F.A.Q. and Tips from the Pros Q.    I am a homeowner, can I purchase sod direct?

A.    Yes, we sell to homeowners and landscapers alike!

Q.    How do I purchase sod?

A.     1.  Measure the area where you would like to install sod, determine the

approximate square footage of the area (length x width)

2.  Each roll is 24" wide x 60" long and is 10 square feet

3.  There are 54 rolls on a pallet - which makes 540 square feet.

4.  You may purchase sod by the roll (10 square foot increments) from as

little as 1 roll to as many as you need to do the job.

5.  Call our office 410-734-4100 and speak to a representative

Q.    Can I pick up?  Do you deliver?

A.    1.    We offer both pick up and delivery services.  Call our office and ask for

delivery availability and pricing

2.    Call ahead at least 2 days for placing an order for delivery

Q.    How much does the sod weigh?

A.    Depending on the moisture content of the soil, sod can weigh anywhere from 15 to 30 pounds per piece.  A full pallet (500 square feet) contains 100 pieces, so it can weigh between 1500 and 3000 pounds.

Typically, a 1/2 ton pick-up truck can comfortably handle 270 square feet at a time

Typically, a 3/4 ton pick-up truck can comfortably handle 540 square feet at a time

Q.    How big is each piece of sod?

A.    Each piece of sod is 24" wide x 60" long, 10 square feet each

Q.     How long can the sod sit on the pallet before we lay it?

A.     1.     When the ground temperature is below freezing, sod can keep on a pallet

for as much as one week before showing signs of distress.

2.     If the sod must wait to be installed, place the pallet in a well shaded area and DO NOT COVER with a tarp.  The tarp will exacerbate the problem and can cause heat stress to the sod.

In summer months, sod should be laid A.S.A.P. and should not sit for more than 24 hours.  If the sod must remain on the pallet, put in a well shaded area.  Sod is not garanteed to survive if it is left on the pallet too long,  it will begin to bake from the

inside-out.  In the upper right picture, the piece in the center was a center piece on the pallet.  Notice the grass is in tact on each end of the piece.  The picture in the upper right shows an outer piece from the pallet, where it almost burnt to the edge.

Q.    Can I install sod on a slope?

A.    Yes, you can install sod on a slope.  If necessary, we sell sod staples to stake the sod into the ground for a hillside installation.  Ask a representative at our office for pricing.

Q.    When can I begin to walk on the sod?  Mow the sod?

A.    Typically, we recommend that the sod be established for approximately 3 weeks before the sod is ready to handle foot traffic or lawn mowing traffic.  However, if you need to mow your grass, stop your watering cycle long enough to allow the ground to be firm enough to mow the grass.  Then restart your watering routine.

Q.    How do I water my sod?

A.    Click here to view our watering guide

Q.    How often should I fertilize?

A.    Typically we recommend that your lawn should be fertilized 4 times a year please follow Maryland Fertilizer Guidelines

1.  March 1st - 15th            The "wake-up" fertilizing

2.  April 1st - 15th              To prepare for summer stress

3.  September 15th-30th      To recover from summer stress

4.  October 15th - November 15th  to promote root growth

Q.    How often should I mow?

A.    We recommend mowing approximately 40-42 times per year.  Most of the mowing occurs during the active growing seasons in the spring and fall.

1.  We recommend during these times that grass is mowed every 5 days (or less in some cases).

2.  We recommend a cutting height between 3" and 4" tall, and never let your grass grow beyond 5" tall or you can experience permanent damage to the plants.

3.  It is recommended that you never cut more than 25% of the plant's height at one time.  (Ex: sod is 4" tall, cut no more than 1" at a time)

4.  It is very important to maintain sharp mower blades to ensure a clean, crisp cut on each blade of grass.  Dull mower blades can cause tearing of grass blades, and can cause plant damage.

If you have any further questions, feel free to e-mail us with questions, pricing, etc.