What are the dimensions and weight of a slab of sod?

 

A slab of sod measures, 21" x 42", which covers approximately 6 square feet. The profile (thickness) is generally 2 inches of blade and 1 inch of soil/root zone.  It weighs approximately 30 lbs per slab.

 

When can I install sod?

 

Sod can be installed any time of the year.  However, installation of sod when temperatures are above 90° Fahrenheit can be a challenge.  In extreme heat please call our office for more specific care and procedures.  Instant Landscaping Company is here to help. Please call whenever you are concerned about any  phase of your fresh turf installation.

 

How long does sod keep?

 

For best results, sod should be installed within 30 minutes. We guarantee your McPheeters Turf is fresh, but expect it to be installed immediately.  If that is not possible, it is up to YOU to monitor heat inside the layers of turf.

Lift the slabs and stick your hand between the layers toward the middle of the pallet.

 

Hot Sod MUST be installed promptly or unstacked and layed out to cool!

Make sure the ground is wet at least one inch.

Also Every slab of turf must be kept raked up so it can breath during and after watering.

 

CALL US with all of your Turf questions.

(541) 389-9663

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Can I water the sod while it is on the pallet?

 

No!  DO NOT water the sod while it is on the pallet.  This will suffocate and kill the sod.

 

What is the cost difference between sod and seed?

 

When starting a lawn from seed, at best, you save about 20% of cost. However, this estimate assumes you had 100% success in the first year. There are several variables that make starting a lawn from seed very challenging. In addition to the seed, one must invest in soil amendments such as compost and fertilizer, herbicides, as well as copious amounts of water. A seeded lawn usually needs a second seeding the following year. Labor is not factored into the cost. Please call us for more information, (541) 389-9663

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When should I mow my freshly laid sod?

 

Generally, you can mow your lawn after it is established.  The sod usually establishes after 30 days.  You can test before then by grabbing the center of the slab and tugging upwards, if the sod keeps to the ground it is established.  If you believe your lawn is established, you can mow to a height of 2".  Please call us for more information, (541) 389-9663

 

When should I fertilize my new lawn?

 

The sod comes pre-fertilized.  After a month, apply McPheeter's fertilizer ("Yellow" during Summer/Spring, "Red" during Fall/Winter).  Apply to color.  Every spreader has its own number setting, our recommendation is to set the spreaders at a rate that disperses fertilizer at the same ratio as salt and pepper to a steak.  DO NOT use a Weed & Feed in your lawn as it will harm your lawn over time and lead to thinning.  Please consider using, McPheeter's fertilizer as it is formulated for our area.

 

My lawn has signs of fungal presence (mushrooms, powdery mildew, fairy ring),

what should I do?

 

New sod lawns require frequent irrigations to become established, creating an ideal environment for the growth of mushrooms.  Typically, mushrooms don't harm the lawn and will disappear when irrigation is reduced.  On older established lawns, depending on the size of the colony, management practices can reduce and eliminate fungi presence.

 

In both cases, the most important thing is to water in the early morning before the dew has set and evaporated.  When the lawn is established, water deeply, but less frequently (ex. every 3rd day).  In established lawns, it's important to aerate and dethatch areas that show signs of fungi.  Dispose of the thatch and soil cores.  And replace with soil (low in organic matter).   Fertilize the lawn regularly.

 

If you desire to use a fungicide, keep in mind that fungicides will hurt your lawn.  Also, fungicides containing azoxystrobin or flutolanil aren't readily available to the home gardener and require multiple applications and proper timing over a long period of time.  Where complete eradication is desired, remove the soil and sod to at least a depth of 1 foot and 18 inches beyond the outside edge of the colony.  Refill the trench with fresh soil and reseed the area. Be careful not to spill any infested soil on adjacent healthy areas.

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