New St. Aug in Florida

MATTTAMPA – posted 24 August 2004 12:59

I got seville planted in my 2500 square foot back yard. It’s doing great except for the fact that about a quarter of a pallet that was put up against a fence is completely dead. It’s dead in a perfect rectangle and grass that borders it is fine. Can anyone hypothesize about what’s happening and what I should do?I’d really appreciate it.Matt from Tampa, FL

MATTTAMPA – posted 24 August 2004 15:18

Hey Guys, thanks for all your help. Obviously I’m joking.The idea of a bunch of guys sitting around answering turf questions all day is a little freaky anyway.I guess my only hope is that Alex_FL will someday read my post and actually answer.

“Live green or die”

Alex_in_FL – posted 25 August 2004 18:17

Hi Matt:

Thanks for the vote of confidence — but I don’t have any answers. So let me ask some questions:- is there concrete under the sod?- was that sod from a different pallet that sat out and died?- was that area prepped differently?- how long have you owned the home? Could be something in the area from a previous owner.- can you dig up a little of the soil? If so put about 2″ in a mason jar fill with water, shake, let sit and see if any thing percolates to the top (oily substance).- how about planting a plug or two over there and see if the new grass lives- any chance your sprinkler is clogged and missing the area?- did grass die slow or suddenly?- can you just lift up the sod or did it root some?- can you post a picture? Ted or Seed might can toss answers if you put up a picture.

Alex**Thanks Dad for being the best!! Miss you**

turfie – posted 31 August 2004 12:04

I’ve seen variable squares of sod within a pallet. My thinking is that either it was dug from another area at the sod farm that wasn’t doing quite as well, or maybe that sod was from the bottom of the pallet and it got stressed from the weight (i.e. compaction) or it was on the top and got drought stressed. As long as it is getting the water it needs while it’s getting established it should come back.

Good luck.

turfie – posted 31 August 2004 12:09

I see….you said it was completely dead. If it was an irrigation problem, it probably wouldn’t occur in such a clear cut rectangle. How long after laying the sod did it die?