Trish-W. Coast Florida – posted 27 October 2004 08:05
I am a 1st time home owner & my yard is ALL weeds? I want to lay sod & thought of getting St Augustine Floritam but dont know if this is best way to go cause I know nothing about grass/yards. My yard has full direct sun all day, often the full sun plants I buy die because the heat is so great, even w/ daily watering. I have a dog (Lab) who runs alot in certain areas. I do not have a sprinkler system & would have to self water, plus I hear its now getting to the driest month of the year. 1st question: would my dog’s running tear up the grass before it has time to take & grow? 2nd question: Is now a good time to lay sod w/ it being so dry & the winter so near? Is Floratam the best choice for my situation? 3rd question: Can the sod be maintained by manual watering or is this not very reasonable? 4th & last question: The Floratam I’ve seen is $149.00 per pallet (400 sq ft in a pallet), is this a reasonable price. This is just the price of the sod & delivery…no installation? Anyone out there that can help me out a little, I’d appreciate it!
br549 – posted 29 October 2004 17:08
My answers,others may differ.Your dog may be a problem,if big yard consider doing yard in stages,one area at time.This could be done by “roping off” and restricting dog access to that place until grass is growing and established.Then plant some more.This could also assist in your watering problem,as not as much water would be required at one time.You could use your hand moved sprinklers.Floratam is a FULL sun grass,and is the standard grass in most of Fla.It will not tolerate shade.The further south in Fla. you live,the better this time of year is to plant.I would not be adverse to planting now,and I lay in North Fla. year round.The price is not too bad if that is in less than truck load amounts.Do not order more than you can lay at one time.PREPARE your ground well.
Elvis2 – posted 29 October 2004 17:17
One more thought.Contact your local agricultural extension agent.He is the local expert,and is free.He can advise you on fertilizing,watering,and landscaping.
Trish-W. Coast Florida – posted 01 November 2004 06:14
Thank you very much for your replies Br & Elvis. Not sure what Br meant by the cost & truck loads?? Actually, about roping off sections of the yard, over the weekend I was considering on only sodding half the yard & sectioning off the yard w/ a small fence to designate & bathroom area & running area for the dogs. I really do appreciate all your help & will be contacting my local agricultural agent for further help w/ maintaining the grass. Have a good one & hope your grass is always green!
Br549 – posted 01 November 2004 15:29
You have my idea,closing off part of the yard,and laying it,then several weeks later doing the rest.Do it in sections.The cost of sod drops the more you purchase.Several pallets @ 149 per pallet,might become 125 per pallet if you bought 10 or more.MAKE SURE if you compare prices the pallets are the same amount of square feet.Some are 400 square feet,some 500 sf.Consult your county Agricultural agent.
jr – posted 01 November 2004 18:29
You can do better than $149/pallet for 400 sq. ft. It isn’t an outrageous price. Actually its a pretty standard price, for retail. Call a sod grower directly. The price should be a third of that, and usually 500 sq. ft. They will know of trucking companies that you can contact. You should be able to get 500 sq. ft. pallets delivered for $90 to $100 for floritam in Florida. Little more of a pain in the ass, but it can be done.