Having problems after laying sod in the rain

ctrain1 – posted 14 June 2006 14:50

We had a landscaper install new sod on our entire yard about 5 weeks ago. The sod was laid down in a steady rain and it had been raining for a couple of hours before they started.

During the installation the workers were walking all over the sod and also on parts of the yard where sod had not been laid which resulted in hundreds of footprint indentations throughout our yard. Some of these footprints are 4-6 inches deep and could easily cause a sprained ankle or other injury. And it causing a mowing problem as we cannot lower the blade because it scalps the turf.

Also, in about 2 dozen places there a gaps between the sod of 4 inches or more where they did not do a good job of laying each roll down right next to the other to make it seamless.

The landscaper did not roll the sod at all after laying it as it was too wet, but he also did not bother to come back and roll it after it had dried out a little even though we requested him to. Along with the footprints, there is a large area of sod that it yellow/brown in color and appears to be dying. It is on a bit of a slope and there are more footprints under this area than other areas of the yard. I have been watering twice a day for the last month, so moisture is not a problem.

Now that you have some background, my questions are:

1. Can we get these footprint indentations out now that the sod has been down for 5 weeks and taken root? If so, how is he going to fix the really deep ones?

2. Can the gaps inbetween the sod be fixed easily and how so. It doesn’t look like any grass is going to grow there and will be especially noticeable after mowing it shorter.

3. Is the brown area a direct result of footprints causing air pockets under the sod so it could not take root properly, and is this area able to be saved by rolling the sod or some other technique?

4. Do you think our landscaper dropped the ball here? To me it’s common sense that you have to get the ground underneath the sod flat very shortly after it’s installed or the sod won’t thrive. Am I getting too worried about this or did our landscaper just do a very poor job? If the landscaper doesn’t address our concerns do we have any recourse here? It seems we did nothing wrong but we’re paying for his mistakes!

ANY thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks!

[This message has been edited by ctrain1 (edited 14 June 2006).]

Grassguy – posted 14 June 2006 20:30

Be real with yourself, That is unprofessional slop work that I hope you didnt already pay for.You can’t lay sod in gumbo. There is not adiquite oxygen available in soggy wet soil(not to mention diminished microbe activity) and yes the sod has to be in firm contact with level graded tamped soil that has had the PH confirmed to be adiquite for growing your type of grass. stopming around in wet soil destroys the soils sub structure. Take pics and threaten with legal action if it is not corrected at the landscapers expense.

ctrain1 – posted 14 June 2006 20:42

Grassguy,

Thanks for your response. I’m kind of thinking what you are thinking in regards to pursuing this legally unless the landscaper does some serious work to fix the problems.

Curiously, do you work in the landscaping industry or have any kind of background with this stuff?

Anybody else out there with any other advice or comments on this subject?

Thanks again, Grassguy

Grassguy – posted 14 June 2006 21:07

I have a degree in turfgrass management and I study soil biology but have no degree in that department yet.

Grassguy – posted 14 June 2006 21:35

I failed to answer you entire question: Yes I do work professionally with turfgrass.My studies included:Turfgrass Morphology,Growth and physiologyTurfgrass identification, adaptation and use.Soil.Turf establishment.Turfgrass diseases

ctrain1 – posted 14 June 2006 21:43

Thanks for letting me know!

ctrain1 – posted 15 June 2006 17:54

grassguy,

do you think the gaps between the sod will grow grass eventually or will they continue to be bare? some of the gaps are 4″-6″. Thanks.

Grassguy – posted 15 June 2006 20:29

The gaps will eventually fill in but you will more than likely have an uneven bumpy lawn.You can correct overtime with topdressing.

wadevl – posted 17 June 2006 23:11

post the name of this company

so all other will knowto ditch em

yepSand is you hope