Stunted Growth in St. Augustine????

Dallas_Stephen – posted 31 July 2004 14:45

I layed sod twice this year. Once in May and it took and was doing really nice. The other time was the first of July. The new sod is growning really fast, but the older more established sod has almost stopped growing. It’s still green for the most part and I water pretty often. Can something stunt it’s growth? If it’s not growing is it going to die? Why is the new sod growing so much faster?

Could it be too much water? What does too much water do to grass? Since the new sod is doing really well I’m going to tapper down the watering. I don’t know if that will help.

Any help would be appreciated.

Alex_in_FL – posted 31 July 2004 16:59

Easier to help if I know:1. What type sod?2. Have you fertilized it?

Too much water can:1. Wash nutrients out of soil2. Cause shallow roots3. Lead to fungus4. Weaken the grass

New sod needs lots of water initially then you need to taper off. Water only when needed and always water deeply. One or two days of good soaking then no water for a few days is better than watering every day or everyother day.

Good luck

Alex

Dallas_Stephen – posted 03 August 2004 18:58

1. What type sod?2. Have you fertilized it?

The type of Sod is Raliegh St. Augustine or Del Mar St. Augustine. I fertilized it with Scotts Turf Builder with SummerGuard 28-3-8. I used the exact amount according to the instructions. It just HASN’T grown. I had to mow half the yard, but not the other half. I hope it’s not dying. The sod is about eight to ten weeks old and has taken hold. Any thoughts? Thanks.

wdrake – posted 05 August 2004 14:41

Raliegh is a “normal” cultivar of St. Augustine growing 5 or 6 inches in heightin a couple of weeks, while Del Mar is a semi-dwarft version, usually limited to 2 or 3 inches growth in a week or so.