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How to Specify

Add these sodding/stolonizing specifications to your plans to ensure you receive the finest turfgrass and installation available. Please call West Coast Turf at 1-800-893-8873 or e-mail Mr. Wise Grass for further assistance with special situations and custom specifications.

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.00 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Sodding shall be performed only during the time of day and during seasons when satisfactory result can be expected unless authorized in writing by the Architect.
   

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.00 SOIL AMENDMENTS AND FERTILIZER

1. Composted organic humus shall be tested by the soils testing laboratory prior to being used.
2. Nitrogen stabilized sawdust shall be derived from redwood or fir and shall be granular in nature, stabilized with nitrogen and shall have a minimum organic content of 90% by weight, particle size with 95 to 100% passing 2.33 mm standard sieve, 0.5% nitrogen, 1.75 salinity, iron content minimum 0.08% dilute acid soluble Fe (dry weight), ash 0 to 6% (dry weight), pH of 5.5 to 6.0.
3. Sand shall be fine, clean and natural, free from deleterious material, weed seed, clay balls, or rock with minimum 95% passing a No.4 sieve and maximum of 10% passing a No.1 00 sieve.
4. Gypsum shall be agricultural grade with 90% minimum calcium sulfate.
5. Fertilizer shall be commercially mixed and packaged pelleted or granular form N-P-K blend with micronutrients as recommended by an approved soils report.
6. Dolomite lime shall be agricultural grade with 35% minimum magnesium carbonate and 49% minimum calcium carbonate with 100% passing a No. 65 sieve.
   

2.01 SOD

1. The sod shall consist of live, growing, mature __________________________ obtained from West Coast Turf. The sod shall be cut from the field with a minimum of one-half inch of soil that completely covers the roots of the sod. The sod shall have a healthy, virile root system of dense, thickly matted roots throughout.
2. The sod shall arrive vigorous and have a lush appearance, uniform texture and dark-green color throughout with no dead or dry edges. The sod shall be sufficiently dense to bear handling and placement without tearing.
3. The sod shall be free of disease and harmful insects, obnoxious weeds or other grasses and shall not contain any other matter deleterious to its growth or which might affect its subsistence or hardiness when transplanted.
   

2.02 STOLONS

1. Stolons shall be supplied from West Coast Turf and shall be____________________. The stolons shall be completely healthy and free of weeds, disease and insect infestations.
2. Net weight should not be less than _____ Ibs. per bushel.
   

PART3 - EXECUTION

3.00 SOIL PREPARATION

1. Prior to planting sod, remove all rocks and debris, eradicate and physically remove all vegetation and weeds, dead or alive, from the site.
2. Rototill or spade the area to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Eliminate drainage problems by having soil slope away from foundations, etc.
3. Incorporate organic matter (humus, redwood, sand, etc.), gypsum, lime and fertilizer as recommended by an approved soils report to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. In the Desert Southwest, incorporate soil amendments into the top 2 to 4 inches of the soil profile.
4. Rake and smooth the soil, removing rocks, roots, and large clods. Roll the area lightly with a lawn roller 1/3 full of water, leaving the grade 1 inch below finish grade.
5. Water the prepared area to a depth of 6 inches to settle soil and provide a moist base for turf.
   

3.01 SODDING

1. Prior to planting, the irrigation system shall be tested and fully functional.
2. Sod shall be harvested within 24 hours prior to delivery and planted within three days after harvest.
3. Install sod immediately upon delivery. In hot weather, protect unlaid sod by placing stacks in shade, covering with moist burlap sacking and sprinkling.
4. Begin installing sod along the longest straight line, such as a driveway or sidewalk. Butt and push edges and ends against each other tightly, without stretching. Avoid gaps or overlaps. Stagger the joints in each row in a brick-like fashion, using a large sharp knife to trim corners, etc. Avoid leaving small strips at outer edges as they will not retain moisture. On slopes, lay the turf pieces horizontally across the slope. On 2:1 slopes or greater, stake sod to hold in place with 1/2" x 1" x 12" pegs at two-foot spacings. To avoid causing indentations or air pockets, avoid walking or kneeling on the turf while it is being installed or just after watering. Do not lay whole lawn before watering. When a conveniently large area has been sodded, water lightly to prevent drying.
5. After installing the turf, roll the entire area to improve turf-to-soil contact and remove air pockets.
6. Begin watering within 30 minutes of installation.
   

3.02 STOLONIZING

Stolons shall be harvested within 24 hours prior to delivery and planted within three days after harvest.

Install stolons immediately upon delivery. In hot weather, protect unplanted stolons by placing them in shade, covering with moist burlap sacking and sprinkling.

A satisfactory method of spreading stolons shall be employed using a mechanical or power-drawn stolon planter or other approved equipment.

The rate of application of stolons shall be as specified on the plans. Thoroughly water the completed installation immediately after stolon application.

Maintain water saturation of the soil for the duration of the germination period to ensure proper establishment.

Reapply stolon application to all areas where the turf is thin or bare after the germination period.