@dchall_san_antonio - thanks so much for the reply. The sod shouldn't have been on the pallet for longer than 24-30 hours. We had to wait between rains that were ~9 days apart. The first storm was heavy so the sod farm in Houston couldn't cut. I was told it was cut in the afternoon and delivered the next morning to ATX. It was installed immediately all in one day. The brown spots actually run from one piece to another, around edges as well as across the center of pieces which is why I am concerned about a fungus or disease. We had more rain this evening so will back off watering some more as the soil is super wet. It definitely looks dormant (brown) in spots, not dead (gray). I haven't researched pre-emergents yet. There are really no weeds in the lawn other than the nutsedge, so was hoping to get ahead of the winter ones. I will definitely be able to spray once its all dormant. If there is a pre-emergent that is recommended, I am open to any suggestions. The good news is that it rooted in really well and fast. I can't find a spot that can be picked up anywhere. I was rolled twice the day it was installed and again the next day. It's only been mowed once by my yard crew, prob at 1.5". I am planning to take that over in the spring and will go as low as I can. I am certain I am going to have a leveling project as well. There are plenty of small indentations I would like to address. It wasn't dragged, only raked before the sod was installed. It was a toss up between tif and celebration. I liked the color of celebration a bit more and there is a bit of shade on either side, although one edge/side gets morning to mid afternoon sun, and the other gets mid morning to late afternoon sun. Would love to be able to make one fertilizer application organic. What's the best in your view? I've been using liquid seaweed on my garden beds and have no idea if that would advisable for the lawn. Compost tea is also an option in Austin, especially in the spring. All of the local nurseries have it available for those of us who haven't made our own. Thanks again!

Funny thing is the Celebration is touted as being shade and drought resistant, and the shady areas I planted plugs are doing remarkably well compared to the full sun areas that seem like they get scorched my mid day-late afternoon full sun. I live in Florida and with the drought, and water restrictions with only 1 day a week watering and no watering after 8am, these plugs are struggling (full sun ones-shade plugs are doing GREAT!). I am sneaking late night water from my rainbarrel that collects rain water from my roof, but I think if the neighbors caught me using my own rainwater they would still report me. The odd thing is I think it should be legal as that is water I saved and is not being taken from the aquifer.

Bermuda grass grows best at lower heights than cool season grasses, 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches versus the 3 to 4 inches those of use with Blue Grass or Perennial Rye would mow to. Check with the people at your state universities Cooperative Extension Service for more help in controlling "weeds" and be sure you tell them you prefer organic, or environmentally responsible, methods. Perhaps this link may be of some help as well. http://publications.tamu.edu/TURF_LANDSCAPE/PUB_turf_Maintaining%20Bermudagrass%20Lawns.pdf kimmq is kimmsr

I would not put sod down onto muddy soil either. I would roll it down with a rented roller after putting the sod down. That ensures you get good contact between the bottom of the sod and the top of the soil. For your small area simply walking on it is perfect. Walk on every square inch. One approach to buying sand is to get it in bags so you can return the unused portion. Coarse, faceted sand is good. I have been successful using generic clay kitty litter, which of course, is huge particles compared to sand, but the spaces fill in. Once the bermuda is established you can back off on watering frequency and go up on the time you water. Deep and infrequent is the mantra for watering. Deep means 1 inch all at one time. Infrequent depends on the temperature, but at no time should be you watering anything like daily or even every other day. We've had enough rain in Bandera that I can't even guess when I will be watering. Late May?? Dunno. Thanks for opening the new topic. You'll get better visibility and more specific attention with your own.