylox. Follow the directions on
the bag and water it in well. There are turf pesticides that can be
applied in the spring for grubs, Dylox and Seven, both are readily
available. When summer arrives, the only product to use is Merit; this
also comes in a fertilizer made by the Bayer Company. Merit should only
be applied around the 1st week of July until about the 10th of July. If
you don’t make either of these deadlines, wait until next year.
Are animals a problem on the
farm?
Animals have never been a real problem
on the farm. Occasionally, we see deer, coyote, fox, woodchuck, and
others but rarely do they become bothersome.
Do you
recommend installing an irrigation system?
If funds are available, we recommend
installing a irrigation system. With an irrigation system installed you
can control how much and when water is applied to the turf, always
keeping it in top condition.
Did you
know....
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Rodents, snakes, skunks, and other
small animals are less likely to inhabit a low-mowed turf area
and then invade homes.
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Turfgrass and Shrubs along
interstate highways release enough oxygen via photosynthesis to
support the needs of 22 million people.
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With up to 90% of the weight of a
grass plant in its roots, it is very efficient in preventing erosion.
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Front lawns of just 8 average houses
have the cooling effect of about 70 tons of air conditioning-
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Well maintained lawns surrounding a
home serve as a fire fighting buffer and will not sustain fires as
dense, woody vegetation may.
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Turfgrass traps chemical air
pollutants and converts noxious gases into clean oxygen. Turfgrass is
one of nature's sponges!
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