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Choosing the Right Athletic Sod for Your Playing Field in Georgia

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 14:03:38 GMT

If you manage or intend to build a playing field for a sport or activity, you'll want surface turf that looks good, lasts a long time, and doesn't require a great deal of maintenance. When choosing athletic sod for a playing field, you must account for what's necessary for your game. However, you also need to consider what's suitable for the unique climate and soil conditions found in Southwest Georgia.

What Are Some Considerations Before Choosing an Athletic Sod Type?

Different sports call for different types of turf. However, before you choose an athletic sod based on length, density, or appearance, there are a few things you need to take note of:

Will you need to accommodate a lot of traffic?
Will your game or activity occur where there's a lot of shade?
Is your field riddled with drainage issues or acidic soil ?

Your soil conditions will play a huge role in the type of athletic sod most suitable for your sport. A soil analysis can help ensure you choose correctly.

What Are Some Sods Most Suitable for Sports and Games

Many types of athletic sod exist, and each type has subtypes, brands, and different characteristics to look at. Here are three popular choices for athletic sod in Southwestern Georgia.

Bermuda Sod Offers More Resilience

If you need athletic sod for a field that will see a lot of traffic, then Bermuda sod can give you just what you need. This sod is dense, durable, and can withstand heavy traffic and wear.

Team sports and sports that require a lot of team practice on the field can benefit from Bermuda sod. For example, soccer and football games fair well with this type of turf.

Bermuda sod thrives in hot and sunny conditions, and can even stand up to outright drought. Your turf will remain green and dense throughout. Tifway 419 is a type of Bermuda sod that many use for their sports fields. Other varieties of Bermuda sod exist with variances in texture and height.

Zoysia Sod Keeps Things Cool

Sports and activities that take place where there's a lot of shade, such as golf, can benefit from Zoysia sod. The grass keeps a vibrant color which allows for good visibility even when the shade lays heavy over the playing surface.

Zoysia sod provides a soft, dense turf with a low to medium height. The grass grows at a slow rate, so it requires less mowing than many other types.

For a park or place where people practice outdoor athletics, Zoysia sod will likely work best.

Several Zoysia sod varieties exist. Palisade Zoysia works particularly well for playing fields and a host of other applications in Southwestern Georgia and surrounding areas.

Centipede Sod Helps When the Soil Doesn't Cooperate

If your field sits somewhere with inconsistent drainage or unpredictable water levels, then consider Centipede sod. This low-maintenance offering can adapt to different soil types, climate conditions, and uneven distribution of drainage.

Even while dealing with underlying issues, such as acidic soil, the grass will remain pleasing to look at. This type of athletic sod may do wonders for a baseball field or facility that involves movement across varying terrain. Sports like softball and volleyball benefit from this sod type as well.

What Are Some Other Athletic Sod Considerations to Remember?

Pay attention to maintenance requirements. Some athletic sod varieties require more care than others, or more water, mowing, or fertilizer. You'll find various configurations, but it's important to keep your intended purpose at the forefront of your considerations.

Always speak with a professional service about your athletic sod choice so that you can make an informed decision. If you want to learn more about athletic sod options for your playing surface, contact us at Wright Turf Farms today.

3 Pests That Can Ruin Your Turf

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 18:36:53 GMT

A lush, green lawn is not just a picturesque addition to your outdoor space; it's a sanctuary for relaxation, play, and outdoor gatherings. However, maintaining that perfect expanse of turf can be an ongoing battle, especially when uninvited guests arrive in the form of pests.

These relentless invaders can wreak havoc on your lawn, turning it from a source of pride to a patchwork of problems. Here are three common pests that have the potential to ruin your carefully nurtured turf.

1. Sod Webworms
Sod webworms are tiny light-yellow moths that can be seen flying around from the start of spring to late autumn. Adult moths deposit their eggs on grass, where they will hatch into larvae in about a week's time. Grass leaves become unevenly brown with a scalped or grazed look when these tiny brown caterpillars eat them.

The larvae eat the grass edges and the whole stems, which results in significant damage to the turf. Depending on the severity of the infestation, this can cause vast areas of grass to suddenly turn brown or die. Holes dug by birds searching for worms are a common feature of these bare areas. The larvae spin silken tubes even on the turf.

Pesticides or a professional pest management agency are your best bets for eliminating and preventing further damage from sod webworms. Damage from an infestation of sod webworms can quickly deteriorate and spread, so prompt treatment is necessary to contain the problem.

2. Grubs
Grubs are the larval stages of many different kinds of scarab beetles, including masked chafers and Japanese beetles. When these bugs eat the roots of grass, they sever them and the grass can not get sufficient moisture from the soil. When grubs invade a yard, they chew the roots out of the grass, causing the grass to die and turn brown.

Grubs are often easy to spot if you lift the grass back. In addition, creatures like raccoons and birds that rummage through your yard are probably searching for grubs. Each type of grub has a unique life cycle. During the summer, females of most species lay eggs, which hatch into larvae that feed on grass roots during the subsequent fall.

As winter approaches and temperatures begin to drop, grubs go underground to escape freezing. The grubs emerge from the soil at the beginning of spring and munch on grass roots until they develop into pupae and emerge as adult beetles.

You can try introducing natural predators like nematodes, which are minute parasites that harm grubs, or you can use a chemical insecticide. You may also render your lawn less hospitable to grubs by dramatically lowering the moisture content.

3. Chinch Bugs
Chinch bugs are tiny, sap-feeding insects that cause annual damage to lawns by feeding on the leaves of grass. These pests are most active from June through September. They have a black body and white wings that are folded over their backs.

Because of the anticoagulant, they secrete while feeding, grass loses its green color, turns yellow, and eventually dies. It is easy to blame drought-related stress for this damage, but a deeper look will show you the real culprit.

Preventing an infestation of chinch bugs requires vigilant watering and monitoring for indicators of pest activity. If chinch bugs are discovered, they can be exterminated manually, with insecticide, or by hiring a pest management service.

If you ignore the chinch bug problem, it can soon become out of control and ruin your lawn. Take the time to properly care for and regularly inspect your lawn to lessen the likelihood that these pests will cause any further damage.

Has your lawn been severely affected by pests? Contact us at Wright Turf Farms for sod planting and lawn maintenance.

Soil Preparation for Sod Installation: 5 Solutions a Landscaper Can Offer

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 09:32:48 GMT

A beautiful outdoor space is a great way to add beauty, comfort, and value to your home. But healthy grass takes more than just a sprinkle of water and some sunshine—it requires well-prepared soil.

Landscapers can help get your soil ready for sod planting. The professionals understand the unique needs of your soil and can provide five solutions to get it ready for sod.

1. Soil Testing
A soil test will tell you what nutrients are in your soil and whether or not it is suitable for grass growth. The results from the test can help create a tailored plan for preparing your soil before sod planting.

For instance, the test may reveal that your soil does not contain enough phosphorous or potassium. A landscaper can suggest adding amendments to ensure optimal grass growth. They may also suggest liming the soil to bring down its pH levels.

When choosing a professional, select one certified by the International Society of Soil Sciences. This ensures that you work with someone who knows what they're doing and understands the importance of soil testing.

2. Aeration
Aeration is the process of breaking up compacted layers of soil to increase air circulation and drainage. This allows water, oxygen, and nutrients to penetrate your soil more easily. It also helps to loosen hard, clay-like soil and encourages grassroots to grow.

Aerating your soil will help your new sod take root and thrive in its new environment. A professional landscaper can do this by either hand-pulling or using a machine that extracts plugs of soil from the ground.

If your project is large, use a machine for aeration. No matter which method you choose, ensure that the soil plugs are evenly spread across the area.

3. Fertilization
Fertilizing your soil is an important step in getting it ready for sod. This will add the nutrients needed to ensure optimal grass growth and help it establish itself in its new home.

When choosing a fertilizer, look for one with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Your landscaper will recommend a suitable product and can help you determine the exact amount that should be applied.

Once your fertilizer is spread, water your soil deeply and evenly. Watering can help the grassroots absorb the nutrients and prevent them from being washed away in heavy rainstorms or irrigation cycles.

4. Seeding
If you're laying sod on an area that has never been seeded before, add grass seed to the soil before you lay down your new sod. Seeding can ensure any bare spots in the lawn are filled in and give your new grass a head start in growing.

Your landscaper can recommend a grass seed best suited to your region and climate. Follow the instructions on the packaging carefully when spreading the seeds. Once your sod has been installed, water it well and keep it consistently moist until you start seeing results.

5. Mulching
Once your soil is ready and you have seeded the area, mulch the surface. Mulching can protect your soil from weeds, diseases, and pests while also helping it retain moisture. It can also help prevent erosion by keeping the soil in place when heavy rains or strong winds occur.

There are various types of mulch available, from wood chips and shredded bark to gravel and stones. Your landscaper can help you select the best one for your particular needs.

With the right preparation, you can ensure that your new sod will have a successful start in life and thrive for years to come. Your landscaper can provide valuable assistance and advice throughout the process. Wright Turf understands the importance of landscaping and is here to help you create a beautiful outdoor space. Contact us today to get started on your sod project.

4 Types of Sod for Your Lawn

Fri, 26 May 2023 15:40:51 GMT

If you are not happy with the way the grass in your lawn is growing or the current sod you have in your yard is not working out the way you wanted it to, it may be time to check out the different types of sod that you could use instead. There may be a type of sod that works perfectly for the needs of your lawn.

1. Bermuda Grass Sod

If you have a yard that has very little shade, the Bermuda grass is a good option because it requires full sun for it to thrive. Even a little bit of shade can affect the growth of this sod. It will stay a medium green color if mowed, watered, and fertilized frequently. It does best in the warmer seasons and can turn brown over the cold, winter months.

Bermuda grass sod is commonly used on golf courses because it holds up well in high-traffic areas. If you have children or pets, this would be a good option because you will not have to worry about them ruining the sod. Even with dogs urinating on the sod, it will still strive if properly maintained.

2. Bluegrass Sod

If you live in a cooler area, Bluegrass sod is a good option. It does require sun, but it can still grow in some shady areas. This type of sod will grow best if it is mixed with other grass or sod types. If it is healthy, it will grow to be dark green to an almost blue color.

Watering the Bluegrass sod in the morning can be crucial to its growth. However, if you overwater it you could put it at risk of brown patch disease (a fungus disease). If you commit to this sod type, you need to fertilize it frequently.

3. Ryegrass Sod

If you want a type of sod that does not grow weeds often, Ryegrass is one of the best options. It grows relatively fast which can prevent weeds from growing. If you want Ryegrass sod to thrive, it needs a steady amount of sun. Partial shade should not affect it as long as it is also getting a healthy amount of sun.

Ryegrass sod does best in cooler areas, but it will not do the best in areas that experience extreme temperatures. This is also a good type of sod if you have children or dogs that are frequently on your lawn. You just need to make sure this sod gets a relatively high amount of water and fertilizer to obtain its beautiful green color.

4. St. Augustine Sod

St. Augustine sod is a great choice for warmer clients. It is a low-maintenance type of sod as it does not need to be mowed as often as the other sod types and requires low amounts of water. However, it does need frequent fertilization. It grows best in areas with high sun exposure, but it can handle some shade. If properly cared for it will grow to be a blue-green color.

The downside to St. Augustine sod is that it is not the best option if you are in an area prone to droughts. It is also a higher risk for lawn viruses and bugs. If you have children or dogs, this type of sod will not hold up well, as it does not do well in areas with high traffic.

If you are looking for help picking out the best type of sod for your lawn needs, contact us today at Wright Turf to schedule a consultation. We can help you find the best sod and complete an expert installation.

Debunking the Common Sod Myths

Tue, 02 May 2023 15:39:34 GMT

The condition of your landscape can make or break the curb appeal of your property. A healthy lawn reduces soil erosion, improves air quality, and can boost the value of your property.

While you can get a beautiful lawn in numerous ways, installing sod is one of the most effective options. Despite the many perks of sod, some individuals are hesitant to try it due to the various myths and misinformation surrounding sod installation. This blog dispels some of the most common sod myths to help you determine if the option is right for you.

Sod Is Expensive

Many property owners agree that they have yet to install sod primarily out of fear of cost. While the initial cost of sod installation can be expensive, the long-term savings make up for the initial expense.

First, unlike grass seeds, sod takes less time to establish, resulting in lush greenery within a short time period. Also, since sod is already sprouted, you won't have to spend months watering it as you would with grass seeds, helping you save on utility bills.

Sod also requires less fertilizer and chemicals to maintain, which helps you save more on lawn maintenance costs. Furthermore, sod grows evenly, unlike grass seeds, which may sprout unevenly and cause you to reseed.

Although you may spend more on sod installation, sod provides more cost-efficiency in the long term.

Sod Is Hard To Install

Some people avoid installing sod due to the misconception that it is hard to install. While this may be true in some cases, sod installation can be easy if you understand how to install it properly.

You can hire a professional if you lack the expertise to install sod. Professional contractors have the right tools and experience to provide outstanding results. The experts will guide you step by step, making the process easy for you.

Alternatively, if you prefer to install sod yourself, you will need some time to research the process, get the right tools, and learn how to prepare the installation surface, lay the sod, and care for it. However, with the proper knowledge, you can install a stunning landscape quickly.

Sod Will Harm the Environment

Environment enthusiasts may be skeptical about installing sod due to its environmental impact, but the opposite is true.

First, sod does not require chemicals, so you won't have to worry about toxic substances seeping into the soil. Moreover, sod offers a healthy lawn, which means cleaner air, less noise, and improved soil erosion prevention.

Sod Does Not Require Watering

Sod helps you cut your water bill since it does not require as much watering as grass seed. However, that does not mean the grass does not require water.

Some people assume that sod is not real grass and therefore does not require any water. However, sod is made of real grass, so it requires adequate watering to remain healthy and help the roots settle.

Sod Farming Depletes Nutrients From the Soil

Another common sod myth is that it depletes nutrients from the soil. It's understandable why some people would think that growing grass, cutting it off, and installing it on different surfaces can lead to soil nutrient depletion.

However, sod farms have smart practices to ensure the soil remains healthy and highly nutrient-rich. The suppliers leave some roots in the soil after harvesting, which helps the soil retain nutrients.

Sod is a great way to create an exquisite landscape without much hassle. Understanding the common sod myths and facts can help you make informed choices during installation.

You can trust us at Wright Tuff Farms for sod installation. We have the tools and expertise to provide outstanding results, and we will advise you on how best to maintain your lawn. Contact us for a consultation.

Your Lawn and Wintertime: What to Know

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 17:36:47 GMT

A beautiful lawn is not just for aesthetics. A healthy lawn helps to maintain air quality by creating oxygen. Your lawn is also a perfect place to escape the everyday hustle and bustle. And if you wish to sell your property in the future, having a healthy lawn will increase its curb appeal and add to the property's value.

However, maintaining a healthy lawn takes work — especially during the winter. Understand how cold affects the lawn and how to handle lawn care during cold months.

How Does Cold Affect Your Lawn?
For grass to grow, it needs sunlight, water, and warm temperatures. Unfortunately, the cold weather of winter shuts down all growth of your lawn. As a result, your grass becomes dormant to protect itself from extreme conditions.

During dormancy, your grass will appear brown and dead. But that's natural, and with proper lawn care, the plants will green up again in spring.

Some grass types, such as fescue, thrive in cold weather, so don't be alarmed if your lawn looks greener than usual during winter.

How Do Your Care for Your Lawn During Cold Months?
Learn some helpful tips to keep your lawn healthy during winter.

Aerate
Aerating helps water, oxygen, and nutrients reach the grassroots. The step also alleviates compaction from foot traffic or heavy yard equipment.

Aeration is best in early fall before the first frost. But if you didn't get around to it, don't worry — you can still aerate your lawn in winter. Just be sure to do it when the ground isn't frozen solid.

To aerate, use a spade to make holes in your lawn. You may also use an aerator, which you can rent from a hardware store.

Water
Watering encourages your grass to grow deep roots, which are more drought-resistant. First, rake away any dead leaves or debris on your lawn. Then, use a garden hose to water the grass and soak the roots. Mulch the area around your plants to help retain moisture. Water sparingly in winter since the grass is dormant.

Fertilize
Fertilizing in winter helps your lawn store the nutrients it will need for spring growth. Use a slow-release fertilizer designed for winter conditions. Apply the fertilizer when the ground isn't frozen and no chance of snow or rain is in the forecast.

Choose a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, especially if the soil is frozen. As the soil freezes, it prevents the roots from taking in nitrogen. As a result, the lawn needs more nitrogen to green up in spring.

Mow Low
Mowing low helps your grass to withstand harsh winter conditions. The step also reduces the amount of surface area exposed to extreme temperatures.

Long grass can quickly smoother itself in the cold, which increases the risk of diseases and exposure to thawing and freezing cycles.

When mowing your lawn in winter, set the blades lower than usual. But be cautious not to cut the grass too low, as it could damage the plants.

Seed and Sod
If you have patches of dead grass, now is an excellent time to seed or sod your lawn. The key is to work on the lawn when the ground isn't frozen.
To prepare for spring, you may even spread seeds during the cold months, even if the ground has snow cover.

Following these tips, you can maintain a healthy lawn during winter and ensure it's ready for spring growth. But, most importantly, consult a lawn care professional if you're unsure about the best way to care for your lawn during cold weather.

You can trust us at Wright Turf for all your lawn maintenance needs. We have a team of experienced professionals who are passionate about lawn care. We can care for your lawn on your behalf and answer any questions you may have about lawn care. Contact us today for a consultation.

Helpful Tips to Care for Sod When You Have a Dog

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 13:14:53 GMT

A healthy lawn improves your property's aesthetics and value. Also, lawns can provide a comfortable place for your family and pets to spend time outdoors. However, if you have a pet dog, you need to take special care of your sod and learn to balance your pet's needs with the needs of your lawn.

How do you care for your sod with dogs? Read on to learn more.

Clean Urine Spots Immediately

Your dog will most likely urinate on your lawn at some point. Unfortunately, dog urine can damage the new and old soil, harming your lawn.

First, urine causes poor biological activity in the soil, which hinders proper nitrogen and salt breakdown. Additionally, since sod has short roots, dog urine can quickly dehydrate the sod and cause it to die.

To avoid these problems, always clean up your dog's urine spots immediately. You can wash off the urine by flushing the area with water from a hose.

Keep Your Dog off the Sod

As much as possible, keep your dog off the sod, especially when sod is newly laid. A good rule of thumb is waiting until the sod has rooted. The reason is that walking or running on the sod can damage the grass.

When the grass is still young, the roots are not yet deep and strong enough to hold a dog's weight. Once the roots have grown deep and strong, you can allow your dog on the lawn. In the meantime, you can fence off the area or create a designated potty spot for your pet.

Choose Tough Turfgrass

If you plan to plant new sod, choose a tough turfgrass that can withstand wear and tear. You cannot lay the same type of sod in a dog run that you would in your front yard. Likewise, you cannot choose just any grass for a high-traffic area of your lawn.

Some good options for tough turfgrasses include Kentucky bluegrass, Bermuda grass, and zoysia grass. You may also ask for help from experts to ensure you choose the best turfgrass for your needs.

Control Pests

Your lawn can be a haven for pests such as moles to thrive. But these creatures can be targets for dogs, and your pet may not be able to resist digging the sod to reach the pests.

Therefore, invest in proper pest control so your dog will have no reason to dig. But ensure to use safe pest control products that will not endanger your pet's health.

Train Your Pet

You cannot always keep an eye on your pet. You should train your dog to stay off the lawn. Start by potty training your pet and rewarding the dog each time it follows the instruction.

As your dog gets better at following the command, you can gradually move further away from the animal. Your dog will eventually learn to stay off the lawn with enough practice.

Water and Fertilize the Sod

A healthy sod needs regular watering and fertilization. To help your sod withstand dog traffic, make sure to water the lawn deeply and regularly. Watering deep encourages the roots to grow, making the grass stronger. You may also mulch the lawn to promote moisture retention.

Fertilizing the lawn also helps to promote a robust root system. Apply fertilizer according to the package directions to avoid damaging the grass.

Most importantly, seek experts' help to ensure you are doing everything right. Wright Turf Farms is your trusted sod source in Utah. We can help you choose the best turfgrass for your needs and provide tips on properly caring for your lawn with pets. Contact us to learn more about our services and products.

Causes of Dead Spots in Your Lawn

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 03:29:54 GMT

Seeing dead patches on your lawn can feel disheartening after all the hard work you've put into it. Even so, restoring the beauty and vitality of your landscape is possible with proper methods and materials. However, you must uncover the root cause of the bare spots to repair and prevent them from recurring.

The following checklist will assist you as you determine the cause of brown spots on your lawn.

Urine from Pets or Wild Animals

The regular dousing of your grass by your pet is probably the culprit for the round yellow spots you've noticed in your yard. Some large birds or a fox visiting your garden may also cause dead spots. But on most occasions, your dog relieves itself in the same location.

Urine contains a high concentration of nitrogen that burns grass. You can prevent the burn by watering the spot thoroughly. Otherwise, you may have to condition your pet to go on an area outside the lawn.

Poor Irrigation

Too little or too much watering are both unhealthy for your lawn. Grass will stay a few weeks without water but extended periods of drought cause it to die off.

On the other hand, too much water for your lawn also deprives roots of oxygen, causing them to rot. The chief causes of overwatering are leaving your sprinklers on too long and watering your garden daily.

Bad Mowing Practices

Your mowing practices have a significant effect on the health of your lawn. Mowing too short is one of the common causes of a brown patch. When you cut your grass too short, you cut out the majority of its nutrient source— the leaves.

The energy grass uses to replenish the lost nutrients takes away from its roots, causing them to be weak. As a rule of thumb, only cut your grass when it's at least three inches tall and set your mowing frequency around the height rather than a rigid schedule.

Another mistake is cutting grass early in the morning. Mowing wet morning grass increases the chance of spreading diseases. Weed seeds grow quickly and can cause brown spots when they land on damp soil.

Poor Soil Quality

Soil quality greatly influences the health of your lawn. Your lawn can have varying soil quality, and patches of poor soil can result in brown, bare areas.

A lawn with poor soil quality — whether the problem is poor composition or nutrient deficiency — is susceptible to pests and diseases. A pH level that is not optimal may also affect the health of your grass

If you want to make your lawn healthier, aerating it and amending the soil should make a difference. Be sure to test a small soil sample first in order to know which nutrients and materials are necessary to balance your soil. Aeration and adding fertilizer help restore some essential nutrients to the soil making it less likely for a patch to develop.

Fungal Diseases

A dead spot due to fungal disease may appear as small white tufts of cotton on the brown patch. Fungal diseases occur due to temporary environmental conditions that cause a lack of sunlight and air circulation, an ideal environment for unwelcome fungi to flourish.

Extremely wet conditions may also trigger lawn disease. Maintaining optimal nitrogen levels and proper watering will help discourage fungal growth.

Improper Fertilizing

When you apply too much fertilizer or spill fertilizer on your lawn, the grass leaves may burn, and you will have dead patches.

In case you spill fertilizer, water your lawn thoroughly as soon as possible to remove excess nitrogen. You can also load spreaders to ensure proper and balanced distribution of fertilizers.

Even well-tended turf lawns can develop dead, bald patches from time to time. The causes are often obvious, but sometimes they can be somewhat elusive. You should have a reputable lawn service provider examine your yard and diagnose the issue.

Contact us today for all your lawn needs, including resolving dead patches in your lawn.

9 Common Turf Maintenance Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 08:06:58 GMT

Turf maintenance is a critical part of keeping your lawn looking its best. Unfortunately, many people make common mistakes in turf maintenance. This article highlights nine of the most common turf maintenance mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Not Mowing the Turf Regularly Enough

If you let your turf grow too long, it will become challenging to control and may start to look unkempt. Cutting down your turf once a week is usually sufficient, but you may need to trim more often during periods of rapid growth.

Notably, when you mow your turf, be sure to choose the right size mower. Using a mower that is too big for your turf can damage it, and using a mower that is too small will make it difficult to mow evenly.

2. Mowing Turf Too Short

While you don't want to let your turf grow too long, mowing it too short is also a mistake. If you cut your turf too short, it will be more susceptible to heat, cold, and drought damage. It's best to keep your turf at 2 1/2 to 3 inches .

3. Not Aerating the Turf Regularly

Aeration helps improve the drainage of your turf and prevents compaction of the soil. It also allows oxygen and nutrients to reach the roots of your turf better. Aerate your turf at least once a year and more often if you have heavy traffic on your lawn. To aerate, poke holes in the turf with a garden fork or aerator.

4. Over-Watering the Turf

While turf does need water to survive, too much water can be harmful. Over-watering can lead to disease, fungal growth, and even death of your turf. Water your turf only when needed, and check the soil before watering to see if it is already moist. Watering once or twice a week is enough.

5. Failure to Fertilize the Turf

Without fertilizer, your turf will be more susceptible to disease and pests. Be sure to use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for turf grasses, and follow the directions on the package.

Using the wrong fertilizer can harm the grass. Be sure to read the labels on fertilizers to find one that is right for your lawn.

6. Failure to Remove Debris on Your Turf

Debris can block sunlight and air from reaching the grass, and it can also provide a place for pests to hide. Be sure to remove debris from your turf regularly. Use a rake, leaf blower, or lawnmower to remove debris from your turf.

7. Failure to Reseed

If you have bare spots or thin areas in your turf, it's essential to reseed them. Reseeding helps ensure that your turf is thick and healthy. Be sure to choose a grass seed that is appropriate for your climate and soil type.

8. Forgetting to Remove Thatch on the Turf

Thatch is a layer of dead and living grass that can build up on your turf. If you don't remove it, it can prevent air, water, and nutrients from reaching the roots of your turf. Thatch can also provide a place for pests to hide. Use a rake or vert cutting machine to remove thatch from your turf.

9. Applying Herbicides and Pesticides Incorrectly

If you use herbicides or pesticides on your turf, apply them correctly. A wrong application can harm your turf, people, and animals. Be sure to read the directions on the label carefully and follow them strictly.

If you're not sure how to care for your lawn, talk to Wright Turf Farms. Our landscaping professionals can help you create a plan tailored to your lawn's specific needs. A healthy lawn is a beautiful lawn, so don't neglect it. Contact us for any turf-related needs. You can have the best-looking yard on the block with a little tender loving care.

2 Reasons Your Lawn Is Taking Too Long to Grow

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 23:32:33 GMT

If the grass in your lawn takes forever to grow even after you’ve followed all the instructions on how to take care of it, you may not know what to do. Chances are, one of the following factors is the reason for your lawn struggles. Learn what they are and how to fix them.

1. Poor Soil Conditions

Most people are familiar with the effects of poor soil conditions on plants. When the soil is too dry, plants wilt and eventually die. When the soil is too wet, plants can rot.

However, some homeowners don't realize that such poor soil conditions can cause the grass on their lawns to grow slowly. The roots of grass plants need oxygen to grow and thrive. When the soil is too wet, the roots can't get the oxygen they need. As a result, the grass will grow slowly or not at all.

In addition, compacted or waterlogged soil can make it difficult for roots to spread and absorb nutrients. The grass will appear to grow very slowly, which gives rise to a patchy and unhealthy lawn.

Soil pH is another factor that can affect lawn growth. Soil that is too acidic or alkaline isn't conducive to grass growth. There needs to be a pH balance to allow for proper grass growth. Without the right balance, some nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorous, might not be available to allow for proper grass growth.

If your landscaping expert discovers pH imbalances after a soil test, they can add lime or sulfur to adjust the soil's pH level. Lime makes the soil more alkaline, while sulfur makes it more acidic. Your lawn specialist's recommendation will depend on what the soil pH test uncovers.

Your lawn care expert can also install drainage systems or raised beds to improve air circulation. In addition, they can add sand or organic matter (such as compost) to the soil to ensure that the roots breathe and grow properly. If that's not enough, your lawn care specialist will use a lawn aerator to break up the soil and improve drainage.

2. Excessive Heat and Sunlight

Most people consider heat and sunlight beneficial to plant life. But in reality, too much of these elements can have the opposite effect on grass.

Excessive heat can cause the grass to go into survival mode, which further slows down its growth. Blades of grass will need to expend more energy to stay cool, which leaves them with little energy available for growth. As a result, the blades cannot photosynthesize and produce food for the rest of the grass.

Roots also suffer severe damage from excessive heat. They're often unable to absorb water and nutrients as well as they should. As a result, the grass can't grow to replace old grass blades with new ones.

Sunlight also has a huge effect on grass growth. Too much sunlight can cause the blades to become bleached and brittle. Excessive sunlight can also cause the roots of the grass to dry out, which makes the grass more susceptible to disease and insect damage.

You might need to water your lawn deeply and regularly to combat this problem. This strategy will help keep your turf moist to encourage healthy growth — even in direct heat or sunlight. In addition, you might need to mow your lawn more frequently during the hot summer months. Doing so will help to keep the blades short and protect them from the sun's harsh rays.

Your lawn care expert can install a lawn irrigation system that will water your lawn on a schedule to ensure proper hydration in hot weather. They can also recommend the best lawn fertilizers and grass seed to use in your area to help your lawn thrive in extreme heat.

A bit of care can go a long way to ensure that your lawn is healthy and at its best. Reach out to Wright Turf for more helpful lawn care tips.

5 Tips to Help You Water Your Lawn Like a Pro

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 16:30:21 GMT

You have a delicate balance when watering a lawn. You have to find the sweet spot between too little water and too much water. The grass will wilt and die with the former, while with the latter, it becomes oversaturated and dies.

Furthermore, you have to understand the seasons and consider your water usage to not drive the water bill up.

The question then is how to water your lawn the right way. Below are expert tips for a hydrated lawn.

1. Understand Your Grass Needs

First, you have to have grass suitable to your local climate. Local grasses need less supplemental water as they are in sync with the environment.

For example, some cool weather grasses lose more water than their warm-weather counterparts. This is because they have more prominent pores. As such, they cannot thrive in warmer areas, and watering them will be a chore.

Beyond growing grasses for your local climate, invest in grass that conserves water. With these, you can enjoy a lush lawn with less watering and maintenance.

2. Water in the Morning

Water your lawn during cooler temperatures, curbing evaporation. With this in mind, water in the morning than in the evening.

Watering before 10 a.m. allows the water to seep deeper into the soil while reducing the stress on the grass during the hotter parts of the day.

Watering past 12 pm can lead to wasteful evaporation, and you will spend more water than you need. Finally, watering at night may lead to turf diseases due to water droplets that cling to the grass. If you must water in the evening, do it between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., as the grass blades will have enough time to dry before nightfall.

3. Water With One Inch of Water

You need to soak the soil up to six inches deep to keep your lawn in pristine condition. One inch of water per week is enough for this, depending on the climate. Water will percolate further in sandy soils than in clay, but one inch of water will still suffice for both.

Now, with one inch of water, this includes rainfall water, so do your calculations to avoid overwatering.

Use local weather data to track the rainfall or invest in a rain gauge. Next, you need to track the water you provide. Place a few containers on your lawn to measure water from the sprinklers and record how long it takes to supply one inch of water.

A more straightforward way to do this would be the screwdriver test. With proper watering, a screwdriver should penetrate to 6 inches with ease. Anything less means you have work to do.

4. Invest in a Timer

All too often, homeowners will let the sprinklers run for longer than is necessary simply because they forgot to turn off the water. The result is a saturated lawn and wasted water.

With a timer, you can go on with your business without worrying about turning off the water — the timer screws to your spigot and the hose to the timer. The timer will turn off the water after a preset time.

By and large, your lawn gets enough water without you worrying about it.

5. Water in Shorter Cycles

You have instances where the lawn does not absorb water fast, and it ends up forming puddles. Should this happen, water in shorter cycles of about 10 minutes to let the soil absorb water.

For the best lawn maintenance, contact the experts at Wright Turf . We can help you have the beautiful green lawn you deserve and are happy to answer any of your questions.

5 Reasons Not to Lay Down Sod Over Existing Grass

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 10:51:41 GMT

Do you want to replace some or all of your lackluster lawn with fresh, new sod? Because you do not have to struggle to start new grass from seed, a layer of sod can be a cost- and time-effective means to spruce up a lawn and prevent landscape deterioration.

But given how much extra work you will do in order to remove the existing grass, should you just lay down the new sod over it? The answer is usually no. Learn five reasons why.

1. The Height Will Change
If you replace just a portion of an existing lawn - perhaps an area that already died or suffered damage - laying new sod on top of the current layer means raising the height of the sod. The new section may be visibly different depending on how much grass is underneath. In addition to not matching as well, this can also cause new drainage issues.

2. Roots May Struggle
While sod comes with a thin layer of soil to get it started, the grass roots must take hold in the ground quickly to keep it healthy and thriving. But the more space between your new grass roots and that soil, the harder for these to knit together. In addition to a larger space, the old lawn forms a barrier that may physically prevent root growth.

3. Gaps Create Problems
Anyone who has ever tried to lay down a layer of anything on top of uneven existing material likely knows how hard removing gaps and bubbles is. This is one reason why sod preparation includes removing all the debris and rocks from the ground before the sod arrives.

If you skip this step, gaps will likely end up in your sod layer despite your best efforts. This allows water to pool and puddle, sometimes causing rot and other times preventing water from reaching the lower levels. Air bubbles and empty spaces can also cause misalignments with gases, nutrients, and minerals.

4. Problems May Return
Why are you replacing your old lawn sections? If you have struggled with infestation or invasive plants or if you need a grass species more suited to the climate, you may not want anything left from the old grass. Without thoroughly removing the plants, tilling the soil, and possibly treating it, anything still in the ground can easily come back to cause new trouble. This includes weeds, old grass, pests, and disease.

5. You Will Have to Prep Anyway
The idea of simply rolling out new sod on top of the old grass sounds like a big time-saver. But even this plan is not as simple as it seems. You still need to reduce the height of the grass as much as possible, sometimes over multiple mowing and trimming sessions. You may need to kill the grass so it does not block the new sod from taking hold. And you will have to fix whatever problems caused the problem in the first place.

If you will spend significant time and work to prep this site anyway, this may not be as great a shortcut as you want. You will have to do plenty of work and may still end up with a subpar result.

Clearly, how much prep work to do before bringing in new sod depends on many factors. You may even have times when leaving the old grass is a better choice than removing it. However, before you choose either method, start by consulting with the sod professionals at Wright Turf . We will help you assess your needs and find the right balance between effort, budget, and the best lawn possible.

5 Tips for Installing a Perfect Backyard Putting Green

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 17:30:04 GMT

Are you an avid golfer who would like to spend more time enjoying your game? Then what you need is a backyard putting green. Putting greens, once reserved for professional golfers and those with cash to burn, are more and more popular among amateur golfers of all levels.

This is because you can install a backyard putting green in just about any size space and it provides an inexpensive way to relax at home. Ready to start planning your backyard putting green? Here are a few tips to help you succeed.

1. Find the Right Grass
The grass on a green is one of its most important components. While some backyard enthusiasts opt for artificial turf products, a real green will provide a more authentic experience and keep things stylish. Bermuda grass is a common choice for professional greens, but your particular climate, drainage, shade, and the level of usage expected should inform your choice of grass type.

2. Consider the Conditions
Many homeowners have an idea where a putting green might fit in their yard, but make sure you consider all the variables before selecting a location. For instance, a convenient spot too near the house may end up costing you due to damage or injuries from stray golf balls.

The green should have plenty of sunshine throughout the day and get a natural breeze to cool and dry the area. Otherwise, you're likely to end up with moisture issues. Landscaping around the green shouldn't encroach onto your clear area, and it shouldn't feature plants or trees that leave messes on the grass. A solid artificial lawn border around the green will also help with this.

3. Build a Solid Base
Along with the right grass and maintenance of it, the right base is key to a good putting green. You'll need a solid, level location that is well-compacted to avoid unnecessary settling. Most greens start with leveling and grading a dirt base and then adding a composite layer - usually small gravel - and leveling this as well. Create a very slight center crown to prevent water from pooling on the green.

4. Plan for Borders
Professional golf courses, of course, have barriers to prevent unwanted intruders - both animal and human - and yours may need this as well. You don't want to go to all the work of installing a grassy green and then discover your dog digging it up or your kids trampling it.

Natural barriers can be attractive and organic within the landscape while keeping out unrelated activity. Consider things like hedges, rock gardens, container plantings, berms, or other landscape features that divert foot traffic around the green.

5. Create a Maintenance Plan
Real grass greens are beautiful and ideal for upping your game, but they do call for more maintenance than the average landscape. Start with the right grass and soil conditions underneath it. This helps keep your green lush and healthy, reduces weeds, and lowers water needs.

As with professional greens, you may need to increase your mowing schedule to keep the grass at an ideal height. Many greens owners use manual reel mowers, which are both simple to use and keep grass trimmed low. You may also need to topdress, fertilize, and aerate regularly. If the additional maintenance could be challenging, work with your landscape service to give the green additional care.

Where to Start
Get started on your backyard golfer's paradise by visiting the grass pros at Wright Turf Farms . We'll help you assess your backyard conditions, climate and geography, and goals to create the right base and lawn for your green. Call today to make an appointment.

Turf Guidelines: How to Revive Dead Turf

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 18:56:54 GMT

Have you noticed your turf has a bald spot? Does it look lousy, dry, and dead? Many things might cause such a predicament, and luckily for you, you can understand the best way to revive your turf.

Follow these four steps below to bring your turf back to life.

1. Identify the Issue

You have three common reasons why your lawn looks brown, dead, and wilted with bald spots: pet urine, pest infestations, and fungal diseases. Of course, other reasons exist, such as poor environmental conditions or poor soil composition, but the most prevalent causes are those three.

Pet Urine

Urine from your cats and dogs is acidic and has a high percentage of urea, which burns sod. Therefore, if your pet regularly urinates on your grass, it's likely to brown and leave patches on the sod.

Pest Infestations

Lawns can harbor multiple pests, but with high infestations of the Japanese beetle or June bug along with their larvae or grubs, you might soon notice dry patches on the grass. The grubs feed on the roots of the sod, which causes the grass to lift away from the ground, leading to a dry or brown dead patch.

Fungal Diseases

In the cold season, snow and excess water can kill a section of the lawn because excess moisture leads to mold infestation. As the mold increases, the sod gets a fungal disease that aggressively damages the sod.

For all these reasons, you can easily undertake a visual test to see if you have mold underneath the turf, too many pests at the root of the grass, or too much pet urination on the turf. Once you identify the leading cause of your dead turf, move to the next step.

2. Prepare and Cultivate Your Lawn

An easy way to revive your dead lawn is by resodding the grass, but this mainly applies when the dead turf covers an extensive part of your damaged area. This will be an expensive fix but will solve the issue instantly. Another solution is to prepare the lawn for reseeding.

In this case, cultivate the damaged areas and plant the seeds you'd like to replace over the patch. This method is cost-effective and much easier to do but much slower. With cultivation, you must remove the weeds from the patch and loosen the topsoil.

Weeding is necessary because you want the turf to have all the sun, water, air, and soil it needs to grow healthy. Additionally, as you loosen the topsoil, you aerate the lawn, so the roots of the sod get more air, access to water, and nutrients from the soil, which enhances faster growth.

3. Fertilize

Fertilizers enhance sod growth by providing growth nutrients, promoting root growth, and improving resistance to diseases and adverse environmental conditions. Fertilize your turf about 30 to 60 days after seeding or sodding your turf using a fertilizer that's low in phosphorus but high in nitrogen and potassium.

4. Irrigate

The last step is to add water. Irrigation ensures that every inch of the sod will receive enough water to grow deep and sustainable roots. With these deep roots, you can rest assured that the turf will be stronger and much more resistant to adverse weather and environmental effects. Lastly, don't get too overwhelmed and overwater your turf; this too can cause damage. Therefore, regulation is vital.

Various issues such as soil composition changes and environmental or temperature changes can affect a significant section of your turf. However, by using these four steps above, you can ensure the turf remains healthy, and when it dies, you have clear step-by-step guidelines to revive it.

For more tips for caring for your turf or planting sod, reach out to us today.

Choosing the Right Sod for Your Lawn

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 07:39:40 GMT

Planting sod is an excellent way to attain a beautiful lawn and enhance your property's curb appeal and value. However, with different types of sod in the market, you may not be sure which is right for your lawn or corporate landscape.

The right sod can be the difference between a gorgeous lawn that offers long-lasting beauty and an unattractive lawn that barely grows. Consider these two factors to choose the best sod for your project.

Local Climate

Sod comes in two categories: warm season and cold season. Warm-season sod thrives in hot, humid climates. It is perennial, going into dormancy in winter and thriving in spring. If you live in Southwest Georgia, this sod is an excellent choice. The most popular types of warm-season sod are:

Zoysia : This sod is renowned for its hardiness and can withstand heat, drought, and heavy traffic. It is low maintenance, making it ideal for people who don't have much time to care for their lawn. Zoysia sod has good root systems that lower your water bill and grows laterally so you don't have to mow frequently.
Bermuda : This is a popular choice for homeowners due to its curb appeal and remarkable drought and heat tolerance. Its ability to withstand heavy traffic makes it ideal for golf courses and sports fields. Bermuda grass has a fast growth rate and requires more maintenance than Zoysia.

Cool-season grass is suitable for geographical regions with cold and temperate climates. It grows well in the Northern parts of the US. Common cool-season grass includes:

Kentucky bluegrass : This grass stands out with its lush, emerald blue-green color, good winter hardiness, and high disease resistance. However, this sod is sensitive to heat and drought and grows slower than other cool-season sod. Also, it requires higher maintenance than other grasses.
Tall fescue : This has good heat and drought tolerance and wear and tear recovery and requires minimal maintenance. It also withstands stressors like insects and diseases. However, this sod exhibits bunch-like growth and may require re-seeding every year.

Do research into your local climate and into different grass types that will be best for your location.

Unique Features

When choosing sod for your lawn, you should consider your lawn's unique features, such as soil make-up, intended use, sunlight exposure, and lawn size. Your lawn's soil type will affect the sod you settle for.

Your lawn's intended use will have a tremendous impact on your sod as well. If kids and pets will play in your yard, or you will entertain outdoors, choose sod that withstands heavy foot traffic like Zoysia, Bermuda, and St. Augustine. Centipede and Kentucky bluegrass do not stand up to heavy traffic and are better for show lawns.

The amount of sunlight your yard receives also determines your sod choice. Depending on your climate, Bermuda is ideal for lawns with full sun exposure while Tall Fescue is good for heavily shaded lawns.

Consider your lawn's size when selecting sod, too. For example, if you have a large yard, you may want to choose inexpensive and low-maintenance sod. A big yard requires more sod, so costly sods like Zoysia can be too expensive.

Look at your schedule as well. Do you have a lot of time to maintain your yard? People who do not have much time and resources to devote to their yards should opt for low-maintenance sod variants.

Contact Wright Turf Farms for all your turf needs in Southwest Georgia. We are a reliable and experienced turf provider delivering quality sod to both businesses and residential clients. Come to us to get a beautiful lawn for your home or office.

6 Tips to Care for Your Lawn in an Environment-Friendly Way

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 18:24:25 GMT

In addition to their irresistible beauty, lawns are beneficial to people and the environment. They clean air, trap pollutants, improve soil structure, reduce temperatures, and contribute to community green space. As a lawn owner, you likely want to adopt eco-friendly lawn maintenance for a lusher, healthier, and greener lawn. Learn six eco-friendly ways to maintain your lawn.

1. Use Eco-Friendly Tools

Gas-powered lawn equipment is often notorious for polluting the air. One research reveals that a gas-powered lawnmower discharges environmental pollutants equivalent to 11 cars in one hour.

As such, avoid gas-powered lawn equipment. Instead, opt for eco-friendly equipment such as electric and battery-powered tools to cut fuel consumption and environmental pollutants. Also, ditch conventional soils and fertilizers for organic products.

2. Choose the Right Type of Grass for Your Region

Before planting a lawn, whether in your front yard or for your corporate landscaping project, determine the best grass for your climate and region. The right type of grass thrives in your region and resists local pests and diseases. Grass that grows well in one area may not thrive in another. In fact, it may require more care and water and still not grow as well.

For instance, while tall fescue grass is drought-resilient, it may not do as well in Georgia's hot summer temperatures, as it requires more watering. In Georgia, Zoysia grass, Bermuda grass, St Augustine grass, and Centipede Grass do pretty well and save you resources and effort.

3. Practice Mulching

Mulching is good for your lawn because it provides essential nutrients to the soil, keeping your lawn healthy. It limits weed growth, maintains soil moisture, and prevents soil erosion and compaction. Mulching also saves time, money, and labor.

One great way of mulching is leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing. The clippings decompose into the soil and nourish it while acting as a moisture barrier. They also eliminate the need to use chemical fertilizers on your lawn, which are often harmful to the environment and human health.

You can also mulch your lawn with chopped tree back, brick chips, and dried leaves.

4. Mow High

Did you know that keeping your lawn a bit longer can be beneficial? Typically, longer grass has a larger surface area to absorb sunlight. It grows thicker and attains deep roots, which help the grass to endure drought, diseases, and insect damage. Longer grass also provides shade for the soil, assisting it to retain moisture and keep weeds from growing.

The ideal length of lawn differs depending on the type of grass. Mow high for more robust and healthier grass with minimal pest problems. Also, use sharp blades in the process to avoid injuring the grass.

5. Water Properly

Lawns usually need much water to thrive. Luckily, when watering your lawn, you can save this valuable resource in several ways.

First, water your lawn after midnight when the air is cooler. This way, you minimize the chances of the water evaporating before it gets to the ground. Second, water deeply and less frequently to help your lawn grow deep roots that can withstand drought. Third, install a drip system to maximize water efficiency. Such a system places water directly on the root and reduces evaporation.

6. Use Native Plants

Consider adding a few native plants to your lawn. These plants not only give your lawn a touch of natural beauty but also need minimal maintenance. Also, native plants have already adapted to your region's climate and can resist diseases and local weather conditions.

A lawn has numerous benefits for people and the environment, ranging from beautifying spaces to cleaning the air and reducing temperatures. In the current sustainability era, you want to keep your lawn care as environment-friendly as possible. Contact Wright Turf Farms for expert lawn maintenance to ensure a green, gorgeous, and healthy lawn. We look forward to helping you succeed in your lawn care.

6 Grass Terms to Help You Build a Great Lawn

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 15:13:30 GMT

Considering a sod lawn at your home or business? While many elements of the process have been made user-friendly for the public, you will still need to understand a few terms in order to choose the right sod and care for it so it stays lush and green for your enjoyment. Discover some of these terms and how they relate to your new sod.

1. Dormancy

Grasses and other plants go dormant to survive unfavorable conditions for weeks or months. Cool-season grasses go dormant when the weather is too hot, while warm-season grass goes dormant in the cold. Dormant grass takes on a fairly uniform brown, dead appearance - but it is still deeply rooted and far from dead. The right temperatures, watering, and fertilization will bring it right back to life.

2. Friable (Soil)

Friable is a technical term for ideal soil texture (rather than the mineral or acidity content) to help plants take root and grow. Often referred to as loam , friable soil has a crumbly texture that allows good drainage so roots do not become waterlogged, but it does not allow all moisture to escape straight through. Friable soil is vital if you want your turf to root well and become stable quickly.

3. pH

pH is the measurement of soil's acidity or alkalinity. It is generally measured with simple soil tests that produce a number you can use to make adjustments. Most lawn grasses like a pH between six and seven, so understanding your pH levels is key to thriving turf. If the test indicates that the soil pH needs raising, add limestone material to the mix. If it needs lowering, do this with sulfur or aluminum sulfate.

4. Plugs

Plugs, as their name suggests, plug a hole in the lawn. A sod plug is a small section of turf (the layer of earth and grass) planted in the ground in rows or groupings 9-12 inches apart. As these take hold where they are planted, they spread and fill out the intervening soil area. They may fill in gaps or plant a new section in lieu of full sod. Sprigs are plugs planted in a longer, more trench-like layout.

5. Seasons (Grass)

Grasses are divided into two categories based on how they grow. Cool-season grasses (like fescue) go dormant in the hot months of summer but tolerate plunging winter temperatures better. Warm-season grasses (such as zoysia) grow in the spring and summer and have a higher tolerance for drought. They may not survive a harsh winter, though. Your climate and lawn goals determine the best season to use.

6. Turf

Most people think of turf and lawn as interchangeable. And even though they are connected, they are different concepts. The lawn is an expanse of grass that is tended and mowed. The turf, though, is what makes up that lawn. Turf is the layer of earth that holds a dense carpet of grass and its matted roots. Turf, then, makes up the lawn. The turf is what you must tend to in order to have a beautiful lawn.

When you know more about how to choose the right grass, how to prepare its soil, and how to maintain it, your new sod lawn will be beautiful and simple all year long. Georgia property owners can learn more by meeting with the pros at Wright Turf today. We are happy to answer your sod and lawn questions as well as to help you become the best lawn owner you can be. Call today to make an appointment and discover what we can do for you and your lawn.

5 Biggest Dangers to Your Lawn

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 14:46:19 GMT

Your lawn is an important part of your landscaping because it is one of the first things people see when they drive by or visit your home. Naturally, this makes most homeowners want a beautiful lawn to boost curb appeal. If you are struggling with your lawn or if you just want to know more, check out these five big dangers to your lawn.

1. Weeds

Weeds are problematic because they choke out your grass to make more room for the weeds to spread. Crabgrass and dandelions are two common lawn weeds. Crabgrass looks like patches of thick grass, and it is more common on thin, undernourished lawns. Each summer, the crabgrass develops hundreds of seeds, which further spread the weed.

Dandelions are also found in thin, unhealthy lawns. At first, they appear bright yellow but quickly change to white puffs full of seed that float in the air. As a result, these weeds spread fast. Plus, removing dandelions can be difficult because of their 10-inch-long taproots. If any part of the taproot is left behind, the weed can regrow.

2. Fungus

Fungi is naturally in your lawn, but when the wrong conditions are met, the fungi can start to take over your yard. Common causes of lawn fungus include drought, mowers that cut too close, compacted soil, overwatering, and humidity. Identifying lawn fungi can be difficult if you don't know what you're looking for.

Instead of mushrooms, look for patches of discolored or dead grass. The spots may look white, yellow, gray, black, red, and orange. You may have coatings on the grass that look like powder or strings. Some fungi can even make the grass look greasy or slimy.

3. Moss

Moss may start to grow on a lawn that is thin or has bare spots. Typically, lots of moss growing in your lawn means it has an underlying condition such as compacted soil, poor drainage, or inadequate sunlight.

Moss doesn't take over the lawn - it just fills in bare patches. This can make your lawn look healthier at first glance, but moss absorbs and holds water well. Therefore, too much moss could steal water from your grass, leading to dead grass and bare spots that allow for more moss growth.

4. Dog Urine

Nitrogen is an important ingredient in fertilizers. However, dog urine also contains a lot of nitrogen - too much nitrogen. As a result, dog urine can overfertilize your yard, causing yellow and brown spots to appear. Female dogs tend to cause more damage because of how they squat in one spot to urinate.

Ideally, you can train your dog to urinate somewhere other than your lawn, but even if your dog does pee on the lawn, make sure to water it right after to wash away the urine and nitrogen. You may also want to choose a grass that is good for dogs, such as Fescue and perennial ryegrass instead of Kentucky Bluegrass and Bermuda grass, which are more sensitive to urine scald.

5. Shade

Grass is a plant, and like any plant, it needs air, water, nutrients, and sunlight to really thrive. Therefore, too much shade can destroy your lawn. One way shade ruins your lawn is by preventing sunlight from reaching the grass. As a result, the grass starts to grow longer and thinner to try and reach the sunlight, which increases the risk of weeds and moss taking hold of the bare spots.

Shade may also limit the amount of water from reaching the grass. Even if water and nutrients do reach the ground, however, nearby trees that cause shade may steal most or all of the water and nutrients, leaving the grass to struggle to survive. If you have lots of shade, look for a grass that does well in shade.

Many factors can affect the health and beauty of your lawn. In some cases, fixing the problem may be as easy as trimming a few branches, but in other situations, you may need to fully replace your grass with a new species. If you would like to know more, contact us at Wright Turf Farms.

4 Guidelines to Treat Your Turf Right

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 17:31:03 GMT

When you install turf to cover your lawn and keep it even, you may think that installing it is the end of the matter, or that the turf will grow into your ground without any further input.

To keep your lawn in good condition, though, you'll need to continue to invest yourself in caring for your turf properly. Here are a few guidelines on taking care of your newly-turfed lawn so you can keep the grass greener on your side of the fence.

1. Buy the Right Fertilizer

When you use turfgrass for your lawn, you'll still need to consider the soil underneath your new additions. The grass is still alive, after all, so it needs nutrients just as much as naturally occurring grass. When you first buy your turf, a seller from a local and trustworthy company should be able to help you test the soil your yard has naturally to see what nutrients you need.

To maintain it afterward, then, you'll need to use that information and find a fertilizer that will supplement where your ground falls short. Look for the nutrient amounts and ratios on the fertilizer when you go to purchase it. Or, better yet, contact the company that sold you the turf and get their recommendations for your fertilizer. A good amount in the fall should help your grass stay healthy all year.

2. Watch Your Water

In the first few weeks after laying down turf, you'll need to water it thoroughly. The grass needs time to grow its roots past the turf surface and down into the topsoil. If you overwater during that time, you'll help the process along; if not, the turf will take longer to reach a healthy level of growth.

Once the grass has rooted itself, though, it won't need as much water. Many varieties of turfgrass are bred to use less water and resist drought, which will help you keep your water bill under control and your yard looking pristine.

3. Mow With Care

Yes, your turf lawn will still require mowing, although you should wait until the roots have set into the topsoil. When you can tug on the grass without pulling it up in sheets, it's only a couple of days away from being ready to mow. Don't wait too long, though; you should mow as soon as possible to encourage top growth.

Make sure to ask your turf professional about the kinds of grass you put into your yard. Every kind of grass has a specific height at which it will thrive, so you'll want to set your mower's height accordingly. A good rule of thumb is to keep it longer in the summer to protect the soil and mow it shorter as the weather cools down. Don't forget to keep your mower blades sharp, too - dull blades can harm your grass.

4. Keep Weeds Away

If your turfgrass grows densely, you'll have less trouble with weeds, but you should still be vigilant. The simplest way to get rid of weeds once they appear is to uproot the whole plant, but you can also use herbicides to attack any problem areas. Again, contact your turf professional to see what kind of chemicals will work with your grass and what kinds will harm it.

If you'd like professional help for your lawn, whether you need to choose and install the right turf, get extra sod, or maintain your grass as a whole, Wright Turf Farms is here to help. Get in touch today for all of your sod and turf needs. We are excited to hear from you. To control the colour or size of this text, please change the global colours or text size under the Design section from the left menu of the editor.

Thinking Beyond Water Usage: 5 Ways Lawns Provide Financial Benefit

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 17:37:14 GMT

Do you want a lawn but are afraid of the amount and costs of the water necessary to keep a healthy expanse of grass? While lawns require a certain commitment to water usage, they also provide financial and physical benefits for your home that might just offset this cost - or even overshadow it. How is this possible? Discover five key ways a lawn provides a return on your financial investment.

1. Lawns Cool the Area

Did you know that grass actually works to cool down the area in which it grows? In fact, the space over a lawn can be 10 to 14 degrees cooler than over hardscape - a boost that contributes to the efficient and less expensive cooling of your house.

How do lawns do this? For one thing, grass absorbs sunlight during the day and redistributes it at night - the opposite of heat-reflecting hardscape. In addition, sunlight that hits grass evaporates natural moisture in the lawn rather than releasing as heat. This process, called evapotranspiration, means that the heat is used up by evaporating the water and therefore does not redirect outward.

2. Lawns Encourage Home Recreation

A healthy and inviting lawn can be a big draw for many people looking for ways to entertain themselves and others. It is inviting - particularly in the dog days of summer - and provides plenty of space for kids and adults to play at home. You may be able to replace a variety of more expensive activities, such as paid kids' play areas or group sports and gatherings at bars or restaurants, with free activities at home.

3. Lawns Help With Drainage

When you add any element of hardscape to the yard, you risk reducing the ground's ability to drain properly after rain, snow, and watering. Paved entertainment areas generally need to include special additions, which can cost to install, to contain runoff and provide artificial drainage.

On the other hand, a lawn improves natural drainage in a big way. Unwanted water runoff can be an expensive risk to your home, but it may be solved with something as simple as a slight grade in a porous lawn leading away from the foundation. A properly graded lawn prevents puddling, directs water away from expensive hardscape features, and reduces ice buildup.

4. Lawns Prevent Erosion

Ground cover is a simple and cheap way to minimize erosion difficulties in your yard as well. Healthy roots of a ground cover such as grass form masses that help keep soil in place. While some homeowners may spend hundreds of dollars or more to add supports to minimize sloping and erosion, a layer of grass can often do a similar job for a lot less.

5. Lawns Improve Home Value

The right landscaping can boost home value significantly. Why? It adds to curb appeal by creating an immediate visceral response as buyers approach and signals to buyers that your home is more likely to be well cared for.

A lawn is one of the best ways to get a big bang for your buck with home values. For a minimal investment, a lawn projects a huge amount of green lushness and requires less care than individual garden beds and shrubbery.

Which of these potentially valuable financial benefits could make the most impact on your property? No matter whether you want lower cooling costs, natural protection from the elements, or a way to save money on recreation, a lawn could be just what you are looking for - even with some additional water expense. Learn more by meeting with the lawn professionals at Wright Turf Farms today. We look forward to meeting with you soon.

Avoiding Heat Stress Decomposition in Sod Rolls

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 20:02:09 GMT

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 .

Landscaping Styles That Sod Can Complement

Sat, 04 Apr 2020 13:54:48 GMT

Grass is popular for yards because it provides a large swath of greenery that's both visually pleasing and useful. You probably envision a traditional yard when you think about sod - a lawn, a couple trees, and a few flower beds. However, many landscape designers are moving toward yards with a distinct style. Sod can complement several of these landscaping styles.

English Garden
The English garden features several clear-cut characteristics. It's a loose, informal style inspired by nature. Original English gardens were part of large estates, so they themselves were grand. However, modern landscape designers now scale down the scope for residences. The goal of such a garden is to encourage visitors to wander around and relax.

One of the classic elements of the English garden is a rolling lawn. The English countryside where nobles built manors wasn't exactly hilly, but it did feature some undulation. So, if you want to replicate an English garden, have at least one small mound created in your yard before having it sodded over. Likewise, you want enough sod in your yard to get an expansive feel.

English gardens include other features that you can incorporate into your landscaping, at least in that scaled down manner, for example manor gardens often featured lakes. Since that's too grand for most modern day houses, consider a naturalistic pool. Tree groves are another element that you can work into your landscaping on a small scale, say with a cluster of trees in the corner of your lawn.

Japanese Garden
The classic Japanese garden is another style that aims to encourage wandering, in this case for meditation. Likewise, such gardens are informally formal, meaning they look naturalistic. However, designers carefully cultivate the vista into reproductions of what you'd find in a perfect example of nature. A well designed Japanese garden should be both elegant and complex.

Even though the Japanese garden tries to mimic nature, grass is a mainstay of the style. Landscape designers use it in different ways, depending on the scope of the garden. If the yard is small, they might use it as an accent to other elements. With larger gardens, you'll see an expanse of manicured lawn. Incorporate a sod installation so you see a balance of green in your garden.

Additionally, Japanese gardens depend on two important hardscaping elements - a water feature and a winding pathway. Your Japanese landscaping should incorporate a nature-inspired pool, ideally with a bridge. Likewise, a winding pathway, preferably of stone, encourages that sense of meditation. Consider devising the path around your water feature and through the lawn for visual interest.

French Garden
The French garden is probably the most formal style of landscaping. The foundation ambiance is a sense of order over nature. So designers use natural elements, but they apply a sense of order and symmetry to the design. Naturally, one of the most famous French gardens is the one at the Palace of Versailles.

A lawn is de rigueur for the French garden because it is the ideal form of plant life for imposing order. Indeed, sod is especially useful because the contractors can lay it down in the precise manner required by the style. You see either large lawns that accompany the hardscaping or mirrored lawns, like on either side of a central statue or formal pathway, for example.

Another plant to incorporate into your French garden is the box hedge for the same reason as for sod. Indeed, the two plants can work well together. You can have the contractors lay the sod in neat spaces further defined by the box hedges.

Use sod as the foundation of your landscaping design, then add some of the other elements that adhere to the principles of the target style. Contact Wright Turf Farms for the sod itself.

Understanding the Popular Sod Grass St. Augustine

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 20:36:40 GMT

Landscapers have many different varieties of grass to choose from, even when they start with sod. One option is St. Augustine grass. This robust grass features a coarse texture that propagates when the nodes take root. As a result, lawns of St. Augustine sod grass are dense and springy. The blades themselves are an attractive blue-green.

If you're trying to choose a grass type for your sodded lawn, St. Augustine might be an option. Keep reading for the essential information about this tropical grass.

Origin of St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine is a turfgrass that originated in tropical regions such as the following:

The United States Gulf Coast

Southern Mexico

Caribbean

South America

South Africa

Australia

It's native to sandy beach ridges, marshes, swamps, and lagoons. Because of its tropical origin, St. Augustine is a warm-season grass. Therefore, it thrives in hot regions. Indeed, its peak growing time is midsummer.

Cultivars of St. Augustine Grass

Turf farmers have propagated St. Augustine grass for two centuries. In that time, they have developed several cultivars, each of which has its own attributes.

One popular cultivar is Floratam, which is widely planted in Florida. While this cultivar isn't as resistant to chinch bugs as was once hoped, it is exceptional for very sunny areas. The Captiva cultivar is better both at resisting chinch bugs and at tolerating shade. Delta Shade, as the name suggests, is exceptional at tolerating shady areas.

Typically, turf farmers will feature sod with grass cultivars that are especially well-adapted for their target region. So, you should only need to talk to them about the specifics of your yard.

Pros and Cons of St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine grass does have a few minor issues. The turfgrass is neither deep shade-tolerant nor adaptable for high-traffic areas. It can also fall prey to certain pests and diseases, such as chinch bugs and gray leaf spot. For those reasons, St. Augustine grass is not perfect for every single lawn project. You might need to take extra care in certain conditions.

That said, St. Augustine grass is ideal for some conditions. Usually, warm-season grasses don't tolerate any shade, but St. Augustine does tolerate more than other warm-season grasses. What's more, while it won't thrive in heavy traffic areas, its turf is dense enough to stand up well to normal foot traffic, such as that present in a backyard lawn.

Indeed, the dense, soft, blue-green turfgrass is prized for backyards. That dense turf weave also makes it especially resistant to weeds. What's more, one of St. Augustine's defining characteristics is that it's unusually tolerant of salt. Therefore, it's an ideal turfgrass for coastal regions, which isn't surprising considering its tropical origins.

Care for St. Augustine Sod Grass

All grass requires general maintenance, such as watering and mowing. However, when you adhere to the specific maintenance requirements of a grass type, your sodded lawn is more likely to thrive.

In late winter and early spring, you should mow your St. Augustine lawn a little lower than its summer height, say between 2 to 2 ½ inches high. Likewise, rake up the lawn clippings and any other debris. Indeed, if you see that the thatch has become too thick, you should use a dethatcher to remove it. This is also the ideal time for aeration.

Come summer, you should leave your St. Augustine grass at a height of 3 to 4 inches . Summer is a good time to fertilize according to a specific schedule - your turf experts can advise you about this schedule. In fact, you might leave fertilization to them, at least at this stage.

Once the cold weather hits, you'll want to leave the grass blades a little longer so they can acclimate to the cold. You'll also want to apply winter fertilizer. If weeds are a problem in your area, you might consider an herbicide to control them over the winter months.

Consider St. Augustine grass if you're in a hot climate, especially along the coast. Contact Wright Turf Farms for more information about this or any other sod grass.

Everything You Need to Know About Necrotic Ring Spot

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 21:17:09 GMT

Homeowners install sod lawns and maintain them so they can have beautiful, lush grass. Unfortunately, factors like insects and fungi try to destroy that lush greenness of your sod lawn. One of those pests is a condition called necrotic ring spot (NRS). Cool grasses are especially susceptible to this condition. Find out if your sod lawn might be susceptible to this damaging disease.

NRS and Cool Turfgrasses

Not all grass species are sturdy enough to be made into sod. However, some species prized for their sod durability are Kentucky bluegrass and fescues. The species are cool-season turfgrasses, which means they can flourish in cooler temperatures. This fact makes them ideal for shady spots. What's more, they're prized by lawn experts because they withstand heavy foot traffic well.

Unfortunately, Kentucky bluegrass and fescues do have a natural enemy - a fungus named Ophiosphaerella korrae ( O. korrae ). The fungus can infest any cool-season grass, but it's especially damaging to Kentucky bluegrass and fescues. The fungus infects both the crown and roots of the grass, causing round, bald patches of within the grass.

Symptoms of NRS

The main symptom of necrotic ring spot is the bald ring that gives the disease its name. However, once it's reached that stage, it's at the full-blown phase of its lifecycle. The disease can start to form two or three years after initial lawn establishment. It can stay localized, or it can spread throughout the lawn.

During cool, wet weather, the first symptoms of NRS appear - small, light green areas in the turf. When a hot, dry period follows that wet weather, the fungus spreads. The rings can grow to several feet in diameter.

During the progression of the disease, the rings grow and turn reddish brown before fading to straw yellow. At that point, the grass in the perimeter of the ring has died and become matted. However, the grass inside the ring stays green and healthy.

Diagnosis of NRS

Necrotic ring spot is tricky because it resembles other patch diseases. Therefore, diagnosis isn't always straightforward. Lawn experts sometimes use the season to distinguish it from a patch disease such as summer patch.

O. korrae can produce a dark brown or black substance on the surface of infected grass. So turf specialists sometimes remove a small portion of the infected grass and inspect it for signs of the O. korrae fungus. They also look for blackened roots and rhizomes as well as rotted roots and crowns on the blades of grass.

O. korrae is persistent. It hibernates in plant debris and the thatch layer. So it has a tendency to return after remaining dormant for part of the year.

Managing NRS

Luckily, necrotic ring spot is not a death sentence for your sod lawn. Naturally, you have chemical fungicides that can help kill the O. korrae . The key with NRS is to apply said fungicide when the three-inch depth of the lawn ranges between 55 to 70 degrees to ensure the fungus is active. The availability of fungicides varies by state.

A multi-faceted approach is best in solving the NRS infestation. So if you're having your lawn treated for this disease, you want to thoroughly water it several days before fungicide application. Likewise, apply fertilizer at the end of the fungus' life cycle - in the cooler weather.

Likewise, you should engage in good cultural practices to protect your sod lawn. For one, avoid drought stress by watering your lawn deeply but infrequently. However, during the hottest times of the year, light watering every day is appropriate. Additionally, ensure the thatch compaction doesn't reach over a half-inch, meaning you should thatch your lawn regularly.

The best management for necrotic ring disease is avoidance. Choose cool-season sod with species resistant to the O. korrae fungus. Talk to the lawn experts at Wright Turf about the best cool-season sod for your lawn.

Installing Sod? 4 Mistakes to Avoid

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 01:44:13 GMT

Your lawn is more than just grass - your lawn is the background for your home's overall landscape design and curb appeal. If you have a bare front yard at the moment, however, a healthy and attractive lawn may seem like an impossible goal to achieve. Thankfully, sod can help you achieve this goal, going from dirt to a complete lawn in about a day's time.

Of course, proper installation and maintenance is key if you want your new lawn to grow and thrive. This guide and your contractor will ensure you avoid a few common mistakes made with sod grass.

1. Wrong Grass

You may be surprised to learn that not all sod is created equal. Sod is grass, and there are different types of grass available. Since it has already started to grow, you may think any type of sod grass is acceptable, but that is not entirely true.

If you choose the wrong type of grass, the sod may not root itself into the ground, which will prevent you from having the lawn you want and are investing in. Therefore, you must select the right type of sod grass for your specific climate.

For example, warm season grasses, such as Bermuda, are ideal for hot and sunny climates that experience drought-like conditions. If you live in cooler climate or have a lot of shade in your yard, opt for a cool season grass, such as fescue, when selecting your sod

2. Insufficient Water

Sod may be a form of instant grass, but it does need to establish itself in the underlying dirt and soil if you want to enjoy a healthy and appealing lawn for many years to come.

Watering your new lawn thoroughly is most important during the early days after installation. Most experts recommend watering the sod two to four times each day during the first seven to 10 days after installation.

If you are unsure whether your sod needs to be watered, inspect it carefully. If you walk on the sod and it leaves deep footprints, the lawn has adequate water. If the sod grass is firm, pull back a section to inspect the underlying soil. The lawn needs to be watered more frequently if the soil is dry.

After about two weeks of time, you can begin to decrease how much water you give your lawn.

3. Wrong Time

Again, while sod does create an instant lawn, the grass does need to grow into the ground if you want to enjoy your new lawn indefinitely. Not only do you need to plant the right sod grass and water it properly, but you also need to lay the sod at the right time.

Some people believe that sod can be laid at any time during the year, but seasons where temperatures are too high or too low will decrease how well the sod establishes itself. For the best results, lay the sod in the spring or fall, when temperatures are cooler and there is more chance of rain to help the grass root.

4. Improper Prep

Creating an instant lawn with sod is possible, but a bit of prep is necessary first. For the sod to thoroughly implement into the ground, you need a healthy and durable foundation.

Any dead grass, clumps of mud or clay, twigs, roots, rocks, and other debris must be removed from the ground before you install the sod. The soil should be tilled, as well, and topsoil should be added to fill in low areas of soil to create a level foundation for the sod.

Help is available if you are ready to create an appealing and healthy lawn. For more information on installing sod or for help maintaining your lawn, contact Wright Turf Farm Inc. today.

Tips for Designing a Shade-Tolerant Garden

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 15:09:03 GMT

A shady backyard can be a blessing. However, if you have a lot of shade from trees with wide canopies or from nearby buildings, you may not be able to grow an enjoyable garden. Luckily, you can landscape even shady areas with the right plan in mind. Below are several shade adaptation tips for designing a shade-tolerant garden.

Prepare the Area for Sod

One of the most common problem areas for growing grass is under a tree. Naturally, the wide canopy prevents sunlight and sometimes even moisture from reaching the grass. Therefore, if you plan to add sod under a shady tree, consider pruning the tree back. The goal is to allow as much sunlight as possible through to the sod.

Naturally, you don't want to create a hole in your tree. So, in addition to the pruning, add some soil to the area. The new sod will have to compete with the tree's roots for nutrients, so you want to mitigate the competition in the initial phases of growing. To that end, once you've laid the sod, you'll probably need to add extra water and fertilizer at first.

Start with Shade-Tolerant Grass

Homeowners often despair at creating a lush lawn if they have shady areas in their yard. The main problem is likely the grass variety. Many lawn blends feature grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, which doesn't tolerate shade well.

For cool lawns, meaning those predominantly in cooler climates, the best lawn blends contain any variety of fescue. You can find these blends in both seed and sod. A side note is that fescues are symbiotic with a fungus called endophytes. The fungus helps make the grass resistant to heat and drought and even some insect infestation.

For warm lawns, meaning those in warmer climates, the best grass is St. Augustine. This grass is found exclusively as sod or sprigs, not seed. You can also look for sod that contains Zoysia or Centipede grasses.

Create a Mulched Planting Bed

Truthfully, the shadiest area under an established tree may be too much for new grass. So, consider a mulched planting bed.

If you start in late summer or early fall, you can use sheet mulching to create your bed. Mow any existing grass in that area, but leave the clippings. Build your perimeter in a material that best complements the rest of your hardscaping. Cover the bed with cardboard. The cardboard and existing plants will decompose and create mulch.

If you want your planting bed faster, till the soil in the desire area and add fertilizer. You can then cover the area in mulch after you've planted.

Use Shade-Tolerant Plants in the Bed

When you design your shade-tolerant planting bed, you may want to use a shrub as backdrop. The following shrubs can thrive with partial or even very little sun:

Oakleaf hydrangea
Rhododendron
Virginia Sweetspire
Serviceberry
Daphne

Think about how you want your garden bed to look from different angles, and plant the shrub so that it provides a backdrop for the plants going in next.

Next, add some shade tolerant flowers in front of the shrub. The following are just a few examples:

Calendula
Larkspur
Fuchsia
Impatiens
Begonia

Your best bet is to consult with your landscaping experts or local gardening center for shade-tolerant flowers that will thrive in your soil.

Plan to Aerate the Lawn

You don't have to worry about this step in the design phase. However, you will notice many benefits if you aerate your lawn, which allows water, fertilizer, and air to reach the roots. Aeration is especially useful for shady lawns to keep the grass hardy.

When to aerate depends on whether you've sodded a warm or cool lawn. Warm-season turf should be aerated in late spring or early summer. Cool-season turf should be aerated in early fall. The goal is to aerate just before grass enters its peak growing phase.

Don't leave the shady area of your yard bare. Instead, design a shade-tolerant garden. Consult with Wright Turf Farms for more shade adaptation tips.

6 Tips for Designing an Entertainment-Ready Backyard

Fri, 12 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Potential homebuyers often consider the backyard space as much as the house itself. The ample outdoor living space is one of the primary reasons for owning a house over a condo. And once you have a spacious backyard, you'll likely want to invite people over. Discover a few ideas on how to design the area to be entertainment-ready.

1. Leave a Lot of Lawn

You want your backyard to be ready for multiple activities, possibly ranging from a daytime children's party to evening dinner. To that end, you'll likely want a lot of multi-use space. An expanse of lawn is a great multi-use space because you can unleash the kids to romp or use it for other purposes. For instance, you could picnic under the stars or set up a projector for movie night.

2. Choose a Hardy Turfgrass

Since your lawn is your main multi-use space, you need a hardy turfgrass to withstand the foot traffic. Farmers make sod out of different grass varieties depending on the desired qualities relating to growth rate, light requirements, and drought tolerance. Another of those qualities is ability to tolerate heavy foot traffic.

The following turfgrass varieties are ideal for an entertainment-ready lawn:

Hybrid Bermuda
Kentucky Bluegrass
Perennial Ryegrass
Zoysia Grass
Seashore Paspalum

Talk to your lawn care experts about a hardy turfgrass variety for your specific backyard requirements.

3. Create a Good Hardscaping-to-Lawn Ratio

In addition to multi-use space, you need areas for specific tasks. These tasks can include cooking, making drinks, dining, and soaking in a hot tub. So, you'll want a good hardscaping-to-lawn ratio. Most of those tasks can take place on a patio. However, you may also create destination points within your backyard, say a shaded area with hardscaping and lounging furniture.

4. Design Pretty Vistas

In that vein, you also want areas that are especially beautiful. Wherever the location of your particular event that day, you want your guests to have pretty views as they look over your yard.

One way to achieve this ideal is with planting beds. Whether raised or flat in the ground, a planting bed is a way for you to create a mini garden within your expanse of lawn.

Another method is to design backdrops. Stand in different locations of your backyard, and examine the view. Do you see any unsightly areas? You could plant or hardscape those areas to disguise whatever is unsightly. For instance, you could plant a foundation garden at the base of a shed.

5. Don't Forget About Illumination

Entertaining guests can happen at any time of day and well into the evening. While you'll naturally have lighting on your patio, you don't want your lawn to become a big cavern of shadows. One of the classic ideas for illuminating the backyard is to hang string lights. You can string them between backyard structures and only turn them on when using the lawn at night.

6. Remember the Shade

On the other end of the spectrum, you'll use your backyard a lot during the daytime. The sun beating directly down on you will decrease your enjoyment. Therefore, you'll want to provide ample shade in your backyard.

Many homeowners design their landscaping specifically for shade. You could plant trees with wide canopies that will be ideal gathering spots during a daytime gathering.

Another option is to install constructed structures for shade. Common shade-throwing structures include the following:

Pergola
Gazebo
Canopy
Arbor

You can also combine a shade-throwing structure with landscaping, such as climbing plants, for areas of visual interest. For example, one of the most iconic shady spots is a pergola with grapevines growing up and over the structure.

Design your backyard so it's ready for any type of entertaining. Let Wright Turf provide the sod for your entertainment backyard.

Tips for Designing a Lawn for a Modern Home

Mon, 13 May 2019 09:27:11 GMT

The benefits of having a lawn for your yard are many, including soft spaces for playtime and the prevention of soil erosion. Additionally, lawns carry environmental benefits as well, including trapping dust and smoke to keep the air clean and filtering precipitation before it enters the groundwater. Sod installation is an ideal method to start a new lawn.

If you have a modern house, though, you may wonder if you can reap the benefits of a lawn, even with the ease of having sod installed. Modern design features sleek lines and manufactured materials, which may not seem conducive to lawn design. However, you can utilize sod with other landscaping and hardscaping features for an attractive contemporary yard.

Create a Unique Shape With the Lawn

When you think of lawns, you probably envision a rectangle. But a hidden benefit of laying sod is your contractors can cut the edges to any shape you want. So you can have them curve the edge or even create a perfect circle. You can also design repeating patterns of shapes. Because you're having sod installed, you can more easily see how the shapes are going to look in your yard.

Design a Modern Pathway

Pathways are common backyard staples. They not only provide a convenient method of moving from one point to another, but they can also provide a design focal point. In fact, you can promote the modern aesthetic of your lawn by designing a mod walkway.

A mod walkway should feature clean lines. It can meander through your yard, but the border between the walkway and lawn needs to be crisp. Look for a hardscaping material that creates a stark contrast to your verdant green lawn. Concrete or pea gravel are ideal options that will stand out.

An attractive idea for your mod walkway is to use square concrete pavers. You can have these installed as contemporary stepping stones so that the grass shows between.

Border the Lawn With Manufactured Materials

Along the same lines, you'll want to create a border for your lawn. Concrete is a good material for this hardscaping, too. You can extend the path to border the lawn or simply create a design feature. For instance, you could have the contractors install concrete planters bordering your lawn. Utilize this border to emphasize the shape of your lawn.

Include Different Types of Grass

Contemporary landscapes aren't only about clean lines and manufactured materials. Contemporary design also favors utilizing different textures to draw the eye. To that end, you can incorporate ornamental grasses into your landscape plan. Look for grasses, such as New Zealand flax and Egyptian papyrus, that carry strong visual impact.

When planning your landscape with ornamental grasses, you want to show a restrained hand. Such ornamental grasses should provide a design focal point. For example, you could plant them with a fence or wall behind them so their visual impact is intensified. You can also choose grasses in colors that will stand out against your green lawn.

Install a Drip Irrigation System

When you first have your sod installed, you'll want to contract to have it maintained at least at first. There's no sense in going to the time and expense of having sod installed just to watch the grass die because you missed a crucial step in cultivation. What's more, you'll want to work with the lawn care experts to formulate a maintenance plan for your grass.

That said, one piece of advice they'll likely give you is to install a drip irrigation system. A stalwart of xeriscaping, drip irrigation is an eco-friendly method of watering plants because it delivers water right where they need it with little moisture loss. The grid system is likely the best method for a lawn because it delivers full irrigation over a large area.

Turn your yard into a contemporary work of art by incorporating sod and other landscaping plants with hardscaping materials. Consult with the lawn care experts at Wright Turf Farms for the right sod type and care your yard's needs.

Replacing Your Sod Before Selling Your Home — What to Know

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 01:57:55 GMT

If you're thinking about selling your home, one of the most critical elements is going to be the curbside appeal. Rough turf and ripped up sod can easily dissuade buyers, even if the rest of your home is perfect. Yet is it worth the cost to replace your sod entirely? Here are a few things to consider.

Should You Bother Replacing Your Sod?

When selling your home, you need to do a cost-benefit analysis regarding any improvements. If a $2,000 sod replacement can improve the value of your property by $5,000, then it's a smart investment with solid returns.

Yet before you can determine whether sod will improve the value of your property, you need to know more about the real estate market. Look at other homes that are being sold in your neighborhood. If their sod is significantly better than yours, it's likely to be an issue when selling your house.

When Can Your Existing Sod Be Reclaimed?

If you're not selling your home for a few months, then you can potentially reclaim your sod. By fertilizing it, watering it, and mowing it regularly, you may be able to get it thicker and fuller while also treating weeds.

However, that presupposes that your sod is just a little unhealthy, damaged, or overgrown. If you have large holes in your sod, you're not likely to be able to fix it in time to sell your home. It's better to replace your sod if there are large, bare patches.

What If You Have Pets?

Many people find that their sod is damaged by their pets. If you have pets and those pets are still living inside of your home, then new sod may become damaged as well. You can still replace the sod, but it's more likely that sod in the front yard will survive if you let your pets out in the backyard. Otherwise, you may need to keep your pets out of the backyard while the new sod takes root and grows into position.

Where Should You Replace the Sod?

In general, replacing your front yard is more important than replacing your backyard, due to the curbside appeal. There is a caveat, though: if your backyard is intended to be a play area or if it's a large portion of your home's value, then the backyard may also be important. If you can only replace the sod in one area, the front yard is usually best. If you have additional funds, then replacing the sod in both areas can improve your property value.

When Should You Replace the Sod?

New sod can look fantastic almost immediately after being replaced. In fact, there are real estate agents that will lay down new sod right before showing a property. However, sod shouldn't be walked on or disrupted right after being replaced; this is something to keep in mind when doing showings.

Do You Need to Remove the Existing Sod?

Sometimes sod can be installed directly onto the existing sod, but this will raise up the yard by a few inches and may make the yard uneven if the previous sod is uneven. Usually, you should remove the old sod before planting new sod, but this does have the disadvantage of being more involved and more costly. An expert in sod removal and replacement can tell you whether your lawn needs to be completely removed or whether it can be covered.

What's the bottom line? If a substantial amount of your sod is damaged, it's better to replace it. Replacing sod is fast and it isn't overly expensive, and it can dramatically improve the appearance of a home. To get a quote on sod replacement, contact Wright Turf Farms .

Understanding and Treating 2 Common Lawn Problems

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Landscaping is important for your home's appeal and value, but you may not realize the lawn should be the focus of your landscape design. While this may be surprising to hear, many experts believe a healthy green lawn is just as important for your home's appeal and value as a fresh coat of interior paint. Therefore, ensuring your lawn is both healthy and attractive will be a smart investment.

Of course, your lawn will experience a great deal of stress over time. Knowing the signs of distress and the ways to restore your lawn back to a healthy state is possible. This guide and your lawn care professional will help you understand and treat two common problems your lawn may face.

1. Excessive or Insufficient Irrigation

Watering your lawn is essential for growth and maintenance, but determining how much your specific lawn actually needs can be difficult. An excessive amount of water or an insufficient amount of water can both be detrimental to your lawn, depending on the type of grass and your local climate.

Overwatering your lawn can lead to fungal growth, which can cause brown spots to grow across your lawn. An excess amount of moisture can also attract insects, such as mosquitoes and grubs.

Mosquitoes are not only annoying but they can also be dangerous because they carry many diseases. Grub worms may not harm you or your health, but they will feed on your grass, negatively affecting your lawn.

Insufficient watering can also be problematic. If you have a cool-season grass, such as fescue, planted, your lawn will require more water during the warmer months, especially in dry spells. Without sufficient water, cool-season grasses will brown and die very quickly in hot temperatures.

On average, water cool-season grasses every few days. Warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda and zoysia, need about 1/2 to 3/4 inch of water every 1 to 3 weeks .

To ensure you water your lawn properly, consider installing an irrigation system with a timer. Adjust the settings so the irrigation system does not water during periods of rain.

Also, discuss sod options with your lawn care professional.

If you live in a warmer climate and your yard is mostly sunny and hot, a warm-season sod, such as Bermuda or zoysia, is ideal. If you live in a cooler environment and have a lot of shade in your yard, fescue sod that thrives in this type of climate would be a smart option.

2. Weed Growth

Weeds are also problems for your lawn because they can grow and take over your lawn quickly. In addition, some weeds are more difficult to control than others are.

If you notice weeds growing in your grass, examine closely to determine what type of weed it is. This is important, since you need to treat some weeds in a specialized manner.

You can pull the weeds, but this can be time-consuming and physically stressful if they have started to take over your lawn. Thankfully, professionals can help.

Prevention is your best weapon against weeds. In the early part of spring, before the growing season begins, apply a pre-emergent herbicide to the lawn. This treatment prevents weed growth by creating a protective barrier around the weed seeds.

If your lawn already has weeds, applying a post-emergent herbicide is necessary. Apply this treatment directly to the weed, targeting and killing the roots.

Proper watering, fertilizing, mowing, aerating, and reseeding to keep your lawn healthy will also help control weeds.

For more information on caring for your lawn, contact the professionals. Wright Turf offers installation and maintenance services to establish and maintain a beautiful, healthy, and valuable lawn.

How to Keep New Sod From Turning Yellow

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Sod is one of the fastest ways to turn a brown patch of bare dirt into a lush green lawn. Yet that expanse of green can become spotted or lined with yellow quickly if the new sod doesn't get proper care both during installation and afterward.

Yellowing sod may or may not be salvageable, but you should still learn what caused your problem so you can avoid it with your next installation. Watch out for these five common causes of yellowing sod, some of which can start changing the color of the grass before it's even installed.

Give the Sod Enough Water

Failing to water the sod quickly enough after installation, or allowing it to dry out too much while it's stacked and waiting for installation, is the most common cause of yellowing. Whenever possible, stop and water the freshly laid sod after every few pieces so they don't dry out in the sun.

Follow the watering routine recommended by the sod provider. Water at least once a daily, but preferably twice each day, until the ground is soft enough to easily penetrate with a tool like a screwdriver. Skipping a day soon after installation can result in yellowing within hours, while yellow lines that trace the seams of the sod are a sign that the edges of the slabs dried out too much while waiting for installation.

Decrease Watering Levels

While brand new sod needs at least an inch of water applied once or twice a day, that much water is harmful to a sod lawn that is a week or two old. You need to slowly and carefully taper down the amount of water you apply as roots grow in so that you don't water log the delicate new growth. Start tapering off at the beginning of the second week, and cut down to watering a single time a day one day, then skip a day the next.

Over the course of the second week, extend the time between watering to three days, then a full week. With a weekly watering schedule for the first few months of growth, the sod should have plenty of moisture to grow steadily without becoming waterlogged. If you water too much, the grass will turn yellow in patches or over the entire sod as the roots die off.

Avoid Unnecessary Fertilization

You might be tempted to give your brand new sod a little feeding by spreading some fertilizer on within the first weeks of growth. However, the sod is fed an extra dose of fertilizer shortly before it's harvested for you. That fertilizer is designed to carry it through the establishment period so there is good root growth without excessive vegetative growth.

Fertilizing too early can cause sod to turn dramatically yellow, then quickly die back and turn brown. Even slow release fertilizers are often too strong for brand new sod and burn the roots or vegetation. The sod can't properly absorb or utilize fertilize right after installation, so wait at least a month or two before feeding a new sod lawn.

Choose the Right Delivery Day

Timing the delivery of your new sod is the best way to prevent it from turning yellow after installation. Stress from direct sun exposure, hot temperatures, and windy conditions lead many pieces of sod to at least temporarily turn yellow before they recover. Choosing a cooler, calmer, cloudier day for your delivery is one of the easiest ways to keep the sod in top shape until it's on the ground.

Roll the Newly Laid Sod

Finally, any pockets of air trapped between the sod and the dirt will prevent roots from growing in properly or receiving the moisture they'll need. These pockets will cause yellow patches to form that eventually die off, so prepare the site thoroughly and roll the sod to make sure every inch is making good contact with the ground.

Looking for sod that can handle the tough conditions posed by Georgia's summer heat? Place your order with us here at Wright Turf .

4 Benefits of Bermuda Sod for Your Southern Landscape

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Your lawn is important for many reasons. While it creates a backdrop to the rest of your landscaping, your lawn plays a crucial role in your home's curb appeal and value, too. If you have an unhealthy, unattractive lawn, you can improve your home's curb appeal and value with new sod.

Of course, sod is available in a few different grass options. Most experts recommend warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda, for southern climates. This guide and your contractor's help will educate you on the benefits of installing Bermuda sod.

1. Implements Quickly

No matter which type of grass you choose, sod offers you an instant lawn. However, ensuring the sod implements into the soil requires some time.

You can install sod anytime of the year. To ensure your Bermuda sod implements into the ground quickly and effectively, consider installing in the spring season when temperatures are warm. The spring is also an ideal time for installing sod because rain is more likely to fall during this season.

With warm, not incredibly hot, temperatures and plenty of moisture, your Bermuda sod will start growing quickly.

2. Thrives in Heat and Sun

Another benefit of planting Bermuda sod in your southern landscape is that it is more likely to grow and thrive due to the warmer temperatures. Bermuda thrives in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees and can grow in hotter temperatures still.

If your yard receives mostly full sun, Bermuda is also the ideal option for your lawn. Bermuda actually requires full sun to grow, which is different from other warm season grasses, which may prefer partial shade.

3. Does Not Require a Lot of Water

Watering your lawn is imperative if you want it to be appealing and healthy. Unfortunately, constant watering can be time-consuming and expensive if you have a monthly water bill.

Compared to other types of grass, such as fescue, Bermuda does not require as much water to grow and thrive. Therefore, watering your Bermuda sod will be more efficient and affordable than if you have installed a cool-season grass.

After installing your sod, apply about an inch of water to your entire lawn. Each day after installation, water your Bermuda sod so the top inch of grass and soil is always moist.

Each day, you can reduce the amount of water you apply to your new sod. Once the Bermuda has established itself into the ground, you only need to apply an inch of water to the grass each week of the growing season.

4. Easier to Maintain

In addition to it requiring less water, Bermuda sod is actually easier to maintain especially when compared to cool-season grasses.

Some people consider Bermuda grass a type of weed because it has the ability to grow quickly, taking over parts of your landscape without much effort. Because of its ability to grow and thrive, it is capable of crowding out and taking over other weeds. This reduces the risk of weed growth in your Bermuda lawn.

Make sure to keep your Bermuda sod healthy with simple applications of fertilizer that contains nitrogen. This fertilizer should be applied throughout the growing season.

Even though it requires very little, maintenance will keep your Bermuda grass healthy and strong. This ensures your Bermuda sod will take over any weeds that are currently existing while reducing the risk of weed growth in the future.

When you are ready to improve your lawn and curb appeal, consider Bermuda sod. To learn more about installing and maintaining Bermuda, contact Wright Turf Farms today. We’re ready to help you find the best sod for your property so your landscape can looks its best.

Considering Zoysia Sod? 3 Things to Know

Wed, 23 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Landscaping is important for the look and value of your home, but you may not know where to start. Fortunately, a healthy, appealing lawn is one of the best investments you can make for your home. While surprising for most homeowners to learn, spending time and money on your lawn can offer you an estimated 303 percent return on your investment. If you want to improve your lawn in the most efficient way, consider installing sod.

Sod is available in different types of grass, so knowing which one is right for you, your budget, and your yard is imperative. Thankfully, help is available. With this guide and professional assistance, you will learn a few important facts regarding zoysia sod.

1. Zoysia Is a Warm Season Grass

One of the key features of zoysia is that it is a warm season grass. Warm season grasses grow best in warmer temperatures. In most cases, zoysia will grow and thrive during times when temperatures are between 80 and 95 degrees.

If you live in the southern part of the country where higher temperatures are common, zoysia sod may be the right option for your lawn.

Once established, your zoysia sod will be bright green toward the end of spring and all through the summer. Because it is a warm season grass, zoysia goes dormant when temperatures are lower in the fall and winter. This causes your lawn to change from green to a light brown during the cooler seasons.

2. Zoysia Is Drought Tolerant

Not only does zoysia thrive in the heat, but it is also capable of surviving drought conditions.

Because southern parts of the country experience both heat and drought conditions, zoysia is a good option for many southern homeowners.

Note that your newly-planted zoysia sod will need to be watered carefully at the beginning to make sure it establishes well. Your lawn will need be watered each day after planting, keeping the top inch of the grass and underlying soil moist.

Once the sod's roots have established, after about two to six weeks of time, you can decrease the amount of water your lawn receives.

Irrigation is ideal for newly-planted sod. However, setting up sprinklers or watering the lawn deeply by hand with your garden hose is also possible. Be sure to reduce manual watering if it rains.

3. Zoysia Fights Weeds

Even though your new zoysia sod will be free of weeds, these unsightly growths may show up over time.

Crabgrass is one of the most common types of weeds, wreaking havoc on lawns all over the country. Crabgrass and other weeds decrease the look of your lawn, which can affect your home's value. Also, crabgrass grows quickly and aggressively, taking over and killing certain types of grass, such as fescue or kentucky bluegrass.

Fortunately, zoysia is also aggressive, meaning it can fight off the development of most weeds, including crabgrass, as long as your lawn is properly maintained.

Prevention is still your best weapon against weeds, so apply a pre-emergent to your zoysia in the early spring. This product kills the weed seeds before they begin to germinate. In the early part of fall, a post-emergent can be applied to prevent weeds from growing during your zoysia dormant season.

Without the application of these pre-emergent and post-emergent solutions, weeds may develop, but the aggressive, durable nature of zoysia will help fight them off.

The installation of zoysia sod may seem like a large expense, but it will be a smart investment for your home's appeal and value. To learn more about zoysia and to begin the process of improving your lawn, contact Wright Turf.

Reasons to Start Your Mature Lawn Over With Sod

Thu, 22 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Sod is grass turf that is cut into sections, complete with soil and grass roots, designed to be implanted into a landscape for a quickly green lawn. It is most often installed in yards that don’t have any grass at all, instead of replacing existing grass. But sometimes it can be beneficial to completely replace your existing grass with sod.

There are many reasons to upgrade your current lawn by starting fresh with clean, healthy sod. Here are reasons to start your mature lawn over with sod for a more beautiful, lush landscape.

Bare Spots

Bare spots in your yard occur for many reasons. High traffic from children and pets can create wear in your grass. Certain trees, such as thick pine or spruce trees, can also leave too much shade underneath their branches, creating large, bare circles.

If your lawn has bare spots, you can simply have your landscape and sod specialist mix healthy topsoil into the bare areas and lay down sod to help fill your yard. However, if your yard is patchy and has bare spots in general, it's best to till out the entire yard and start fresh with new sod.

Weed Growth

You have more than dandelions to worry about in your yard. Many common landscape weeds that destroy otherwise beautiful lawns include:

Thistle
Crabgrass
Ragweed
Yarrow
Quackgrass

When targeting and spraying weeds isn't enough, then it's time to think about replacing your entire lawn with fresh sod.

Before placing sod on your empty landscape, your sod specialist will till the area and apply a special root-killing chemical on your lawn to remove all signs of weed growth. Your soil should be free of viable weed roots and seeds prior to planting new sod so your lawn remains weed-free.

Unhealthy Grass

Unhealthy grass is easy to spot: if the grass is unhealthy, no matter how much you water your grass, you will find dead or dying blades underneath healthy green grass. Unhealthy grass may also be riddled with mushrooms.

One of the largest causes of poor grass health is soil conditions. If you don't have healthy soil for your grass to grow, your lawn will continue to look brown and sparse. Your sod specialist will treat your current soil with nutrient-rich top soil and mulch before placing new sod on top.

If watering is a concern (grass can easily suffer from over-watering as well as being too dry), your sod specialist will show you the best ways and times to water your lawn so your new sod remains full and lush.

Unwanted Grass

If you don't like the type of grass planted in your existing yard, then upgrading to a new type of grass is ideal for you. Types of grass to consider include:

Bermuda (ideal for warmer climates)
St. Augustine ( ideal for high traffic yards)
Zoysia ( ideal for yards with shade trees)

Before choosing any style of sod to replace your existing grass, compare different types to one another. Certain grasses are best for cool climates, and others are resistant to ample shade. Your sod specialist will show you various types of sod that grow well in your region and climate.

Sometimes it's best to replace an entire yard with new sod to achieve the lush, green landscape you desire. If your yard is otherwise very healthy, you may only have to replace small sections of your yard to give your landscape a clean, attractive appeal.

Your sod specialist will treat your lawn's existing soil so your new grass will grow healthy and last for many years. Our team of sod installation experts will help transform your lawn. Call us at Wright Turf Farms to install the best sod on your property.

Five Types of Grass to Consider for Your Georgia Lawn

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

If you plan to have your lawn re-sodded, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is which type of grass to use. Different types of grass have different looks and require different levels and types of maintenance throughout the year.

It's also important to choose a type of grass that's suited to your climate and soil type. Grass that grows well in the northeast, for example, won't typically grow well in the south. Here are five types of grass that grow well in Georgia lawns.

1. Zoysia Grass

Zoysia grass originated in Asia and became introduced to the U.S. in the late 1800s. It's an excellent choice for the Georgia climate because although it thrives in warm, sunny weather, it can also tolerate the occasional cold spell better than many warm-season kinds of grass. Zoysia grass will also tolerate light shade and drought. Its water needs are somewhat less than other grasses, thanks to its deep root system.

Zoysia grass grows very densely and feels soft under your feet. Its primary downfall is that it's very invasive. It will overgrow your flower beds and neighbors' lawns if you do not maintain it carefully.

2. Bermudagrass

Bermudagrass has been popular in the southern states for centuries. It's very tolerant of heavy traffic, salt, and heat. Bermudagrass also has a very fast growth rate, which allows you to enjoy a mature, full lawn faster than you typically would with other grass varieties. It will tolerate a period of low rainfall and recover from damage quickly.

Though beautiful and resilient, bermudagrass does need a lot of sunshine to thrive; it won't tolerate a shady yard. Since it grows so quickly, you must mow it more often — as much as twice per week during peak growth.

3. St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine grass has a distinct, coarse texture and dark green color. It is tolerant of shade and salt, though it does grow best in full sunlight. St. Augustine grass requires watering during dry periods but does not typically require irrigation in the spring. It's best for low-traffic areas since the blades are easily damaged and compacted.

You can leave St. Augustine grass a bit longer than other grass varieties. Mow it to three or four inches for a healthy, lush lawn.

4. Centipede Grass

Centipede grass is another Asian variety that was brought to the United States in the early 1900s. It tolerates both heat and shade, making it a good all-purpose grass for a partially shaded yard. Centipede grass has very low nutrient needs, so you do not have to fertilize it often. However, it prefers slightly more acidic soil than other grass types and may suffer from iron deficiency in high-pH soils.

Centipede grass is slow-growing. It won't hold up to heavy traffic, like that on a sports field, though it's traffic-tolerant enough for the average lawn.

5. Bahiagrass

Bahiagrass is an extremely hardy, tolerant grass that is well-suited for sandy, nutrient-poor areas where other grasses struggle. It was brought to the U.S. in 1914 and was originally used as a pasture grass for grazing animals, but has since gained popularity in landscaping. Bahiagrass prefers full sunlight, but it will tolerate limited shade.

Bahiagrass is very drought-tolerant, thanks to its deep roots. It has a coarse texture, but you can leave it two to three inches long to create a somewhat softer lawn.

To learn more about each of these grass varieties and which may be best for your lawn, contact Wright Turf Farms . We will take into account your soil type, sun exposure, maintenance preferences, and traffic patterns to recommend a grass that will look lush and appealing in your yard.