QuestionI live in S. FL and have a riduculously dirty, sandy lawn. The grass (when it grows) is very rough and with many pricker weeds in between. My husband and I want to eliminate this mess and start fresh but don't know how since the sand always comes back. We have re-sodded some areas but it has not worked. Please help.
Thank you.
Answer Do you have a clear idea as to why the previous re-sodding did not work out? It is important to know because we want to avoid a recurrence. Sodding has been likened to a hair transplant. You want to make sure that the transplant has the best chance to root. Kill the existing vegetation by the method which suits your style - manual or chemical. If you go manual, do the land prep. and sod as quickly as possible afterward. It is better to complete a small section in one work session than do the whole thing spread out over several days. You want to smother any regrowth of the old vegetation. If you go chemical, use a systemic and be sure to allow enough time for the chemical to reach the farthest root underground. 7 to 10 days ought to do it.
Organic material helps root growth so you might apply something like "Milorganite" before sodding. Obtain fresh sod and lay it as soon as possible. Jam in the sod pieces tightly and water in really well. If you do not have a sprinkler system, have an alternative plan to water the freshly laid sod...every day...for at least one month... and thereafter gradually reducing the frequency down to once a week. Examine the sod every day. You want to spot quickly any sign of curling up along the edges of the sod pieces; that would mean that it is drying out. If you see any browning, it has already dried out. If any gaps show up along the edges of the sod pieces, fill them with sand. Seek and destroy any strange plants (weeds). You have invested much time and money in this project; load the dice in your favor with no apologies or regrets.
It will be some mental and physical work; it must have a place on your daily routine until the second or third mowing. But best of all it will be interesting and stimulating.
