Planting Sod

[Double_A]

I will be planting sod in a week or two. I need to know if I should spread some fertilizer before the sod goes down? If so what kind should I use.

Thanks

[Tricky Grama]

AA-
Do a 'search' on 'sod' and you'll find a lot of suggestions. (at the top of this page: hit 'search') I think it may depend on what type of grass you want.
Patty

[pakin]

We've used soft rock phosphate under plants.

Pat Akin

[Eden's Garden]

I know that from experience and from Howard's show that most, maybe not all, but most sod is way over fertilized in order to push its growth. So, to prepare the soil for sod, all that is generally recommended is that you of course lightly rough up the surface, so its not smooth and hard, apply a light layer of an organic fertilizer, then the sod. Then, using organic compost, lightly fill in around the seams of the sod. Keeping it watered without over watering is key of course, but too much fertilizer - especially the high nitro synthetic stuff - can also make the grass more susecptible to disease than you think. More is not always better. :wink: Good luck!

[Double_A]

Well, the sod is going down as I type, tiff 419. Last night I was able to spread some Bio- Form 5-3-4. Then it rained like crazy. The landscaper just finished up all the planting beds, and the trees. I had tilled the ground really good about 2 weeks ago and the rain made it perfect for the sod.

[Dchall_San_Antonio]

Wish you had mentioned tilling earlier. Tilling is not a great idea. It is possible to recover from tilling but most normal folks are not willing to put in the work. The problem, or the one that comes to mind as an immediate one, is that tilling turns the ground unevenly. Even if you level it real well, the density underneath varies considerably. You will probably notice in a year that your turf has lots of holes and hills that you will want to level out.

[Double_A]

Dchall_San_Antonio wrote: Wish you had mentioned tilling earlier. Tilling is not a great idea. It is possible to recover from tilling but most normal folks are not willing to put in the work. The problem, or the one that comes to mind as an immediate one, is that tilling turns the ground unevenly. Even if you level it real well, the density underneath varies considerably. You will probably notice in a year that your turf has lots of holes and hills that you will want to level out.

I am finding that out as we speak. I did get to till in some pro mix compost. The sod has been down for 3 weeks now, It started off really lumpy, all the watering i've been doing has leveled it out. Also we had a good rain right before the sod went down. Dropped about 1 inch on us. that really leveled it out .

[Dchall_San_Antonio]

In a few months to few years you will have a lumpy lawn again. It takes awhile for the soil to really settle in with itself.