Sod Is Not Rooting

Sod Is Not Rooting

After the first 7-10 days from the date of your new sod installation, there should be some resistance when you grab a piece of sod and attempt to pull it up.  If the new sod pieces come up with out resistance there are a few things that could be happening if your new sod is not rooting.

Watering

Watering new sod is the most important factor when trying to get the new sod pieces to become established and start growing your beautiful new lawn.  If your new sod blades of grass are consistently vertically folded in half this is a sign of dehydration.  The sod grass is preventing water loss and using its energy just to stay alive which may be why your sod is not rooting.  Be sure to follow the watering instructions for newly installed sod given to you by your sod installation professional.

Aeration

Hard compacted clay pan or hard soil will prevent the tiny delicate new sod roots from being able to penetrate the soil and why your new sod is not rooting.  Aeration should have been done before laying the new sod if it was necessary after a soil inspection.  You can aerate the soil after the new sod has been laid. Keep in mind removal of the sod and soil plugs will be challenging because it is difficult to rake sod which isn’t attached to the ground.

Fertilizers

Nitrogen based fertilizers should not be used on newly installed sod for the first 30 to 60 days.  If nitrogen was put on your lawn in the first 30 days it will turn yellow and burn the new roots.  However, a lawn starter fertilizer 18-24-12  or an application of phosphorous can be applied to encourage new root growth quickly.   These treatments can be done yourself when following the manufacturers instructions or hire a spray professional who specializes in sod grass chemical treatments.

Take All Root Rot

Take all root rot is a fungus which establishes itself on the roots of sod grass which is onset by overwatering.  Overwatering your newly installed sod is damaging and it’s effects can not be reversed.  The fungus had usually been active for 2 -3 weeks before any signs above ground are noticeable.  The roots will be very short and turn black depriving the plant from water uptake and eventually dying and why your new sod is not rooting.

Season

If you have installed your warm season turf grass in winter know that these grass species go dormant during the colder months and why your sod is not rooting.  Grasses like Bermuda and zoysia will turn brown and stop growing in a cold climate taking them longer to root in if installed during this time.  Be patient with your new sod and continue to water, fertilize and care your new sod as instructed until it takes root.

Jacksonville Sod Service is a sod installation company located in Jacksonville Florida.  We also do sod installation in St. Augustine Florida. Please contact us for current Jacksonville sod prices, available Jacksonville sod for sale and the sod prices for delivery or a free estimate for sod measurements and sod installation.