Sand based v. muck based sod

reberjc – posted 21 October 2009 19:02

I am getting ready to replace 780 sq ft of St. Augustine sod in my yard. What is the differnce between sand based and muck sod. Which is better, and is it worth it to pay the extra money for the sand based?

Turfguy_UF – posted 23 October 2009 11:18

Muck sod…I have never herd of this. Are they growing it in a swamp?

I would personally never use a heavy organic based soil to plant grass in. When designing golf greens organic matter is held to a very very low percentage of the over all make up of the green.

Saying all of that I would go with the sand based. It most likely fits what you currently have in your yard, soil type wise. You want to try and avoid mixing layers. If you buy sod that is muck based, and then plant on sand, you would see drainage issues.

Example: It rains very heavily, the muck soil allows the water to run through it very quickly as it is already full of water, but then the water hits the sand layer, and starts to pool on top of that layer as more and more water comes down. You now have a bigger problem that can lead to costly fixes.

Long story short I would go sand.

TurfGuy

tommy – posted 23 October 2009 11:20

Sand based sod would be needed in situations where fast drainage is a must. Most homeowners do not fall into that category! Muck soils are found in delta’s, bogs, old river bottoms etc. They hold moisture better, but sometimes are low in potassium and phosphate. If you get muck sod, fertlize with 16-16-16 before you lay it down.

cohiba – posted 24 October 2009 08:49

I would go with whatever is closest to your soil type. I know that sandbased is best in NJ But I do not know what is prevalent where you are.

Bentgrass sod, for putting greens,can be purchased with no soil on it at all. They wash the soil off. Probably not available in your case, but intresting none the less.

The other thing you could do is a test plot. Buy scraps from both places and prep a small area of lawn. Plant them both and grow them in as you would a regular lawn. Look back in a couple of weeks. See which one looks better, has denser roots and is generally heathier. There may not be a difference, or there could be a clear choice.

Good Luck.

reberjc – posted 24 October 2009 18:43

Thanks for the replies. I live in Orlando, FL. I will check back with the nurseries for the type of sod they use. One other question is it better to plant now knowing the sod will only grow for a few weeks before going dormant or wait until spring when it can have a full growing season to establish?

Turfguy_UF – posted 25 October 2009 20:51

Wait till Spring, and being in Orlando all my life, you will want sand based.

TurfGuy

mrmumbels – posted 11 May 2011 17:45

quote:Originally posted by Turfguy_UF:Muck sod…I have never herd of this. Are they growing it in a swamp?

I would personally never use a heavy organic based soil to plant grass in. When designing golf greens organic matter is held to a very very low percentage of the over all make up of the green.

Saying all of that I would go with the sand based. It most likely fits what you currently have in your yard, soil type wise. You want to try and avoid mixing layers. If you buy sod that is muck based, and then plant on sand, you would see drainage issues.

Example: It rains very heavily, the muck soil allows the water to run through it very quickly as it is already full of water, but then the water hits the sand layer, and starts to pool on top of that layer as more and more water comes down. You now have a bigger problem that can lead to costly fixes.

Long story short I would go sand.

TurfGuy

Why would you not use a heavy organic based soil? It’s the only thing that’ll hold water in our FL sand.

RickP – posted 11 January 2012 21:55

Beware who you listen to….everybody has to have an answer whether they know what they are talking about or not. A guy named “turfguy” has never heard (not herd) of muck sod? Give me a break…..

Muck sod is a better sod whether you are laying it next to other muck sod or sand sod as it holds water and nutrients better than sand sod.

Comes from a bog, or river bottom? Really? Jeez….it comes from south Florida. Get real here….if you don’t know what the hell you are talking about, shut up.