FESCUE
Grassroots Sod Farm specializes in a fine-blade blend of turf-type Fescue most suitable for Middle Tennessee’s climate. This blend, when maintained properly, will stay green 12 months of the year.

ZOYSIA
An extremely thick, aggressive grass with a growing season similar to Bermuda. Available in large quantities upon request during warm seasons.

PREPARATION
Successful sod installation can be simplified by following these procedures. First remove any existing grass, weeds, rocks, or other foreign material. Laying sod on top of existing grass creates an air pocket and will not allow the sod to root in to the soil. Sod should be installed on smooth, bare soil. (If using weed killer to remove existing grass/weeds, allow 4 weeks for the chemicals to dissolve before installing sod.) If you plan to install an irrigation system, this should be done prior to the finished grade. If you do not have an irrigation system, it is vital that there is some type of sprinkler on the job site to set up immediately after installation. It is important that the finished grade is smooth because the sod will conform to whatever grade it is installed on. The soil near the edges of driveways and sidewalks should be about ½ inch below the edge of the concrete to create a smooth transition after installation.

IRRIGATION
The most vital procedure for sod maintenance is adequate watering. Just like any other plant being transplanted, it is critical that sod is watered immediately after installation. The best way to tell if it has had enough water after installation is to raise a piece of sod off the ground and check for water underneath. If the water has soaked through the sod, then you know the roots are getting water. We recommend to water sod twice per day (once in the morning & once in the early afternoon) for 30-45 minutes per watering for the first week to 10 days after installation, then once a day in the early morning for approximately one week depending on weather conditions. Recommended watering amounts are approximately 1 ½ inches of water per week, depending upon seasonal climate change.

FERTILIZER
We recommend fertilizing in the spring and in the fall. If you are purchasing sod during these seasons, check with a representative of Grassroots Sod Farm to find out if your sod has recently been fertilized. In the spring, it is best to use a “weed & feed” fertilizer. This one step application will prevent spring weeds from popping in, as well as fertilize the grass that you want to keep. A fall application of fertilizer will help keep Fescue sod green throughout the winter.

MOWING
The Fescue turf type blend of sod should be mowed between 3 - 3 1/2  inches tall. (It is called turf-type tall fescue for a reason). Mowing the grass too short damages the grass and allows room for weeds to grow. Never cut off more than 1/3 of the existing grass when mowing. Allowing the grass to grow out of control, and then cutting too much off will have the same effect as mowing it too short.