Your Sod Questions — Answered
We’re answering the most common sod questions that we hear on a daily basis. If you have additional questions, please call our office at 515-331-4900 to speak with one of our friendly team members.
What is the size of a roll?
2 by 5 feet.
How many rolls come on a pallet?
60 rolls, or 600 square feet.
How much can I fit in my pickup truck?
Most pickup trucks can fit 600 square feet of sod.
How much does a pallet weigh?
A full pallet weighs 1,800 pounds.
How much does a small roll weigh?
Each roll weighs about 30 pounds.
How much can you fit on a delivery truck?
Our straight truck can hold 10 pallets, which is equal to 6000 square feet, and the semi can hold 20 pallets, equal to 12,000 square feet.
Do you cut “Big Rolls”?
Yes, but you need a special installer to use them since they weigh about 1000 lbs per roll.
What is the size of a “Big Roll”?
They are 300 square feet total, and 42 inches wide.
How many "Big Rolls" fit on the delivery truck?
Our straight truck can hold 20 rolls, and the semi can hold 32.
What are your hours?
Shattuck has sod available Monday-Friday, from 7am to 3pm depending on the weather. To make sure we have what you need in stock, call us before you visit.
How much lead-time should I give for delivery?
We recommend you place your order 2-3 days before you’d like the sod delivered. Keep in mind that Friday tends to be our busiest day. You can also pick up sod yourself by calling the day of.
What kind of grass do you offer?
We offer bluegrass and fescue. Bluegrass is very popular in the Des Moines area. The difference with fescue is that the root system goes deeper into the ground, meaning once it’s established it requires less water and less fertilizer. It works well for sports fields because it’s rhizomatous, which means it fills back in automatically after it’s damaged. The two types look similar, but the fescue has a slightly thicker blade.
We prep our fields and seed each year instead of using regrowth, so we can offer a higher quality product. Each growing cycle takes about 18 months, so every new cycle we evaluate and improve our seed blends. No matter which blend we currently have in stock, we always use seed with superior color, close-cut tolerance, and state-of-the-art disease resistance.
Does your sod grow well in shade?
Sod needs about 5 hours of full sunlight or filtered sunlight per day. If it gets any less than that, it will start to fade over time. The fescue tends to do better than the bluegrass in the shade, due to its heartier nature.
What time of year should I install sod?
The best times to install sod are fall and spring because of the cool weather. Summer isn’t ideal since it requires a lot of watering and the high temperatures are stressful on the plant. Keep in mind Shattuck Turf Farms does not offer installation services.
How do I prepare my yard for sod?
Before you install sod, make sure you’ve removed all grass and weeds in the area. Anything left behind can grow up through your new sod. If you’re using Roundup, make sure you wait long enough to put new sod down since Roundup kills anything it touches. Also, make sure the area is flat and contains no rocks or large chunks of dirt.
Should I put starter fertilizer in the dirt before I lay the sod?
You can, but it’s not necessary. It can sometimes burn the roots of the new sod, so be wary.
Should I till the dirt up?
You can, but you will have to pack it back down. If you leave it, you’ll sink down into it, making holes when you step on it and contributing to an uneven yard. Watering properly should be enough to make the roots take just fine, without tilling it beforehand. If you think the dirt is too compact, you can use a rake to rough it up a little.
How long can sod sit on the pallet?
Sod is a perishable product, so we recommend you lay it the same day it’s been cut. If you aren’t using it right away, make sure you don’t let it sit longer than 24 hours or overnight, and keep it as cool as possible by placing it in the shade.
Can I return sod if I don’t use it all?
Since sod is perishable, we do not accept sod returns. It’s recommended that you take time to accurately measure the area so you have just the right amount of turf. See our measuring instructions for details.
When should I first water my sod?
Start watering right after you finish the installation. This stage is very important, as it will determine the health of your grass for years to come. Initially, water generously to a depth of one inch, then apply at least ¼ inch of water each day for the next two weeks. How much water you use will be based on the sod’s condition and need. Check out these watering recommendations for more details.
When should I mow my sod?
You can mow new sod 10 days to two weeks after installation using the tallest setting on your mower.
Can I fertilize it?
You can fertilize it the same way you would the rest of your yard. Use a regular program where you fertilize 4-6 times per year. In the spring, make sure to use a fertilizer with a pre-emergence and in the fall, use one with a post-emergence.
How do you plant sod?
The basics include preparation, installation, watering, and maintenance. Visit our DIY installation page for complete step-by-step directions.
How do you re-sod lawn?
Re-sodding your lawn will require some preparation including removing the old grass and raking the soil to remove sticks, rocks, and clumps of dirt. From there, you can install our sod just like you would normally.
What does “sodding” mean?
Sodding is simply the act of laying down sod.
Why should I install sod?
Sod is the quickest and easiest way to get lush, green grass. You can go from an all-dirt space to a beautiful lawn in the span of a day. Sod is also great for sloped areas of your lawn that are prone to erosion.
Can I get rid of sod webworms?
Yes. It may take some work, but we have a few suggestions. First, make sure you fertilize your lawn regularly. Then, treat the problem with a product made for sod webworms. Finally, make sure you’re watering your lawn as needed. You’ll notice it will begin to wilt if you wait too long.
We’re removing old sod to make way for new — what should I do with it?
You can do a few things with old sod. Composting the squares is one option, which takes up to six months, but provides great organic material to use in your garden. Relocating it to another spot on your property is another options as long as the sod is in good condition.
How long should I wait before walking on my newly installed sod?
Besides walking on it for watering purposes, it’s recommended to wait two weeks before you allow much traffic on your new grass. That way, you can let the roots settle in and create a healthy foundation for many years to come.
Read more:
How Sod Helps the Environment
Do It Yourself Sod Installation
Seasonal Tips
Keeping Shaded Sod Healthy
Dormant vs. Dying Sod
Natural Turf Farm
6 Steps to the Perfect Lawn
How to Keep Sod Healthy With Dogs
How to Get Rid of Mushrooms In Your Lawn
Should You Rake or Mulch Leaves?