The Grass Patch | Austin, Texas

Why Sod?

1. Instant green lawn or recreational surface.
2. Immediate erosion control.
3. Eliminates dust & mud.
4. Eliminates weed control during establishment.
5. Year-round establishment capability.
6. Can be used for total installation or repair of smaller areas.

What type of sod is right for my yard?

There are several factors to consider when choosing sod for your yard. You will need to determine the amount of sun or shade your yard gets. You must also determine the availability of water. This will help to narrow down your choices, which then may be determined by appearance.

When is the best time to plant sod?

Grass can be installed any time of the year, but the spring and fall are recommended. When planting in the late fall the grass is dormant and you will not see leaf growth however the roots will become well established before the spring. Late fall and early spring allow the sod to become established before the stress of the summer heat.

What is the best method to get rid of old grass and prepare for new?

The best way to get rid of an existing lawn or weed infested area is to spray with a non-selective herbicide, such as Round-up. Let the round up stand for 7 to 14 days then weed eat or rake the existing debris away. Add enriched soil if necessary to level the planting area. Do not install sod on grass, debris, or rocks.

Will we need to rototill the planting area?

No. It is not always necessary to rototill. Heavily compacted soil may benefit from aerating the soil in this way. We do not recommend that you rototill more than 4”.

Why not rototill beyond 4”?

This helps to eliminate air pockets that will later settle and leave your lawn uneven. It may be necessary to roll the area before planting or adding soil. We recommend that you add enriched soil to level your yard when necessary.

How do I lay sod?

Lay the first line of sod along a straight line such as a driveway, sidewalk or string stretched between two stakes. Then stagger the sod pieces in the adjacent rows in a “brickwork” fashion. Since sod pieces may shrink after installation, push the sod pieces together tightly. Use a machete to cut around trees and flowerbeds.

How much water will the sod need?

Saturate the sod immediately after installation, wetting the soil under the sod to a 4” depth. Examine the soil under several pieces to insure proper watering. You will need to water daily for two weeks. You will notice that different areas will have different watering needs. After the sod is well rooted, irrigate deeply and infrequently to prevent drought damage.

When should I mow?

Begin mowing the sod as soon as it is rooted. This is usually three weeks to a month. Do not water before you mow, this will keep from creating ruts in your yard. We recommend that you water soon after mowing.

When do I fertilize new sod?

It will not be necessary to fertilize for 4 to 6 weeks. During production of new sod it is fertilized heavily. During the establishment time the water will leach out certain nutrients that may need to be replenished by fertilization.

Montly Calendar

January

Lawn Care:
If your lawn has a history of brown patch, treat with our Hi-Yield fungicide late in the month. Repeat treatment in 3 to 4 weeks, if needed.

Shrub Care:
This is a perfect time for winter bed clean-up and re-mulching beds. Please call the Grass Patch service department @ 512-259-5188 and let us help you with all your landscape needs.

Fertilization:
Time to fertilize daylilies, Iris, pansies and roses. Use compost, manure or a slow releasing 3-1-2 ratio fertilizer. We recommend our Private Label – The Grass Patch 21-7-14.

Watering:
This is a great time to have your irrigation system checked out by our Grass Patch service department. Please call for details @ 512-259-5188. Water everything well before a freeze, but avoid over watering.

Pest & Disease to look for:
Check for mealy bugs and for scale on houseplants.

Transplant:
Plant bare root and container grown roses, shrubs, trees, groundcovers and vines. Divide and transplant perennial herbs and summer and fall blooming perennial flowers.

Things to Plant

Bulbs:
Allium, Alstroemeria, Amarcrinum, Canna, Crinum, Dahlia, Daylily, Gladiolus, Hosta, Hyacinth, Spider Lily, Liriope, Monkey Grass, Rain Lily, Society Garlic, Tigridia, Tulip.

Flowers Plants:
Alyssum, Butterfly Weed, Calendula, Candytuft, Cornflower, Dianthus, Daisy (African, Michaelmas and Painted), Gaillardia, Liatris, Edging Lobelia, Nasturtium, Ornamental Cabbage and Kale, Pansy, Phlox paniculata, Snapdragon, Stock.

February

Lawn Care:
If lawn has a history of brown patch, problems, treat with a labeled fungicide late this month. Repeat treatment in 3 to 4 weeks if necessary. If lawn has a history of weed problems, apply pre-emergent herbicide mid month to prevent warm season annual weeds. Control cool season broadleaf weeds late month, before they go to seed with a post-emergent herbicide.

Shrub Care:
This is a perfect time for winter bed clean-up and re-mulching beds. Please call the Grass Patch service department @ 512-259-5188 and let us help you with all your landscape needs

Fertilization:
Feed winter bloomers such as allyssum, dianthus and especially pansies. Fertilize maidenhair fern with bone meal.

Pest & Disease to look for:
Apply pre-emergent weed killer to lawn. (Read label carefully) Spray fruit trees with dormant oil just prior to bud break.

Transplant:
Plant bare root and container grown roses, shrubs, trees, groundcovers and vines. Divide and transplant perennial herbs and summer and fall blooming perennial flowers.

Prune:
Prune evergreen shrubs, shade trees summer and fall flowering shrubs. (Best time is just before bud break). Do not prune spring flowering shrubs such as azaleas, spirea and philadelphus (mock orange); they already have set blooms. Prune roses around Valentines Day, except climbers and other “once bloomers”. Prune after flowering. Mow straggly groundcovers on high setting to renew the planting.

Reasons to Prune

Improve the chance of survival at transplanting time.
Direct or correct growth in shade trees.
Maintain the natural shape of the tree.
Maintain or limit the size of a plant so that it doesn’t grow out of bounds.
Remove undesirable growth or suckers that detracts from the plant.
Remove broken, unsightly or branches that are rubbing.
Remove diseased or insect damaged growth.
Remove existing stubs that allow diseases and insects to enter the plant.

Things to Plant

Bulbs:
Agapanthus, Amaryllis (in containers), Allium, Alstroemeria, Amarcrinum, Calla, Canna, Crinum, Dahlia, Daylily, Gladiolus, Spider Lily, Liriope, Monkey Grass, Mondo Grass, Rain Lily, Society Garlic, Tigridia, Tulip.

Flowers Plants:
African Daisy (Arctotis), Alyssum, Anchusa (Summer Forget-Me-Not), Butterfly Weed, Calendula, Candytuft, Coneflower, Chrysanthemum, Cornflower, Delphinium, Dianthus, Daisy (African, Michaelmas and Painted), English Daisy (Bellis), Feverfew, Gaillardia, Larksbur, Liatris, Edging Lobelia, Cardinal Flower (Lobelia), Monkey Flower (Mimulus) Nasturtium, Ornamental Cabbage and Kale, Pansy, Phlox (paniculata and Drummondii), Penstemon, Snapdragon, Stock, Johnny-Jump-Up and Pansy (Viola).

March

Lawn Care:
What you do in early spring will lay the foundation for this years lawn. Early to mid march is a great time to scalp & aerate your lawn. The Grass Patch carries a full line of fertilizers as well as pest & disease control. We will be happy to assist you in choosing what is right for your yard.

Fertilization:
Apply Grass Patch “Weed & Feed” after scapling or aerating your lawn. Remove thatch after scalping and watch for sprinkler system damage after aerating. Begin monthly feeding of hibiscus after pruning. Start a rose feeding schedule; spray and feed camellias. Begin fertilizing azaleas after they bloom. Fertilize established fruit & nut trees with 1 lb. 15-5-10 per inch of trunk diameter.

Watering:
Water early in the day to prevent fungus.

Pest & Disease to look for:
Watch for aphids on new growth, spider mites on older leaves and cut worms on young transplants.

Prune:
Prune hibiscus, also spring flowering shrubs and trees, after they bloom. Prune and train vines. Shape spring-blooming shrubs with light pruning after bloom. Allow bulb foliage to yellow and die before removing.

Things to Plant

Bulbs:
Achimenes, Acidanthera, Amaryllis, Allium, Alstroemeria, Amarcrinum, Cletilla (Ground Orchid), Caladium, Calla, Canna, Crinum, Crocosmia, Dahlia, Daylily, Dietes (Butterfly Iris), Ginger Gladiolus, Gloriosa Lily, Hosta, Spider Lily, Liriope, Monkey Grass, Mondo Grass, Rain Lily, Society Garlic, Tigridia, Tuberose.

Flowers Plants:
Achillea (Yarrow), Ageratum, African Daisy (Arctotis), Alyssum, Alpine Aster, Amaranthus (Josephs Coat), Anchusa (Summer Forget-Me-Not), Butterfly Weed, Ballon Flower, Balsam (Blue Daze), Blue Cardinal Flower, Boltonia, Scarlet Bouvardia, Browallia, Calliopsis, Choclate Plant, Coreopsis, Cockscomb, Cleome, Cigar Plant, Coleus, Columbine, Copper Plant, Chrysanthemum, Dahila, Dianthus, Daisy (Michaelmas, Shasta and Painted), Feverfew, Gaillardia, Geranium, Gomphrena, Hisbiscus, Hollyhock, Indian Blanket, Lambs Ear, Lantana, Liatris, Edging Lobelia, Mexican Heather, Nasturtium, Penta, Petunia, Pansy, Phlox (Drummondii), Penstemon, Plumbago, Oriental Poppy, Salvia (farinacea, greggii, leucantha, splendens), Sedum, Spiderwort, Stokes Aster, Sunflower, Torenia (Wishbone Flower).

April

Lawn Care:
Begin regular lawn care. Mow every 5 to 7 days as needed at recommended height, leaving the clippings on the yard. Remember that taller grass encourages deeper rooting, better drought tolerance and better cover in shaded areas.

Fertilization:
Feed crape myrtle beneath the branch spread with 1/3 cup complete fertilizer per square yard.

Watering:
Water as needed early in the day to prevent fungus. Remember that deep watering encourage deep roots! Daily lawn sprinkling encourages shallow rooting and promotes diseases. Apply ½” to 1” of water every 5 days to wet the soil deeply and develop a strong , healthy lawn. Use a container with straight sides as a rain gauge to determine how long it takes to apply one inch.

Pest & Disease to look for:
Spray roses with fungicide to prevent blackspot.

Prune:
Prune spring flowering shrubs and trees, after they bloom. Prune and train vines. Shape spring-blooming shrubs with light pruning after bloom. Divide chrysanthemums and pinch tips for bushier growth.

Things to Plant

Bulbs:
Achimenes, Acidanthera, Amaryllis, Allium, Alstroemeria, Amarcrinum, Cletilla (Ground Orchid), Caladium, Calla, Canna, Crinum, Crocosmia, Dahlia, Daylily, Dietes (Butterfly Iris), Ginger Gladiolus, Gloriosa Lily, Hosta, Hypoxis, Spider Lily, Liriope, Monkey Grass, Mondo Grass, Rain Lily, Society Garlic, Tigridia, Tuberose.

Flowers Plants:
Ageratum, Ajuga, Balsam (Blue Daze), Wax Begonia, Blue Cardinal Flower, Boltonia, Scarlet Bouvardia, Chocolate Plant, Coreopsis, Cockscomb, Cigar Plant, Coleus, Columbine, Copper Plant, Dahila, Daisy (Shasta), Feverfew, Geranium, Gomphrena, Hisbiscus, Hollyhock, Impatients, Jacobinia, Lantana, Marigold, Penta, Periwinkle, Petunia, (Drummondii), Penstemon, Persian Shield, Plumbago, Phlox drummondii, Portulaca, Purslane, Oriental Poppy, Rudbeckia hirta, Salvia (farinacea, greggii, leucantha, splendens), Sedum, Spiderwort, Stokes Aster, Sunflower, Yarrow, Zinnia.

May

Fertilization:
Feed all spring-blooming shrubs after they have bloomed. Feed amaryllis after they bloom. Feed and mulch iris. Feed crape myrtle with ½ cup per square yard of 3-1-2 ratio fertilizer beneath the branch spread.

Watering:
Water annuals as needed. Mulch all bare soil to retain moisture.

Pest & Disease to look for:
Check for aphids and spider mites. Look for tobacco hornworms and stink bugs, especially in vegetable gardens. Spray blackspot susceptible roses with fungicide every 7-10 days.

Prune:
Prune spring flowering shrubs and trees, after they bloom. Prune climbing roses and other “once bloomers” as soon as they finish flowering. Divide chrysanthemums and pinch tips for bushier growth. Pinch back leggy annuals to encourage branching. Deadhead plants to encourage blooming. Prune frost-damage trees and shrubs.

Things to Plant

Bulbs:
Acidanthera, Amarcrinum, Amaryllis, Aspidistra, Caladium, Canna, Daylily, Ginger, Gladiolus, Liriope, Monkey Grass, Neomarica.

Flowers Plants:
Ageratum, Ajuga, Balsam (Blue Daze), Wax Begonia, Blue Cardinal Flower, Boltonia, Scarlet Bouvardia, Chocolate Plant, Coreopsis, Cockscomb, Cigar Plant, Coleus, Columbine, Copper Plant, Cosmos, Dahila, Daisy (Shasta), Feverfew, Geranium, Gomphrena, Hisbiscus, Hollyhock, Impatients, Jacobinia, Lantana, Marigold, Penta, Periwinkle, Petunia, (Drummondii), Penstemon, Persian Shield, Plumbago, Phlox drummondii, Portulaca, Purslane, Oriental Poppy, Rudbeckia hirta, Salvia (farinacea, greggii, leucantha, splendens), Sedum, Spiderwort, Stokes Aster, Sunflower, Yarrow, Zinnia.

June

Lawn Care:
Watch for chinch bugs in the sunny part of your lawn, especially near the streets and driveways. Avoid weed killers now that temperatures are above 85 degrees.

Fertilization:
Feed annuals with 1 cup of balanced fertilizer per 100 square feet. Rich compost, manure tea and fish emulsion are some organic options. Yellowing leaves near the tip of the plant shoots indicate a lack of iron. Feed established annuals and perennials with a high nitrogen/low phosphorus balanced fertilizer or a 2-1-2 ratio.

Watering:
Water all planted areas deeply but infrequently during dry periods.

Pest & Disease to look for:
Watch for chinch bugs in the sunny areas of your lawn, especially near streets and driveways. The Grass Patch offers a full line of pest & disease control. Watch for webworms and other caterpillars. We recommend you treat with Bacillus thuriongiensis BT.

Prune:
Remove spent flowers from daisies, daylilies, cannas and other summer flowers. Prune dead and damaged wood from trees and shrubs as needed. Cut geraniums back and place in light shade. Do not prune oak trees at this time since the beetle that carries oak wilt is active now and may be attracted to any cuts you make.

Things to Plant

Bulbs:
Amaryllis, Canna, Crinum, Daylily, Ginger, Liriope, Monkey Grass, Mondo Grass, Rain Lily.

Flowers Plants:
Ajuga, Balsam (Blue Daze), Wax Begonia, Boltonia, Scarlet Bouvardia, Chocolate Plant, Cockscomb, Cigar Plant, Cosmos, Gomphrena, Hisbiscus, Hibiscus, Periwinkle, Portulaca, Purslane, Sunflower, Yarrow, Zinnia.

July

Lawn Care:
Watch for take-all patch. You can get more information on pest & disease control at our (aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu) link on the home page. Set mower higher in shaded areas to promote denser turf.

Fertilization:
Feed annuals with a complete fertilizer. Water well before and after application. Dead head and fertilize roses.

Watering:
Water all planted areas deeply but infrequently during dry periods.

Pest & Disease to look for:
Watch for spider mites, leaf rollers, lacebugs and aphids; chinch bugs, fleas, ticks, chiggers and grubs in lawn; scale insects on euonymus, hollies; webworms in pecans and persimmons; powdery mildew on crape myrtles and roses; aphids on crape myrtle, roses and Mexican milkweed.

Prune:
Prune dead and damaged wood from trees and shrubs as needed.

Things to Plant

Bulbs:
Autumn Crocus, Liriope, Monkey Grass.

Flowers Plants:
Ageratum, Ajuga, Alpine Aster, Balsam (Blue Daze), Boltonia, Cockscomb, Periwinkle, Portulaca, Purslane, Rudbeckia Hirta (Gloriosa Daisy), Mexican Bush Sage, Sedum, Stokes Aster, Wax Begonia, Vinca, Zinnia.

August

Lawn Care:
Avoid weed killer when the temperature is 85 degrees or above.

Fertilization:
Feed chrysanthemums every 2-3 weeks until buds appear, then weekly until buds show color. Fertilize roses for fall bloom.

Watering:
Water all planted areas deeply but infrequently during dry periods. Keep azaleas and fruit trees watered well because spring blooms are forming.

Pest & Disease to look for:
Watch for grub worms, chinch bugs and fire ants in the lawn. Visit our link to (aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu) on the home page for more information on pest & disease control.

Prune:
Prune roses back 1/3. Deadhead spent blooms and seed pods from crape myrtles for continued blooms. Trim photenias for red fall color. Remove dead and damaged wood from trees and shrubs as needed. Pinch Chrysanthemums for the last time.

Things to Plant

Bulbs:
Autumn Crocus, Liriope, Monkey Grass.

September

Lawn Care:
Watch for brown patch in St. Augustine as temperatures cool down. Lawns with a history of the disease should be treated in late month and again in 3 weeks with Terraclor or Daconil.

Fertilization:
Feed chrysanthemums every 2-3 weeks until buds appear, then weekly until buds show color. Fertilize roses, gardenias and magnolias.

Watering:
Water trees and shrubs deeply and slowly.

Prune:
Lightly prune pyrancanthus so berries will show.

Things to Plant

Bulbs:
Allium, Amarcrinum, Calla, Crocus, Cooperia, Cyclamen, Daylily, Dietes, Louisiana Iris, Spider Lily, Liriope, Monkey Grass, Mondo Grass, Oxalis, Rain Lily. Purchase Tulip, Crocus, Hyacinth and Daffodil bulbs to pre-chill.

Flowers Plants:
Ajuga, Alpine Aster, Wax Begonia, Butterfly Weed, Candytuft, Cockscomb, Coneflower, Cornflower, Dianthus, Daisy (Shasta, English and Painted), Euroyps, Larksbur, Liatris, Obedient Plant, Salvia (perennial types), Sedum, Stock, Stokes Aster.

October

Lawn Care:
Time to “winterize” your lawn. Please come see us at The Grass Patch we have a full line of fertilization products.

Fertilization:
Feed existing beds with Iris with well-rotted manure of balanced fertilizer. “Winterize”

Watering:
Water areas as needed.

Pest & Disease to look for:
Time for a second treatment of fungicide for lawns with a history of brown patch.

Prune:
Prune shrubs as needed, but save major pruning for the winter. Remove dead and damaged wood from shrubs and trees. Make cuttings of tender plants before the winter.

Things to Plant

Flowers Plants:
Ajuga, Alyssum, Bluebonnet, Butterfly Weed, Calendula,Candytuft, Carnation, Chinese Forget-Me-Not, Dianthus, Euroyps, Gazenia, Indian Blanket, Liatris, Nasturtium, Pansy, Penestmon, Petunia, Salvia farniacea, Sedum, Snap Dragon, Stock.

November

Pest & Disease to look for:
Watch roots of removed annuals for nematodes (knots on the roots).

Prune:
After blooming, chysanthemums should be cut back almost to the ground. Prune long, gangly shoots on shrubs. Remove dead and damaged wood from shrubs and trees.

Things to Plant

Bulbs:
Allium, Amarcrinum, Calla, Crocus, Cooperia, Cooperia, Cyclamen, Daylily, Dietes, Louisiana Iris, Spider Lily, Liriope, Monkey Grass, Mondo Grass, Oxalis, Rain Lily. Purchase Tulip, Crocus, Hyacinth and Daffodil bulbs to pre-chill at least 6 weeks. The best bulbs for our area include wild lily-flower tulips, jonquils, veryearly daffodils, muscari, leucojum and squills (Neglectum species).

Flowers Plants:
Ajuga, Alyssum, Bluebonnet, Butterfly Weed, Calendula,Candytuft, Carnation, Chinese Forget-Me-Not, Dianthus, Euroyps, Gazenia, Indian Blanket, Liatris, Nasturtium, Ornamental Cabbage and Kale, Obedient Plant, Pansy, German Primrose, Penestmon, Petunia, Phlox paniculata, Stock

December

Lawn Care:
Run mower and trimmer engines dry of gasoline, drain and change oil. Take them to the repaid shop to avoid the spring rush. Clean and oil all tools before storing for the winter.

Watering:
This is a great time to have your irrigation system checked out by our Grass Patch service department. Please call for details @ 512-257-3711. Water everything well before a freeze, but avoid over watering.

Prune:
Remove dead and damaged wood from shrubs and trees.

Things to Plant

Bulbs:
Agapanthus, Allium, Crinum, Hyacinth, Liriope, Monkey Grass, Muscari, Star of Bethlehem (Orthinogalum), Rain Lily, Society Garlic, Spraxis, Aztec Lily (Sprekelia) Watsonia.

Flowers Plants:
Alyssum, Bluebonnet, Butterfly Weed, Calendula, Candytuft, Dianthus, Daisy (African, Michaelmas and Painted), Liatris, Nasturtium, Ornamental Cabbage and Kale, Phlox, Snapdragon, Stock