Sod is a fantastic way to establish and treat a lawn. It’s the closest thing to instant gratification in turfgrass and the most practical way to use desirable, hybridized grasses for residential and commercial applications.
After installation, the next step to treat sod is to call a company like Nature’s Turf. However, you may be surprised to learn some applications available to your established turf can’t be done to your new sod. Let’s go into more detail.
First, Let’s Look at Sod Itself
Developed to quickly and easily establish lawns, sod makes growing grasses from seed or sprigs much simpler. This is particularly beneficial for hybrid species of turf that must be grown from sprigs. Operations like North Georgia Turf or SuperSod cultivate large fields of turf.
Then, once mature enough, specialized machinery is used to harvest the turf and a shallow portion of its root system. The sizes and shapes of the pieces vary based on harvest and installation methods desired. However, the form factor is always the same: turf, shallow roots, and a shallow depth of topsoil.
When sod is installed at your home, the area should first be prepped. After the sod is installed, the essential part of this establishment period is root development, sometimes referred to as tacking. This is the action of sod putting roots into the soil, integrating itself into the landscape.
Applying Products to Sod
It’s always important to be cautious when applying products to new sod. Pre-emergents, for example, are great for controlling weeds. However, we don’t recommend pre-emergents for new sod. Pre-emergents’ role is to regulate weed development as it emerges from the seed, known as germination. The most effective and common mode of action to achieve this limits root formation.
Treating areas with products that slow root development can temporarily delay establishment. Our team also often recommends limiting the use of other products that may be injurious to your sod. This allows it to focus energy on the establishment rather than recovery. Should weeds emerge in your sod, it’s perfectly normal. When an appropriate amount of time has passed, and your sod is ready, it can be managed and treated the same as the rest of your lawn.
In Conclusion
Sod is a great way to grow and develop a lawn quickly and efficiently. When harvested and installed, you will receive turf and a small cross-section of roots in a thin layer of topsoil.
Root development is key to sod’s integration into the landscape and the success of your sod. Certain pre-emergent and post-emergent products may hinder this development, meaning our team may avoid treatment to these areas during establishment.
Lastly, Nature’s Turf is on your team. We are here to help produce your best lawn, so give us a call today.
