Sod rolls seem like an easy way to install an instant lawn. For the most part, that fact is true. However, rolls of sod consist of living organisms: the turfgrass. To keep it alive, you need to avoid decomposition caused by heat stress. Find out what causes that stress and how you can avoid it.
Heat Stress Decomposition
Turf farms have to wait about 18 months for grass to mature enough for harvest. When it's ready, they use special machinery that lifts up a layer that includes the grass, roots, and a sliver of soil. They don't engage in this harvesting until you order the sod because rolls of turfgrass have a very limited shelf life - typically around 24 hours, though it can be as low as 12 or as high as 48 hours.
Sod rolls consist of live grass that wants to keep growing. As it attempts to grow within the roll, the grass transpires, which heats up the interior of the roll. Microbial activity also causes heat. As the interior heats up, the grass starts to die off and decompose. Heat and humidity exacerbate the decomposition, which is what affects the shelf life of the rolls.
Ordering Sod Rolls
To order the right amount of sod, you need to first measure your yard along its length and width. Multiply those numbers together to get the square footage, and divide by 10, which is how much footage most sod rolls cover. You can order a little extra, but remember you won't be able to keep rolled sod longer than 24 hours. Make sure you order turfgrass varieties suitable for your climate.
You can calculate the number of rolls you need as far ahead of time as you'd like. You can even contact your turf farm to order the rolls whenever you'd like. However, wait to call for delivery until you've actually readied the yard for installation.
If something unexpected occurs, you might not have time to ready the yard. Turf farms have different policies for cancellation or delay. If they've already started harvesting the sod for your target delivery time, they might charge you for that amount of sod in addition to what you order if you re-schedule.
Delivery of Sod Rolls
Prepare the site for delivery before setting up the time. Site preparation for sod installation can be a same-day process. You need to remove all old grass or other plant life. You must also till the soil and water it. You can prepare the soil in advance, even weeks in advance. If the time is more than one week, you should treat the soil with an herbicide to prevent weeds from taking root.
When you receive your delivery of sod rolls, inspect them right away. Fit your arm into the center of the rolls to feel for heat - if it feels especially hot in the center, heat stress decomposition may already be taking place. Look for any weeds, yellow, spots, or insects. Do not accept sod that feels hot or is anything less than green and healthy.
Storage of Sod Rolls
The ideal scenario is that your turf farm will deliver your rolls of sod, and you will immediately begin laying it. However, you may need to adapt to situations outside of the ideal, which means you may have to store your sod rolls until the next day.
To do so, give them the best chance for avoiding heat stress decomposition. Find a cool, shady area. Consider placing a tarp net on the ground. Keep the sod in its rolls, but don't stack them. The heat will build up faster in stacks. You can lightly water the rolls, but don't drench them because they will be too heavy to work with. Don't cover the rolls because it will speed up decomposition.
Plan in advance so you can use your sod right away or keep the rolls safe until use. When you're ready to order your sod rolls, contact Wright Turf Farms.
