Need advice on laying St. Aug sod

14 years ago

We are getting ready to lay sod on our new lawn and I have a few questions. Hopefully someone here will be able to assist me.

First question, can I apply Preen before I lay the sod to help kill any weed seeds (and there are plenty)?

The fill we used was pumped sand. Do we need to add top soil or other ammenities to the soil before laying the sod?

Secondly, I read that a light fertilizer with high second and third numbers should be applied before laying the sod. If I need to apply fertilizer, is there something natural I can apply?

How soon after laying new sod can a riding mower ride over it?

I live in S. Louisiana. Thanks for your help.

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Comments (2)

skoot_cat
14 years ago
First question, can I apply Preen before I lay the sod to help kill any weed seeds (and there are plenty)?

NO It will stay in the soil too long and possibly hurt/kill your new sod. You can/should spray Round-Up, wait one week then spot spray any survivors/new sprouts. Once everything is dead either remove or scalp down to bare dirt.

The fill we used was pumped sand. Do we need to add top soil or other ammenities to the soil before laying the sod?
What is pumped sand? Ideally you would want to apply an 1" or 2 of top soil/compost mix. Basically something that will retain water and hold nutrients

If I need to apply fertilizer, is there something natural I can apply?
Yes, Alfalfa Pellets @ 30lbs per 1000sqft. Available at your local farm/feed store. Lightly water in for a few days then rake/work them into the soil a bit before laying sod.

Alfalfa Pellets are primarily used to increase organic matter in the soil but do offer nutrients and a high availability of trace minerals. They contain trianconatol, a natural fatty-acid growth stimulant. Excellent fertilizer.

As for mowing I would say about a month. After 3-4 weeks grab handful of sod and gently pull upwards. If its solidly stuck you know the roots have taken and you can mow.
brutuses
Original Author
14 years ago
skoot, thanks for the information. Pumped sand is a sand that is used down here to pump under slab houses that are sinking (remember we are a marsh). It's a "clean" sand that we use for garden fill also. It's better than other fill we have available because it doesn't have any rocks or other debris in it.

I kind of figured we'd need to add some composted matter and top soil.

I'll definitely get the Alfalfa pellets you recommended also.

Well, looks like we have some work ahead of us. Thanks again for your help.
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Need advice on laying St. Aug sod

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skoot_cat

brutuses
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Need advice on laying St. Aug sod

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skoot_cat

brutusesOriginal Author

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brutuses
Original Author