Weeds in Sod Blocks
All of our turfgrass farms are on a regular maintenance schedule, including preventative pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide applications. However, sometimes excessive or long periods of rainfall can prevent us from treating according to our regular schedule. Generally, we get back into our fields and apply the preventative pre-emergent herbicide. We will also selectively spray any weeds with post-emergent herbicides asap. Typically, any weeds that have the opportunity to sprout or survive the first herbicide application will begin to wilt and die back within a couple of weeks post-application.
That said, there are rare occasions where certain factors may prevent our quality control team might from catching some small, isolated areas that weeds have invaded but are not yet noticeable. For example, some sod varieties are kept at a very low mow height. Because the weed type closely resembles the sod variety, it is impossible to see the weeds until they begin to outgrow the sod between mowings.
If you see any weeds in your blocks of sod, please take pictures and contact us on the day of delivery through our online Concerns Form. Please take one photo illustrating the quantity of sod with weeds. Also, take at least one close-up photo that clearly shows the weed’s characteristics for identification and herbicide selection. Once we receive the form, someone from our Concerns Department will reach out to you within 24-48 hours.
Unfortunately, the sod cannot be sprayed with a post-emergent herbicide until the sod has begun to root and has entirely greened back up post-installation (typically, within about 3-4 weeks). In the meantime, please hand-pull as many of the weeds as possible and document this with photos. If the weeds begin to multiply and spread quickly over the first month, please reach back out as soon as this is observed.
Common Causes:
- Preventative Maintenance Interruptions
- Low Mow Heights
- Weed Seed Contamination (rain runoff)
- Second Herbicide Application Needed
Resolution:
- Day of Delivery Pictures
- Day of Delivery Contact
- Hand-Pull Weeds
