Place an Order or Schedule a Free Estimate 302-653-9389
Connect with Apgar Turf Farm
Maintaining Healthy, Beautiful Turfgrass
Your Questions Answered!

Sod Care & Maintenance

We never compromise on quality here at Apgar Turf Farm, Inc.

The result?

Beautiful turfgrass for commercial and residential applications. Always with the personal, friendly touch of a family-owned company

Based in Smyrna, DE, our sod farm does more than supply and install turfgrass. Our family and crew are committed to helping customers throughout the Delmarva region maintain their turfgrass for years to come.

Whether you’re planning a lawn renovation project, have a specific question, need to place an order, or want to learn more about the benefits of turfgrass, we’re always ready to assist you.

Sod Grass for Sale in Smyrna, DE ❘ Apgar Turf Farm, Inc.

Installing Turfgrass

Thinking about installing turfgrass on your property? We’re here to help you get started! If you’d like to schedule professional installation, call 302-653-9389 for a free estimate.

When is the best time of year to install sod?
Our sod can be installed any time of the year, as long as the ground and surrounding area have been prepared.

Spring is usually the most popular time to install sod. During the spring months, the sod requires little irrigation during and after it has been placed.

Fall is another popular time of year for sod installation because it requires only a fraction of the irrigation needed than in the summer.

Can you install sod in the summer?
Yes. If sod is installed during the summer, it will require more water than other times of the year. The sod will require plentiful watering for the first three weeks after installation.
Can you install sod in the winter?
When installed in the wintertime, the sod will have a dormant period, then when the spring temperatures arrive, the sod will take root. Sod installed in the winter does not require any watering during those months.
How can you prepare for sod installation?
Install Sprinklers

A sprinkler system is advantageous for your lawn but is not necessary. A properly installed and maintained underground sprinkler system conserves water by directing it exactly where and when needed. Have your sprinklers installed and tested before ordering your turfgrass sod. If you don’t already have an irrigation system, hoses and mobile sprinklers can suffice.

Soil Preparation

  • Kill weeds and grasses with a recommended herbicide, following directions on the bottle.
  • Remove rocks and debris.
  • Add organic soil amendment at a rate of 3 to 5 yards per 1000 square feet.
  • Rototill to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.

Grading

  • Work the soil, then level and smooth with a rake.
  • If the soil seems loose, you can firm the soil by rolling it.
  • The final grade should be ½ inch below walkways & driveways.
  • Water soil lightly, just before installing sod.

Finally, spread the area with starter fertilizer at the rate recommended on the label (except during the summer months – this could create disease problems).

How do you install sod?

Sod Installation
Begin to install your sod immediately after delivery. Start laying your sod along a straight edge such as a walkway or driveway. Place joints tightly together without overlapping. Place stagger joints, similar to a row of bricks, and use a sharp knife to cut and shape around curves, trees, and borders.

Watering
Start watering within 30 minutes of installation, even if you haven’t laid out all the sod yet. This will prevent the sod from wilting and drying. Don’t ever let the sod dry out and kill the leader grassroots.

Keeping New Sod Moist
Keep your new lawn consistently moist – but not soggy – during the first 20 days after installation. Don’t let water pond. During hot weather, multiple waterings per day are necessary until the roots establish.

Sod Maintenance

Have questions about how to properly maintain your turfgrass? We’ve got answers! If you don’t see an answer to your question, send us a message today!

How should I water the turf?
Turf that has just been installed needs an inch of water every day during the summer months. If your area is experiencing natural rainfall, you will need to adjust the water you put on your turf accordingly. Once the turf has rooted into the soil (which happens after 10-14 days), you can reduce watering during warm months to an inch of water every other day.
Will turf grow if it is in a shaded area?
Unfortunately, no turf out there will do well when grown in an area that is shaded for a long period. Our turf requires 4 hours or more of sunlight to grow properly. Keep in mind that turf that is in a shaded area for parts of the day will require less water.
Can you overwater your turf?
Yes. Thankfully, new sprinkler systems have made it easier for people to not over-water their lawns. If you have overwatered your turf, you will notice slimy-looking turf, brown-colored areas, and sometimes mildew on the blades of grass.
How long should I wait to mow my turf?
Normally we ask customers to wait 10 days to 2 weeks before they ever mow their turf. If the turf has grown 3 to 3 ½ inches before this timeline, mowing can take place.
For more information about sod care & maintenance, call 302-653-9389 or send us a message!

Apgar Turf Farm Inc.
1381 Smyrna Leipsic Rd
Smyrna, DE 19977

Need to Send Us Something?
P.O. Box 587
Smyrna, DE 19977

Phone: 302-653-9389
Email: apgarturf@verizon.net

Farm Hours

Monday ‒ Friday: 8:00 AM ‒ 4:00 PM
Saturday Hours Upon Request

Office Hours

Monday ‒ Friday: 8:00 AM ‒ 12:00 PM

TPI Natural Grass
Delaware Nursery & Landscape Association
NFIB