Installation and Aftercare
Do you offer installation?
Yes! That’s our specialty. If you’re unsure about doing sod replacement yourself or having a professional installation, meet with one of our estimators to talk about different options. Would you like to schedule a free estimate?
What if it is raining on my scheduled installation day?
If the rain chances are above 70% or if the sod fields are saturated from prior rain, sod installations are pushed back. All jobs are pushed back and will be completed in the order in which they are scheduled. This is more common during the summer months. We will stay in contact and will inform our customers of any changes or possible delays.
Do I need to be home when you're replacing my lawn?
No, you do not need to be home when we are replacing your lawn as long as we have authorization to perform work on your property as described in the accepted quote.
Can I make changes to the job on the day of installation?
Once the job is accepted, a change order is required to make any changes at least 48 hours before the scheduled sod replacement. This policy is in place to ensure we have the proper tools and materials. Agriscape will carry out and complete the work as described in the accepted quote and has no obligation to carry out any further work. Only materials and services in the accepted quote are included. All other requested works are excluded and are additional cost, however we are happy to provide a separate estimate to complete additional work, if needed.
Do I need to kill or "Round Up" my lawn before it is replaced?
If your lawn has a Bermuda, Torpedo, or carpet grass problem, yes. Using a herbicide to kill your lawn will greatly increase the likelihood that those same weeds will not return. However, there is no way to guarantee that the weeds will not return. We do not live in a confined environment and unfortunately, that means that the wind, lawn care, animals, etc. can carry weeds and sprigs back into the lawn.
If you're concerned about weed control, consider Scott's Provista St. Augustine sod. It is glyphosate tolerant (that is the active ingredient in Round-Up) and can be sprayed to kill the weeds without harming the grass itself. If you'd like more information about Provista and if it could be the right sod choice for you, we can schedule a free consultation for you.
Do you roll the sod after installation?
A machine roller is used in the final stage of installation to help get rid of any air pockets and to help the roots of the sod make contact with the soil. The machine roller is 4 feet wide, and will be used anywhere it can access. The roller cannot be used in saturated or sloped areas.
How long is the establishment period? How long are the seams noticeable after installation?
After about three weeks the sod will have a shallow roots which will allow for mowing and less watering. It takes about six weeks for a deep, mature root system.
The most important step you can take to eliminate the seams in your newly sodded yard is to adequately water. If new sod does not get enough water, the sod pieces shrink and create gaps. In the summer month, the seams should be blended together within 6 weeks. It will take longer in the winter months since the sod is not actively growing.
How long does the sod replacement process take?
Each job is different, but a typical sod replacement takes between 3 to 6 working hours. Accessibility, thickness of the existing turf being removed, the amount of cuttings required, and weather are the biggest determining factors.
How long should I wait to mow and fertilize after installation?
It's best to wait 21-30 days after installation or until the sod is fulling established to mow. After a few weeks, tug on the corner of a few pieces of sod to be sure the roots have the pieces pegged down. It may take longer for the roots to establish during the cooler months.
During the first month of treatment, please do not fertilize or treat your sod unless there is a pest (grubs or webworm) or a disease (usually fungus) apparent during the establishment period.
How often should I water my new sod? For how long? And at what time?
Water your new sod immediately after installation. Follow this link for a great article from the University of Florida that explains how to properly water to establish a new lawn:
http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/okaloosaco/2016/04/07/properly-water-to-establish-a-lawn/
Early morning is the best time to water your sod. Later in the day will have unnecessary evaporation and late in the evening will increase the likelihood of disease from sitting water.
For best results, time your irrigation program so that the LAST zone finishes irrigating about 1 hour prior to sunrise. This will give the water 1 hour to seep into the soil, and then when the sun rises, excess water will be evaporated to reduce the chances of disease and fungus.
What if I need to Reschedule?
We understand unavoidable changes and delay happen in life and we are flexible. Please notify us by calling (833) 247-4763 or Contact us at least 48 hours before your scheduled sod replacement. There is no guarantee that we'll be able to reschedule your job immediately after, but we will do our best to work it in the schedule.
Some of the sod is not doing well/turning brown. What should I do?
If you notice sod is not performing well within the first few weeks, do not just sit and wait. It will not correct itself. Have your irrigation system audited to check to even coverage. We recommend reaching out a highly qualified, lawn treatment company for diagnosis and treatment. Agriscape Sod is not responsible for deterioration after installation.