Tips for Planting Saint Augustine Sod
Saint Augustine sod makes a smooth lawn that usually is free of weeds. It adjusts to several different types of soil if there is enough drainage and it is fertilized well. It is also a very good choice for coastal areas and can tolerate soil with high saline levels.
The most important part of the process is to create a good soil. When the soil is prepared well, the grass will need less watering and will root deeper. First, you need to rough grade the area you are planning to plant the sod in, and get rid of rocks, stones, pieces of wood and any unwanted debris. Because St. Augustine can suffer in soil that does not contain enough iron, or has too much alkaline, you should consider adding some iron in sulfate or chelate form to make the soil richer. Some homeowners get their soil quality professionally tested to make sure they are planting the right type of grass.
This type of grass tolerates a range of different soil types, but good drainage is very important. Make sure to cultivate your soil to 6-12 inches depth. If you want to fertilize the sod once you have planted it, a fertilizer that contains phosphorus is a good way to get the grass to spread better, and potassium can be used to stimulate the growth of the roots. Potassium can also increase the lawn’s tolerance to cold or dry weather. In case you need to install irrigation for your lawn, do this after you have finished the cultivation.
Before planting the seeds, do a final grading. This means raking and leveling the soil and picking up any remaining stones. After the final grade, you can plant the sod. As long as you plant the grass in warm weather, you can enjoy an attractive, weed-free lawn throughout the summer months.
Leave a Reply