Sod Help

[HatDaddy]

I recently bought a pallet of St. Augustine for an area to the side of our house that was nothing but mud.
It's been about 3 weeks and the sod is just barely starting to show signs in small areas. underneath the roots aren't anchoring into the ground.
I've been watering in the morning for about 15-20 minutes.
Any suggestions?

 

[CottonEyedHorn]

I'm no grass expert but if you bought the sod while it was still dormant it will take longer to "take". I've noticed this at my house as well. I laid down some dormant sod a few weeks ago and it's only just now starting to go.

 

[brntorng]

Yes, be patient. Is the sod in the sun or shade? If it's in the shade, I'd be careful about overwatering during this cool season. You don't want a fungus to take hold. Also, some SA varieties green up sooner than others in the spring. What variety did you put down?

 

[HouHorn97]

Did you top dress the mud with any kind of topsoil before laying the sod down? St. Augustine is pretty sturdy but if you laid it on top of mud, that could be a problem. I'd also back off on the watering and go to every few days.

 

[14tokihorn]

Ask for "Actinovate". Its a powder, mix ~ 1/2 tsp. per gal. (IIRC).

Its pricey, but it does wonders on the root system of any plant. Again, IIRC, it inhibits root rot, so it really gets the roots healthy. Actually a beneficial micro-organism. I grow alot of things from seed, and will leave a nursery-bought plant in its black pot for months.... the above said product is the magic bullet... all things being equal.

I agree with the above... sounds like your watering too much for this time of year. Let it dry a bit, then mix in the Actinovate w/ your water.

DirtDoctor

 

[HatDaddy]

Not sure what type of SA it is. The landscaper put it in after I had them install a french drain.
It is under mostly shade near the house and sunlight near the alley.
I doubt the lawn guy put anything, in terms of topsoil, under it.
I'll give it some time and try out the recs above.
Thanks guys.