how do i get or repair my sod to grow?

Question

last august we layed out sod. after 3 floods and a long dry fall & winter, our sod dryed out. we now have patches of sod/grass throughout our back yard. we want to lay manuer and fertilizer. is this the correct thing to do? do we have remove the dryed out sod pieces (dirt with the sod wireing)? please oh please advise.
what is the best way we can do this?

Answer 1

The best way to start is to remove any dead clumps of sod by using a shovel and a hard metal rake. At the same time, you should work up the soil with this rake and follow this by applying some bagged compost over the entire area to a depth of about 1 to 2 inches.

Spread a fertilizer that isn't high in nitrogen, preferably something like a 6-20-20 analysis over the area. This fertilizer will help in the establishment of your seeds as well as helping build a stronger root system.

(If you want to spread manure, you can, but it's not necessary at this time). If you do decide to do this, scatter the manure as evenly as possible over the area to a depth of only 1/2 inch or less. After this is done, you can incorporate the compost and the manure into your soil by using the rake. Try to make the soil level as possible to prevent any water from puddling or accumulating in an area later.

If you remember the type/variety of grass that you planted, purchase the same seed and scatter it over the area. (I always like to apply slightly more seed than is recommended on the label). You can rent a push-roller (the kind you fill with water) and go over the grass-seed to insure that the seed comes in contact with the soil and won't be washed away or blown away.

Water/irrigate 3 times a day (to keep the seeds and soil moist) beginning in the early morning hours and with the last watering to be completed by 3 or 4 PM. IF you water too late in the evening, you'll encourage the development of water molds (pythium) and it will kill your sprouting seedlings as well as your established sod.

Continue this watering program for a couple of weeks until the seeds have become established. Don't worry about the weeds that you might see.... you can kill those later. You have to stay off the grass for at least a month.

Hope this has helped solve your problem. Good luck!

-Certified Professional Crop Consultant with over 30 years of experience and a Degree in Plant Science

Answer 2

I asked my son who is a professional landscaper and the trick with sod is to Water, Water, Water. He also said to remove the burnt out dead pieces and replace them and start over, but to maintain the sod till it takes, is to water alot. As far as fertilizer you may burn the sod, so replace dead sod, and in spring, just water.

Answer 3

in case you nevertheless have drought situations then i might droop any movements till the rain comes. In those situations it is nigh impossible to advance lush grass except you replica your friends which i detect immoral. The problemn with purely on occasion watering grass gently is that it encourages the grass roots to advance close to the exterior rather of downwards and as a result much less able to look after drought so circumvent attempting to eke out your water grant and underwatering.