Questions and Answers

Installation Questions:

When is it too late to lay sod?

For our cool season grasses like Durablend Tall Fescue and HD 2000 Kentucky Bluegrass, you can install sod all year long. Fall is a great time to install because the of the cooler weather; the sod will be less likely to dry out.

How soon should sod be installed after receiving delivery?

The time you have to install sod depends greatly on the outside air temperature. Sod is a living plant and begins to decompose as soon as it is rolled up. The number one factor in decomposition rate is heat. If the temperature is in the 80's or higher, you should install the sod within 24 hours. If the temperature is in the 50 - 70 degree range, you may have a couple days to install it. If it is near freezing outside, you have up to a week to install sod. When in doubt, its always best to install sod ASAP!

How much sod comes on one pallet?

We usually put 600 square feet on one pallet.

How many rolls or pallets do I need for a given area?

Typically, you can call our office with the dimensions in feet - or area in square feet - and we can calculate how many pallets you need. If you want to calculate it on your own, read on. To find the area of your space, you would multiply the two dimensions (length by width). You would then divide this number by 10 to find the number of rolls you need. Dividing by 600 would give you the number of full pallets you need.

Should I get a soil pH test done before I lay my sod?

It is a good idea to get a soil test before installing sod. The results of a soil test will determine the soil pH and the soil nutrient levels. You then adjust these levels by applying the appropriate lime and fertilizer, if needed. Soil test kits can be found at our farm sales locations. Soil test results are usually in 2 weeks.

What's the best way to lay sod. Do you need a roller?

The best way to go about installing sod is to be prepared beforehand. Gather a rake, water hose, sprinklers, fertilizer and spreader, knife or shovel(to cut sod), and string (for a straight line). Prepare the site in advance by adding soil and amendments if needed. Next, level and grade the site, then apply a starter fertilizer. When installing new sod, stagger the seams like laying bricks. Have the soil underneath moist while laying; the objective is to obtain good soil to soil contact and minimize air pockets which could dry out the new sod.

Do you install sod?

We do not offer any sod installation service; however, If you call our office, we can provide you with the phone numbers of installers in your area.

Pick Up and Delivery Questions:

If I live on a narrow one way street, could I still have TerraTotes or sod delivered?

You can! Our experienced drivers encounter this type of scenario often. Usually they will safely park on an adjacent road and deliver the product via forklift. It can be placed anywhere you need as long as it is forklift-accessible.

Terratote Questions:

Is the top soil in the TerraTote appropriate for a rain garden?

What a great idea! Our premium garden soil would be a nice addition in any rain garden. Simply roto-till the garden soil into your native soil and you will end up with a finished product high in organic material. Rain water will be quickly absorbed into this highly organic soil, and your plants will love it too. Good Luck! Please call our office if you have any questions.

Does the TerraTote bag protect the soil? I'm concerned about having muddy soil if it's rained on.

The TerraTote will shed most water off of the soil, however some rain may seep through the opening. It will still be workable in most cases after rain.

How much soil comes in a TerraTote?

In each tote bag, there are approximately 1.1 cubic yards of soil product. This will roughly cover a 325 sqft area to a depth of one inch.

Lawn Maintenance Questions:

After installation, when should the first mowing be done? How can I prevent ruts in the sod from the mower wheels?

I would mow 2 weeks after installation. To minimize rutting, reduce/stop watering a day or two prior to mowing. This will allow the ground to dry out. You can resume your watering schedule between mowing. Another way to minimize rutting is to change directions for each mowing. Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass leaf. Maintain a 3.5" cut during the summer. This can be lower to 3" during the other seasons.

Is twice-per-week watering enough for newly installed sod?

Most likely sod would die during that particular scenario you described. You must remember that sod is a living plant and a plant that just had 95% of its roots cut off. It needs to be watered thoroughly to survive. For the first two weeks after installation, sod needs to be watered every day for roughly an hour. If it's raining, you do not water, and on the other hand if it's hot, dry and windy, you may need to water more. After two weeks of watering, you can reduce this to every other day. After that, the watering can be reduced again.

When should I be fertilizing my sod in the second year?

Fall is the best time to feed your lawn. Ideally you should take a soil test of your yard to see what fertilizer requirements are needed. Soil test kits are available at our farm locations. A soil test will also determine the pH on your lawn. Proper soil pH will help the fertilizer feed your lawn efficiently. Typically you need to apply one pound of nitrogen per 1000 sq ft; this first application should be around Labor Day weekend and the second application of nitrogen and phosphorous should be in the first week of November.

What is the best way to get rid of crabgrass without killing my good grass?

Since crabgrass is an annual grass, it will die with the first killing frost, usually in late October. In midsummer, you should concentrate on improving the good grass. Feed your lawn ASAP with a quality fertilizer. You should fertilize again in the middle of November with a winter type fertilizer. Your well fed good grass will now grow and strengthen during the winter months. Next year, in the early Spring, you should apply a crabgrass pre-emergent product. There are many manufactures of this type of product. Read and follow all label instructions. The key to stop future crabgrass outbreaks is to maintain a thick and healthy lawn. This will require appropriate fertilizer and annual crabgrass pre-emergent product applications.

How much preparation is necessary for overseeding? Should overseeding be done after aeration?

Fall is a great time to over-seed your lawn. There is some preparation needed prior to over-seeding your lawn. Typically, you should mow your lawn short to exposed the thinned out areas. You should seed with a slit seeder. A slit seeder will create small slits into the soil and drop seed into the slits all in one pass. The main objective with any seeding is to maximize soil to seed contact. Seeding after aeration is a good idea. too. Make sure you have plenty of cores to expose the soil for seeding. After any type of seeding, it is important to feed the lawn with a balanced starter fertilizer. Read and follow label instructions.

Other FAQ's:

What is the best type of sod to install if you have dogs?

Tall Fescue is a nice fit for dog owners. Once established, its deep roots will keep the grass soft and green all summer long. The dense grass will crowd out weeds so herbicide use can be kept to a minimum. The high microbial activity in the grass' thatch layer will break down all that Fido can throw at it

What are the dimensions of a sod roll?

Our standard small turfgrass rolls will measure 2' by 5'

How much does a pallet of sod weigh?

Normally, a full pallet of sod weighs around 2000 lbs. A pallet can weigh a little more after a rain because of the additional moisture.