FAQ
ESTABLISHING A LAWN
Does hydroseed cost less than sod?
A hydroseed application will cost less than the pallets of sod needed to cover the same lawn area. However, this is like saying that a pile of lumber cost less than a finished house. CGTF Sod is grown with the care of “Certified Turfgrass Professionals.” We monitor water, fertilizer, mowing, and weeding needs until the sod reaches maturity. Sod is a finished mature product that gives you the ability to go from bare soil to a lush green lawn in a day. Hydroseeding, on the other hand, requires you to take over the active management of the lawn’s health for 3-9 months until it is mature.
When can I install a sod lawn?
Turfgrass sod can be installed anytime of the year in the Pacific Northwest as long as the ground is not frozen. Spring and fall provide the best conditions for rooting. Summer months allow for installation of sod but require more water than during the cooler periods.
When can I install a seeded lawn?
Fall is the recommended time to install a seeded lawn because the weather is cooler and there is lower weed activity. Spring is the second best time. Cool weather is prevalent but this is the season when many weeds germinate and will compete with your newly seeded lawn. You may also seed during the summer months but it will be very important to keep sufficient water (moist to at least 1 inch below the surface, preferably 4-6 inches below the surface) on the lawn.
How much topsoil will I need?
Country Green recommends that your site has a topsoil depth of 4-6 inches. The following chart may be helpful. 1 Cubic yard of topsoil will cover:
1 inch deep = 324 sq.ft
2 inch deep = 162 sq.ft
3 inch deep = 108 sq.ft
4 inch deep = 81 sq.ft
Can I put 4" of topsoil over my existing lawn to start a new lawn?
No, the remaining organic matter will cause problems during decomposition and impede
drainage in soil.
Why is my new lawn not rooting in?
The grass may not be getting enough water or sunlight.
Soil upon which the grass is placed might be too compacted to allow root penetration.
The weather is too cold for root development.
Can I let my dogs loose on the new lawn?
Dogs can be let loose on a new sod lawn. If the dogs disturb the sod they should be
kept off until the sod is rooted in.
Remember that dog waste is detrimental to any lawn, especially a new sod installation.
Urine will leave dead spots.
In the morning some of my sod is turned over, why?
The most common reason for this is raccoons or possums that are looking for an easy
meal. The watering needs of the sod will bring earthworms to the surface and the
animals will flip the sod over looking for them.
What should I do about mushrooms in my lawn?
Mushrooms usually do not indicate or create any problems. They are an indicator of
thorough watering and common with new installations. They typically disappear after the watering needed for new sod has been reduced.
Mushroom spores occur naturally or may be due to mushroom compost additives used
in many new top soils.
SOD FAQ
Can a homeowner install turfgrass sod?
Sure! Many homeowners come direct to our farm to pick up sod and get expert advice on installation. You can also check out our Sod page for more information.
What is the Minimum amount that I may order?
Our sod is cut into 10 sq.ft. rolls, 2′ wide X 5′ long. The minimum order for pick-up is 10 sq. ft. or one roll. The minimum order for delivery is 100 sq.ft. or ten rolls. Sod is delivered in 100 sq. ft. increments.
How much sod is there on a full pallet?
There is 600 sq.ft. per pallet or 60 rolls of sod. Sod is delivered in 100 sq. ft. increments.
How much sod can my vehicle carry?
A full pallet of sod can weigh between 2200 and 3000 pounds depending on the
wetness of the soil. The pallets are just over 4’ long and only one will fit in an 8’ truck
bed. One pallet is too much for a ½ ton truck.
How much time do I have to install my sod?
Sod is a living plant and MUST be installed on the day of delivery.
How can I tell if my lawn is getting the right amount of water?
Most sources will tell you to put approximately 1 inch of water a week on your lawn. 1 inch of water will penetrate 4-6 inches below the surface of the soil. Use a knife or a screwdriver and probe the soil to test for moisture. You have sufficient water on your lawn if you can push a knife or a screwdriver 4-6 inches into the soil. Test different areas of your lawn to make sure that your irrigation system covers all areas.
What time of day should I water my lawn?
The best time to water is early morning to reduce vaporization and evaporation. Schedule your irrigation system to come on during the period when “dew” would be expected to appear naturally on your lawn. Watering in the late evenings is strongly discouraged. Late evening water will allow your lawn to stay damp all night creating an environment which is perfect for fungus blights and other disease.
How high should I mow my turf?
The actual height of the turf is dependant on the turf species. Country Green Turf Farms ‘Perfect Green’ turf is a mix of three species that performs best when maintained at a height ranging from 1 ½ inches to 2 ½ inches. If you maintain your lawn at heights above this range the turf may present a more ragged, natural look. These heights are usually in areas that require less maintenance requirements and aesthetic demands are minimal. As you reach the lower part of the range and below, our ‘Perfect Green’ species respond with increased density, finer texture and improved playability. However, lower cutting heights also produce some potential negative side effects. These include crown tissue damage (scalping), increase potential for diseases, reduced carbohydrate reserves, less root mass, increased temperatures at the soil/plant interface and the reduction of photosynthetic area.
How often should I mow my turf?
Some say that once per week is how often a lawn should be mowed. However, the determination of when the grass should be cut must be based on grass growth and the underlying functions of grass growth. These include time of year, grass species, intensity of use and maintenance practices. A good rule of thumb is the ‘1/3 rule’. This rule states that no more than one-third of the grasses top growth should be removed at any one mowing. This rule provides a balance between the benefits of frequent mowing (increased density, regrowth) and the negative consequences of too frequent mowing (decreased shoot and root growth, depleted carbohydrate reserves, and a weakened, stress intolerant plant).
Should I collect my grass clippings?
Whether you remove the clippings or not depends on a few, specific factors. First, if the turf stand is intensively maintained with closely mown surfaces with specific functional activities (sports fields) the clippings should be removed to maintain appearance and playability. Second, so long as the turf is mowed in a regular and consistent manner in which the amount of top growth is minimal, the clippings may be left. If, however, the clippings are larger than normal due to infrequent mowing the clippings should be removed. Regardless, the fertility program should be altered to account for either the increase of nutrients (leaving the clippings) or the absence of nutrients from the organic material.
What type of mower should I use?
The best mower you can use is a sharp mower. The differences between a rotary mower and a reel mower are technical and are apparent in intensely maintained turf grass applications. For the majority of uses, the type is not as relevant as the sharpness. A dull mower will damage the ends of the leaves causing brown, ragged ends and allow for increased disease development.
How soon after my turf is installed should I mow it?
How soon after my turf is installed should I mow it? While we were growing the turf, we maintained your turf at 2 inches. We mowed your turf just prior to harvest and delivery. Due to this recent mowing and the ‘shock’ grass experiences, your turf should be mowed between 5 – 7 days after installation. When you mow, take care on turns as the grass may not be firmly rooted and the rotation of the mower may displace and damage, the turf. After the first mowing, begin a regular and consistent program using the 1/3 rule.
HYDROSEED FAQ
Will a full, lush lawn automatically come out from under the green stuff sprayed on my yard?
No. You must follow the Maintenance of Your Hydroseed Lawn tip sheet (at PDF for printing is available for download on that page) to achieve the full, lush appearance of a mature lawn. Proper watering is essential for germination to occur, mowing will encourage the formation of tillers which will branch out from the base of the plants and fill in your lawn, fertilizing will provide “food” necessary for growth, and weed control will eliminate plants that want to compete for nutrients that your lawn needs.
Do I water my newly installed hydroseed lawn the same way I water my sodded lawn?
Although the requirements are very similar, there are special considerations for a hydroseed lawn. Both the hydroseed and sodded lawn require moisture 4-6 inches below the surface of the soil. However, care must be taken not to create puddles and washouts on the hydroseed lawn which will displace the seeds. This means that you may have to water your lawn several times a day in order to keep sufficient moisture in the ground without washing out the seeds.
When should I first mow my new hydroseed lawn?
Your new lawn should be mowed when the grass blades are 2″ to 3″ high. This is usually 4-6 weeks after seeding. Do not mow more than 1/3 of the height of the grass in one mowing.
When should I start applying fertilizer?
Your new lawn was hydroseeded with a starter fertilizer. You may apply fertilizer after the first mowing. We recommend a balanced fertilizer such as 16-16-16. Once your lawn is established, fertilize 4-6 times per year. Click on Fertilizer Tips to learn more about fertilizer options and how to apply them to your lawn.
When can I start using my hydroseeded lawn?
It is best to stay off the lawn until it has been mowed for the first time. Keep people and pet traffic to a minimum for the first 3 month to prevent damage to the root structure.