If you have a “weed lawn” (lawn made of various green weeds), what do you need to do first before actually laying the new sod? (Treat it/kill it? Tear it up? Dig up a layer of soil and re-soil?)
If the answer is different for different grass and climates, then this question will be in relation to laying St. Augustine on a S. Florida, US “weed lawn”.
Also, I was wondering if there is a difference in procedures for re-sodding a “weed lawn” as opposed to a regular, weed-free lawn.
I will do my own research on the 'net, but I was hoping for some expert advice and personal experiences here.
I can’t answer living where I do. My only comment is that laying sod is usually a waste of money compared to reseeding, unless you need to sell the house ASAP.
Does Florida have county extension agents? If so, call yours up and ask. Mine in Kansas is listed in the phone book simply as “Jefferson County Extension Agents.” It’s their job to take your calls. Usually they are quite friendly and helpful.
If not, any good greenhouse/nursery should be glad to help.
You have to remove the weeds otherwise they will grow through.
If you poison them, then the new roots from the sod may hit the poison before it degrades and will kill your new sod.
If you are laying sod, unless you are looking to have a lawn more than a few inches higher than your current weed patch, you should remove the top 4 inches of soil (weeds included).
I wouldn’t recommend laying right over the weeds as the ground is likely to be compacted (contributing to weed growth) and will hinder the new roots. You’ll also end up with your new turn 4 inches higher than your current lawn.
Lay down a new bed of soil (or turf mix which has fertilisers built right in).
Pop your sod on top.
Water.
Fertilise, otherwise you will get more weeds through.
Never cut your lawn too short or you’ll encourage the weeds back again.
When I worked as a landscape gardner we often hed to re-turf (re-sod) extremley weedy gardens. First we would mow the weedy lawn as low as possible, then get a rotavator (kind of a mini motorised plough) and go over the earth and remaining weed until you have nicely mushed soil. Then with a rake just rake up the old weed debris and level the soil. Finally lay the sod in an interweaving pattern (think brick wall style) and water it profusley. We never got any complaints and I returned to many of our jobs time and again for three years and never saw any weed growth, also it should be noted that we never had to use any weed killer at all. The rotavator(sp?) is easy to use and fairly cheap to rent and depending on the size of your garden should not take long at all.
I agree that, no matter what else, either rent or buy a rototiller. I helped to resod the backyard this summer and the rototiller made it so much quicker and more pleasant, as well as doing a better job than I ever could.