St Augustine Sod

kimmarcia – posted 30 March 2008 16:01

We are about to lay sod and don’t know how to prepare our current yard first. We have bits and pieces of centipede currently growing. Can we just sod over the top of the centipede or do we need to try to kill it first? Also, do we need to till up the dirt areas first? One more question, how important is it to use a roller, can we roll over it with our riding lawnmower instead?Thank you for your help!

Alex_in_FL – posted 06 April 2008 04:20

I would do the following:

– Spray it with Roundup.- Three days later mow it extremely short- A few days later when it is all dead loosen the soil (about 6-8 days after spraying)- Apply a pre emergent- Water deeply- Install sod- Water deeply for a few days- reduce watering frequency but water deeply

Definitely till or scrape the top of the soil, it will improve the rooting of the sod.

Best of luck to you.

Alex

Almaroad – posted 21 May 2008 17:55

Alex: On that pre-emergent on the above post. You do know that all preemergents are NOT equal. Most common one like Dimension and Barricade cause root pruning.

Alex_in_FL – posted 23 May 2008 07:49

Agreed. But most homeowners will use Pre-M not Barricade or Dimension (due to costs). Perhaps a better approach is to put the Pre-emergent down after the plugs but its a close call.

landscapelifer – posted 19 June 2008 20:10

Products like Pre-m and pendulum definitely inhibit root adhesion during establishment. Have seen it sprayed “over” new sod that was over a month down…it stoppped rooting in many areas and died (at 3/4 oz per 1000 sq ft rate). Many weeks later those same areas of sod could simpley be lfted right up. Strongly advise against any pre-emergence herbicedes prior to laying new sod. Far better to be more thorough with the round up. I would spray it heavy (3 oz per 1000 sq ft), wait 10 days repeat. wait a week…then mow short and rake or bag. Then Sod cut, not till. Tilling can raise deep dormant weed and undesireable grass seed to surface. Don’t want that! besides want a smooth surface to lay the sod on with the easiest possible exertion (if possible, it’s all bust-ass work) Only use pre emergent herbicides entering and leaving dormant season OF WELL ESTABLISHED TURF to be most beneficial. And as always, be sure you have sufficient irrigation coverage of 3/4 to 1 inch of water in full sun. Water only when lawn “wilts”. Mow high as you can (4″) and when you will not be removing more than 1/3 the length of grass blade. You will have the nicest lawn with the most minimal of effort required It’s still a lot, to be sure. But this is a proven effective method, though not the only way to skin a cat, I understand.