QuestionQUESTION: Hi. Around my house I've got one or two patches of a grass that seems to keep low ALL the time. I would love to have that grass copied and pasted (sorry I'm a computer junkie) all around my house so that I would have a far more low-maintenance (no need to cut the grass every few weeks) situation. Is this something I can do on my own? If so...how?
ANSWER: There are two main reasons why those patches of grass are shorter than the rest.
The first is that the patches are a different variety or grass species. This is not likely but it is possible.
The other reason is that there is a localised condition that has caused the grass to be shorter. Here is what a computer junkie might enjoy doing; it is an elimination process.
Do the patches have clearly defined edges?
YES. The cause is physical or abiotic. Maybe it is a different sod. Or maybe the builders buried scrap materials in the spots.
NO. The cause could be
A localised ground condition. Consider oil/gas spillage in the past (parked vehicles).
Irrigation malfunction. The areas are not getting enough water. If they are getting no water the grass would be brown and crisp.
Fertility Problem. pH or shortage of a specific element like iron or magnesium; although in these instances there is also a difference in color.
If the patches are a different variety or species, only then will you be able to 'cut and paste' successfully. You can do this by cutting out small manageable pieces of sod and laying these pieces in the areas where you want to grow them. If you can devote the time to this exercise, let me know and we can work out a plan to do so.
Ron.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks Ron.
I'm pretty sure the 'good' grass I'm referring to is a different species from the rest of grass.
Raphael
Answer Well, my assumption is that the grass you wish to transplant is not one of the species that that are planted by seed only. You are going to be cutting and laying sod (DIY).
Let us deal with the sod cutting first.
With a sharp hard spade, cut two parallel lines. The distance between the lines must be equal to the width of the spade. The cuts must be deeper than the root zone of the turf.
Starting at one end of the strip, spade into the turf and and pry upward. The sod will lift enough to give you some clearance to push the spade horizontally under the roots and lift a strip of turf. If there is a second person, (s)he can roll up the turf as you cut away the roots with the spade. If you have no help, choose a size that you can handle comfortably (3ft?) and cut off that much, using the spade.
If the moisture content of the soil is right and you have stripped it deeply enough, you should be able to pick up the piece of sod (3ft. long and as wide as the spade) and take it to where you need to put it. Be sure to leave strips of intact turf because you will replace top soil on the bare areas and encourage the remaining strips to fill in; and you will want to make it easy for the turf to cover over before weeds take hold. In other words, leave small bare patches surrounded by strips of established turf.
Laying Sod. It is all in the preparation (like painting).
Weed control is the No. 1 priority. Spray glyphosate (Roundup) on the area you want to resod and (this is important) allow enough time (10 to 14 days) for the product to translocate to the deepest roots.
The next step is to till the area and clear it of all foreign material (roots, stones etc.). You might have to remove some earth so that the sod pieces will come out level with the existimg lawn. When you lay the pieces, make sure that the edges and corners fit tightly against each other. If any gaps exist, fill them with sand.
After that it is a question of watch, water and weed. Watch for pests and diseases, pull any weeds promptly and water regularly.
Keep in touch.
Ron.
