I need serious help with new sod

Elam – posted 03 May 2005 15:39

Fescue in Atlanta.

We put down new sod Saturday. The sod looked fine. We watered it and all was well. Now, there are 2 spots in the yard where the sod looks like crap. It’s brown.

Here’s how my yard is…

lower part is sort of shady. it’s the perfect environment for fescue. The upper part gets a lot of sun and is on a slope. It’s a fairly steep slope. It’s not the best environment for fescue because of the sun but the shady part is considerably bigger.

One section has about 4 peices that are brown. Another part has 2 pieces that are brown. I picked them up at the corner and they are getting enough water. They were also laid well.

I don’t know what to do. The rest of the yard looks outstanding and then I have these few peices that look awful. I don’t know what to do. I’ve done everything I was supposed to. HELP!

ted – posted 03 May 2005 16:00

how much did you water? also there may be problems underneath the soil on those pieces.

br 549 – posted 03 May 2005 19:11

Sounds like no big deal.Possible those pieces were wind burned in transit on truck,were inferior pieces to start with,got hot on concrete, something poison to grass spilled on ground before laying,many ideas.Just replace them.Happens often.Remember if you laid ten pallets,about 1600 pieces,and one percent were bad,that would be 16 died.Not a bad percentage when dealing with Mother Nature and so many variables. Good luck

Elam – posted 04 May 2005 13:03

I watered (in the morning)the whole yard about an inch and half and have been doing that since Saturday. I’ve also spot watered some of the really dry areas that aren’t getting an inch and half with the sprinkler (like in the far corners). Underneath the soil seems to be ok, it’s not dry and isn’t too wet. Maybe the sod did get too hot? I believe that particular sod was on top of a pallet (or in the first couple of layers

br549 – posted 04 May 2005 17:05

As I suspected.On occasion,the top layer will be damaged from heat,wind,something placed on top of it,etc.Your supplier should replace that,no problem.Think about your fertilizer program,soil samples are in order.All will be well.