If you notice brown patches in your sod, we have a few tips on how to repair them. Keep reading to learn more.
Freshly installed sod takes time to establish its roots, so it’s uncommon for it to turn brown after installation— unless there are key factors. Spotting in sod occurs for various reasons, but it mostly depends on how the yard is watered. If certain spots get less water, even a bit less, it could be enough to turn them brown. If you notice brown spots in your sod, we have a few tips on how to repair them. Keep reading to learn more.
What Causes Brown Patches?
Newly planted sod has a shallow and underdeveloped root system. Wind or hot air can dry out the plant. A lot of times, the ground below the sod will be wet, but the sod itself is dry. The root system needs to establish deeper into the ground before it can access water. Without a more mature root system, new sod must be watered regularly. It takes 6-8 weeks for new sod to establish a strong root system and absorb water from the ground.
Water Your Lawn Thoroughly
The answer to your sod dilemma is water, especially in hot summer weather. Often, watering every day is not enough for new sod. Dryer grass needs water, especially in the first eight weeks after installation. Watering your lawn for a longer period at night is a great idea, as it gives the sod a chance to absorb the water before it evaporates with the heat of the day. It’s still important to periodically water throughout the day.
Keep Dogs off New Sod
New sod will have a better chance of withstanding pet damage if you give it a chance to get established. Try to keep your furry friend off the lawn as much as possible for the first few weeks.
Take them for a short walk in the morning, or at least keep them on a leash instead of letting them run free on your new sod to do their business.
Aerate the Soil
Brown sod can also be the result of compacted soil. Compacted soil lets the water flow away from the sod’s roots instead of soaking into the soil. You can fix the problem by pulling up the brown spots and poking holes in the soil with a screwdriver. This aerates the soil and ensures the water soaks in instead of washing away. Press the sod back down firmly and water the area thoroughly.
Get Your Yard Ready for Winter!
Since our inception from a humble 30-acre field to over 4,500 acres of turf grasses, Quantico Creek Sod Farm is now the LARGEST SOD FARM IN THE TRI-STATE AREA. Our service areas cover Pennsylvania, Maryland, DC Delaware, Virginia and Northern North Carolina. Order early and order often to ensure the best service possible. Contact us through our online page. Please find us at 27616 Little Lane, Salisbury, Maryland 21801. Our phone number is 410-726-6103, and our fax number is 410-742-6550. Speak to Jason Anderson for Turf Grass Sales. Reach him by email at jason@quanticocreeksod.com. Finally, follow us on social media on Facebook, LinkedIn, and our blog!