FESCUE GRASS SEED SOIL PREPARATION
- Before planting your grass seed, rototill the top six inches of your existing soil. ...
- Till in organic matter such as black topsoil, compost, shredded yard waste (leaves, grass clippings, etc.) or an organic matter-based, slow-release fertilizer.
- Add any additional soil amendments as suggested by your local county extension agent. ...
How do you plant fescue grass seed?
If you end up with any cracks in between sod pieces, fill them in with soil. Rolling with a hand roller helps the grass roots achieve contact with the soil beneath the sod. Immediately after laying the fescue sod, it should receive water to a depth of 4 inches. Keep the grass moist, but not soggy, until the roots establish themselves.
How do you prepare the ground before laying sod?
Prepare an adequate soil mix prior to laying sod. Heavy clay soil may best be dealt with by covering it with 6″ of more granular soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend poor soils, such as heavy clay, by adding organic matter. Sources include compost, rotted manure, peat, and quality topsoil.
Is fescue sod hard to grow?
Fescue sod is relatively easy to install after a little soil preparation. Tall fescue and red fescue are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5a through 7b, but they also grow well in warmer Mediterranean climates with temperate summers and winters.
What kind of soil do you use to plant sod?
Add a 6-inch layer of topsoil over your existing soil. Topsoil will make the soil healthier, which will help the sod grow. Any kind of regular topsoil will work. If you don’t have access to topsoil, you can use manure or compost instead.
How do you prepare ground for fescue sod?
How to prepare soil for sodStep 1: Clear the Site. Clear the site of any and all debris, including rocks and sticks.Step 2: Rough Grade. ... Step 3: Till the Soil. ... Step 4: Add Topsoil. ... Step 5: Test the Soil. ... Step 6: Apply Starter Fertilizer. ... Step 7: Finish Grade. ... Step 8: Roll the Area.More items...
What should I put on my soil before sod?
How to Prepare a Site for SodClear The Site. ... Rough Grade The Area. ... Till The Soil. ... Add Topsoil. ... Test The Soil pH. ... Finish Grade The Site. ... Apply Fertilizer. ... Settle The Surface.
When should I lay fescue sod?
Still, planting Tall Fescue sod in the spring or fall is the most common practice. If you sod in the spring, once there's no risk of frost that can damage young plants, including grass, moderate temperatures, ample sunshine, and spring rains, give the sod a healthy start.
How do I prepare my lawn before laying sod?
0:072:05How to Prepare Your Soil and Lay Sod - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipConsider bringing in a blended topsoil or compost these materials will improve drainage and heavyMoreConsider bringing in a blended topsoil or compost these materials will improve drainage and heavy soils.
Do I need to put topsoil down before sod?
You need to add topsoil before laying sod if your existing topsoil is less than 2 inches (5 cm) deep and the soil below that is mostly clay or sand. Sod will struggle to root in extremely sandy or clay soil, so adding topsoil will help your grass flourish.
Should you put fertilizer down before laying sod?
TIPS FOR LAYING SOD | BE SURE TO FERTILIZE FIRST! Apply a Starter Fertilizer first, before laying down the sod. You would also want to include an application of Gypsum, which will loosen the existing ground and encourage a healthier root system.
How long does it take for fescue sod to root?
How long does it take new sod to root? Your new sod should root within 10-14 days of application. This is also when you should mow your new lawn for the first time after laying sod.
How often should you water new fescue sod?
2-3 times a dayCheck your new sod for moisture several times a day - at least once in the morning and once in the afternoon. If you see it quickly drying out, then scout more often and water more often. In high heat temperatures, especially with tall fescue, brand new sod may need to be watered 2-3 times a day to keep it moist.
How long should you stay off new sod?
How long must you wait to use your new sod lawn? The general recommendation is to wait two weeks – but the number of days you wait is really dependent on determining that the lawn has, indeed, taken root.
What is the best topsoil for sod?
Black loam provides an abundance of water and nutrients to the soil which is extremely important for their health. It provides better drainage that clay-rich soil, which is why it's commonly used to prepare the soil for sodding.
How much topsoil do I need for new sod?
New Construction Sites : It's advisable to order soil based on a minimum 4 – 5 inch depth of new top soil. Once spread, leveled and packed with a roller it will result in a 3.5 – 4 inch depth of top soil for your new sod.
What is the best starter fertilizer for new sod?
For new sod, it is critical to get the roots established first. A fertilizer with an adequate amount of phosphorus is best. Apply fertilizer with a listing of 16-16-16 (rate: 6.5 lbs / 1000 sq. ft.) or 10-20- 20 (rate: 10 lbs / 1000 sq.
Should you put lime down before sod?
Limestone is most effective at changing the soil pH when it is mixed in with the top 5 inches of soil, which means it's easier to adjust your soil's pH before planting grass seed or laying sod than it is to add it to an established lawn.
What is the best base for sod?
Soil as the Sod Base The base for your sod is the material that the sod grass roots will grow into, and topsoil for sod that has been prepared in advance provides the best base.
How do you prepare soil for St Augustine sod?
Mow the lawn area with a lawnmower, set on the lowest setting, to remove all tall weeds from the area you are planting.Turn the soil with a garden tiller to a depth of 4 inches. ... Rake out all weeds, grass and rocks from the planting area.Water the soil with a garden hose or sprinkler so it is damp.
Will sod grow on hard dirt?
When your yard is covered in hard dirt, the sod isn't likely to thrive, although it might not die. Instead, loosen and prepare the dirt so your sod can establish quickly and provide you with a lush, full lawn.
What zone does fescue grow in?
Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and hard fescue (Festuca longifolia) grow well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5a to 7b. These cool-season grasses can also grow in temperate ...
How to test soil pH?
Test the soil pH using an at-home testing kit. Grass grows best with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. You can add lime to raise the soil pH or sulfur to lower it, if needed. Apply pH adjusters at the rates recommended in their manufacturer's instructions, because commercial additives come with varying concentrations.
How to stop weeds from sprouting in grass?
Water the area and then cultivate it shallowly to stop any additional weeds that sprout. Repeat this cycle a few times before planting grass.
Why do you rake fescue?
Rake the soil so that it slopes away from your house and other nearby buildings. Raking also gives the soil surface more texture, which prevents fescue seeds from blowing away after you spread them.
What is Lisa Chinn's background?
Lisa Chinn developed her research skills while working at a research university library. She writes for numerous publications, specializing in gardening, home care, wellness, copywriting, style and travel. Chinn also designs marketing materials, holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and is working toward a PhD in cognitive neuroscience.
Who is Lisa Chinn?
Writer Bio . Lisa Chinn developed her research skills while working at a research university library. She writes for numerous publications, specializing in gardening, home care, wellness, copywriting, style and travel.
Why did I put Bermuda grass in my yard?
When it first came on the market, I installed TifGrand Bermuda in my front yard because my grass was thinning out due to a north-facing orientation (shade). I have been very pleased with the results and NG Turf was extremely accommodating with their professional advice and service.
Why do we use NG turf?
We use NG Turf because they always come through with great service, timely delivery, and beautiful sod. We try to give excellent service and we always appreciate getting it in return. NG Turf really takes care of us!
How long does it take to prepare soil for sod?
Sod installation is a landscaping task that homeowners can perform themselves if they are up to the challenge. Preparation should begin a few weeks before you are ready to install new sod. The first step to getting ready for sod installation is to prepare your soil. Follow our step-by-step guide to get your soil ready.
How to determine the type and amount of line?
The type and amount of line can be determined by the level of acidity.
What to clear at a construction site?
Clear the site of any and all debris, including rocks and sticks.
Does NG Turf deliver sod?
My landscaping business has purchased sod and delivery services from NG Turf for several years. We use them exclusively now. We can rely on them for good quality sod, good pricing, and delivery service. NG Turf is also highly supportive of our Georgia Urban Ag Council and other industry related organizations and causes.
Is NG turf good?
NG Turf has been great to work with. The customer support is always friendly and responsive, complete with site visitations. The sod is always delivered exactly when we need it. This keeps our crews productive and allows us to get more done in a day. Most importantly, the sod is always fresh and lush. NG Turf helps to differentiate us in our market area.
How to collect soil samples?
To collect a sample of your soil, fill a bucket with the top 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) of your soil from at least 10 different spots in the area you’re laying the sod down on. Take out any leaves or weeds from the soil. Then, contact your local extension office to find out how to submit your sample.
How to grow sod in a garden?
Add a 6-inch layer of topsoil over your existing soil. Topsoil will make the soil healthier, which will help the sod grow. Any kind of regular topsoil will work. If you don’t have access to topsoil, you can use manure or compost instead.
What is fine grading?
Fine grading is the process of packing and smoothing the soil before you put the sod over it. Take a heavy mat and drag it over the surface of the soil several times until it’s smooth. If you’re working with a large area, it may be easier to use a lawn roller.
How to kill sod seeds?
Before putting down sod, I'd recommend treating the area with glyphosate, the main ingredient in Roundup. This will kill seeds in the subsoil and topsoil. Then, after excavating out, place down 70% top soil and 30% compost before laying your new sod out.
How long before you lay down sod should you apply glyphosate?
Look for an herbicide that is nonselective, like glyphosate. Follow the application directions that come with the herbicide and apply it a month before you plan on laying down the sod. Please note: The WHO considers glyphosate to be a probable human carcinogen. Its use is prohibited in some states and countries.
How to slope soil away from buildings?
Slope the soil away from any nearby buildings. That way water will drain away from the buildings instead of pooling next to them. If you’re working with a small area, use tools like a shovel and rake to slope the soil. If you’re working with a large area, you may need to rent a tractor with a grading blade attached.
How far apart should you spray a herbicide?
You may need to do multiple applications spaced 2-4 weeks apart depending on the herbicide you're using.
What is the most important part of laying a new sod lawn?
Written by Mary Jane Duford in Beginner Gardening, Curb Appeal, Landscaping at Home, Yard Work. Proper soil preparation is the most important part of laying a new sod lawn. Here’s how to prepare soil for sod to get the best results for a new turf lawn.
How to settle out soil without overly compacting?
A lawn roller with a bit of water in it can settle out the soil level without overly compacting the valuable air voids in the soil structure. If a roller isn’t available, simply walk over the surface with small, shuffling steps.
How much does a roll of sod weigh?
Average sod rolls are generally 2′ x 5′ (10 sq ft) and weigh anywhere from 20-40 pounds.
What is a good soil analysis?
A good soil analysis will include a report of the soil composition, as well as recommendations for amending the soil to make it more conducive to growing a lawn.
How many steps are needed to prepare soil for sod?
There are six steps to preparing the soil on a lawn for laying sod. The best lawn prep will include all six of these steps. Try to avoid skipping steps to save time. Any effort skipped now often means more work in the long term on an ongoing basis.
How many square feet of soil is on a pallet of sod?
While assessing the site conditions, plan for where the pallets of sod will be delivered. Each pallet covers about 500 square feet of soil, so there may be multiple pallets for a larger lawn. Ensure the delivery truck has access and that there is a direct route from the pallet delivery location to the lawn soil.
What is step 2 of soil test?
Step 2 is to assess the remaining site conditions of the lawn. Now that the soil test is ordered, it’s time to consider the other factors that will affect the health of the sod lawn.
What is soil amendment?
Soil amendments are composted organic mulch and recycled wood fibers you add to the soil to prepare the dirt for your planting needs or strengthen nutrient-poor soils. For example, sandy soils need to be enhanced with organic mulch to nourish the sandy soil.
What is a sod cutter?
A sod cutter is about the size of a lawnmower, so you might want to arrange for help loading and unloading this piece of equipment from your vehicle. If you already have a sprinkler system, use flags to mark the sprinkler heads so you don't hit them! Use a wheelbarrow to carry pieces away.
What is the best rototiller to rent?
The best kind of rototiller to rent is one with the cutting blade behind the wheels. Although it may be slightly more expensive to rent, your results will be much better. If the soil is dry and hard, wet the soil down and try rototilling once the water is absorbed. However, allow plenty of time for drying!
How to fertilize grass before laying sod?
Before laying any sod, apply Mighty 109 Starter Fertilizer to the entire surface to be covered with sod. This gives the new grass food to nourish it in the first few weeks. And because you need to keep the sod wet for the first 10 days, existing nutrients in the soil will be watered down. Mighty 109's slow-release starter fertilizer will provide the root system with what it needs to establish itself and continue healthy growth. The sod can then be laid directly on the fertilized soil.
How to measure square footage of lawn?
Is your lawn curved or an unusual shape? Measure the longest and widest points of the lawn and then multiply Length x Width = square footage. This will probably give you some extra square footage, especially if your lawn is an irregular shape.
How to lay Mighty 109 sod?
To lay your sod, start from the back of your property line to front along the longest straight-line boundary.
How to find square footage of a triangle?
Is your lawn a triangle? Multiply the base of the triangle and the height of the triangle, and then divide the result by 2. B x H / 2 = square footage.
How to grow sod in a garden?
Remove weeds from the planting area either by hand or by cultivating the soil with a tiller. Thoroughly work the soil with a tiller or garden fork, and mix compost or other organic material into nutrient-poor soils, heavy clay soils and rapidly draining sandy soils. If the area does not have enough topsoil, you can also add topsoil until you establish a topsoil depth of at least 4 inches. Experts at the University of Tennessee Extension recommend applying 12 1/2 cubic yards of topsoil to add a 4-inch layer to 1,000 square feet of planting space. Remove large debris, such as stones with diameters greater than 2 inches.
What is fescue sod?
Fescue Sod Installation. Sod gives the instant appearance of a well-established lawn. It also prevents erosion immediately and requires less careful initial irrigation than seed. Fescues, such as tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and red fescue (Festuca rubra), are extremely useful lawn grasses because they tolerate full sun or partial shade, ...
What is the best grass to grow in California?
Tall fescue is the most popular lawn grass in California because of its low maintenance requirements and higher tolerance for short mowing heights. Plant sod as soon as possible after you purchase it. If you must store it, keep it in a shady location to prevent it from drying out.
How long does it take for sod to grow?
After the sod becomes well-rooted in 10 to 14 days, it will require less frequent waterings. Lisa Chinn developed her research skills while working at a research university library. She writes for numerous publications, specializing in gardening, home care, wellness, copywriting, style and travel.
How to prevent depressions in sod?
To prevent depressions caused by kneeling on the soil, kneel on a piece of plywood as you lay the sod. Stagger the pieces of sod, similar to the way that the ends of bricks are staggered in a wall. If you end up with any cracks in between sod pieces, fill them in with soil.
Is fescue sod hardy?
Climate and Selection. Tall fescue and red fescue are hardy in U. S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5a through 7b, but they also grow well in warmer Mediterranean climates with temperate summers and winters. Purchase fescue sod that appears freshly cut and healthy, never wilted or thi nner than 1 inch.
Is fescue sod easy to install?
Fescues, such as tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and red fescue (Festuca rubra), are extremely useful lawn grasses because they tolerate full sun or partial shade, stay green throughout winter and often require little or no mowing. Fescue sod is relatively easy to install after a little soil preparation.
