Crumbling, Varying Shapes & Sizes, Minimal Soil, Exposed Roots
Although we strive only to harvest thickly cut blocks of sod that are consistently the same size and shape, on occasion, some environmental factors will cause some blocks to be less than perfect. For example, sometimes there is a shortage of a particular variety, and we have to harvest areas of our fields that are a little younger than we would usually harvest.
However, some types, such as Bermuda, naturally have issues holding the block well. These varieties are referred to as “two-handed install” varieties. Additionally, when harvest volume is exceptionally high, our harvesting equipment’s blades may dull quicker than usual. Unfortunately, duller blades can cause irregular cuts, rips, etc.
Though it is not ideal to install blocks of this nature, various shapes and sizes, missing dirt, exposed roots, and thinner cuts will not affect the health of the sod. In fact, when we plant our turfgrass fields, we use a machine that chops blocks of sod into small pieces and spits them out onto our cultivated soil. These blocks will sometimes land root/rhizome side up/vegetation side down; however, even these pieces will root healthily.
Often, healthy, usable sod is scrapped during installation. Please reference the images above for examples of usable grass of this nature. As long as the sod is installed promptly on the delivery day and watered correctly, the root system will establish healthily. As stated in our Sod Installation article, it is always good practice to have extra topsoil on hand if you need to build-up the ground in some areas to maintain a level install area.
Make sure to document your concern with photos as you install, ensuring the images reflect the issue and the quantity of concern. If the problem is excessive, please complete our online Concerns Form and submit the pictures on the delivery day. As long as the sod is promptly installed, and the appropriate irrigation schedule is followed, we will stand behind our product. So, be sure to include a picture of the sod fully installed if you submit a concern.
Pro Tip: It is best to set aside any smaller and misshapen pieces, saving these for your gap fill-ins and for areas that are oddly shaped in your yard. Doing this will save you a lot of time in the long run because you will not have to chop up blocks to fit into these types of areas.
Common Causes:
- Dulled harvester blades
- Young sod
- Cultivar’s nature
- Hot, windy days
- Sandy back soil
- Farm irrigation rotation
- Farm Maintenance (pre-emergent herbicides & high-nitrogen fertilizers temporaily stress the grass)
- Weather
