FAQ
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the types of sod we supply and common sod care questions.
How often should I water my lawn?
It depends on your location and season. Please check the Sod Care for specific details.
What is the difference between Marathon® and competitive brands?
Southland Sod Farms pioneered the development of tall fescue sod in Southern California. Marathon® is Southland’s brand name for that species of grass. Although other growers now produce copies of Marathon under their own brand names, Southland continues to use its own varieties, including one that was ranked #1 by the US Dept. of Agriculture each year for the three years that it was tested.
In other words, just as different varieties of apples have different characteristics, so do different varieties of grass within a species have different characteristics—such as color, texture, and disease resistance—making some varieties superior to others. The varieties in the Marathon family have been selected to offer the best combination of desirable traits.
Additionally, Southland Sod uses different production methods that result in a denser turf. All of these attributes make a lawn of Marathon Sod very attractive, as well as its ability to hold up well. Southland has been growing this sod since 1983; and, due to strong customer satisfaction and loyalty, Marathon Sod has earned its reputation for quality while becoming the most popular sod in Southern California. And, in case you have a problem, Marathon Sod is guaranteed for one year.
What is the difference between Marathon (original), Marathon II, and Marathon III?
The basic difference between Marathon and Marathon Lite lies in the growing process. Both Marathon and Marathon Lite use the same seed; however, Marathon Lite is grown without soil,using a hydroponic process that was developed and patented by Southland Sod Farms. The resulting turf is almost 50 percent lighter than traditional field-grown turf. As a result, the sod can be cut into larger pieces, thereby reducing installation time and effort. Furthermore, the optimum control of water and nutrients afforded by this growing process enhances the characteristics of finer texture, and increased density.
I can buy fescue from a discount warehouse. Why shouldn’t I save some money?
The fescue sold at discount warehouses is not the same as Marathon Sod. Although it is the same species, the sod sold at the discount warehouses originates with growers from marginal agricultural areas. To compensate for the extremes of weather where the sod is grown, it is sometimes dyed green to mask its inferiority (run your hand across the product, or ask the salesperson to do so). Also in order to cut production costs, less seed is planted, resulting in a lower density, shaggy looking turf. Finally, these growers use different varieties of seed than those developed for Marathon.
As mentioned previously, Marathon Sod contains Southland Sod’s company-developed varieties, including one that was ranked #1 in tests by the US Dept. of Agriculture three years running. Different varieties within a species have different characteristics such as color, texture, and disease resistance, and Marathon’s are superior to other varieties. In addition Southland’s production methods result in a denser turf. All of these attributes make Marathon a very attractive lawn, as well as one that holds up well. Southland has been growing Marathon since 1983; due to strong customer satisfaction and its constantly spreading reputation, the Marathon sods have become the most popular sods in Southern California. In addition, Southland Sod offers a one-year guarantee on its Marathon sods should there be a problem.
If possible, go to a discount warehouse and take a look at the sod in stock. When you compare it to Marathon, you’ll see the difference.
What kind of sod should I use with dogs?
No sod is completely resilient to dogs. Tifgreen and St. Augustine are the most tolerant to dog urine; however, they too will burn. According to customer feedback burning seems to vary, probably due to varying soil moisture. A wet lawn will not burn nearly as easily as a dry one. In any case the Tifgreen and St. Augustine will recover, while Marathon will not. However, keep in mind that the Tifgreen and St. Augustine varieties are not green year-round, but become dormant in winter.
To help prevent urine burn, give your dog METHIGEL, a natural vitamin available through a veterinarian.
How Important is Ground Prep?
VERY important! A little extra work and money invested in soil preparation before you plant your lawn can continue to pay big dividends long after the memory of planting your lawn has faded. A good base will promote a healthy root system, which is the most important factor in starting and maintaining a beautiful, low maintenance lawn.
Can We Walk On Our New Sod?
It is best to give the sod an opportunity to firmly establish before heavy usage. That will prevent indentations in the moist soil and allow the roots time to grow deep.
Why do I have mushrooms in my new lawn?
Mushrooms are caused by just the right combination of water, temperature, and humidity. Since they need constant moisture, mushrooms often appear as a result of the frequent watering needed by new sod. As the need for heavy watering decreases after the sod is established, the appearance of new mushrooms will decline radically. Be assured that mushrooms will not damage a lawn; just mow them off and reduce irrigating so that the lawn can dry out between waterings.
Why is there Bermuda in my Marathon lawn?
None of the weed killers that get rid of Bermuda can be used in a Marathon lawn without also killing the Marathon. Use Roundup® to spot treat the Bermuda-infested area and then re-sod or plant new seed. Be aware that Bermuda seeds are carried into the yard by birds and by wind. Also, Bermuda seeds can be carried in by gardeners if they adhere to the inside of a mower at another location.