Sod Delivery!
You’ve got dreams of an emerald green yard and are excited for the delivery of your new sod. Proper preparation ahead of receiving delivery or pick up of sod can be beneficial for the success of the lawn. Let’s take a look at what you need to be ready for delivery day.
It’s Important To Be Prepared For Your Order
Whether you decide to take care of the sod installation yourself or have us professionally install it, the area that you’ve chosen for the sod needs to be properly prepped and ready before you get sod.
- Prepping the area for the sod – removing all debris, weeds, rocks to the area
- Installing the sod immediately – timing is key to stop any damage to sodCreating a water plan – we can assist with your water plan if needed
- Grass lifting – watch for grubs and water puddles that could lead to root damage.
What Happens When You’re Not Prepared For Your Sod Order?
The sooner your fresh sod goes from the farm to your soil, the better, so it doesn’t dry out. The same day is best. Don’t rush the preparation stage as it will save you time and headaches in the long run.
- Sod can spoil– it’s important to get that sod installed as soon as possible to keep it lush
- Sod can start to get discoloured – a sure sign things have taken too long is when you lose the grass’s green brilliance
- Sod can potentially die – prepping is key to ensure no sod goes to waste
Tips For Prepping Your Area For Sod Installation
It’s like most things, the better prepared you are the less chance for errors and mistakes. Here are a few more tips to make sure you have everything needed for a successful sod installation.
- Test the soil – This test will tell you if your soil’s pH is too far off to grow grass. Plants generally prefer soil that’s relatively neutral in pH.
- Clear the space from debris – unwanted debris and obstacles will cause unevenness
- Get rid of unwanted grass and weeds
- Grade the soil – most minor grading can be done on your own while major work may require more equipment
- Add a layer of topsoil
- Till the soil
- Water the soil
Get Your Sod Directly Through Our Farm Today
Need advice on how to create a watering plan to work with your environment? Let us know and we can assist with this. We service the following areas:
- Okanagan (including Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton, Osoyoos, Sorrento, Salmon Arm)
- Thompson Okanagan (Kamloops)
- BC Interior
- All the way to the US border
Please note that due to high demand, orders are taking longer to complete. Contact us today and we can give you a timeline of when our sod and turf will be ready for pick up or delivery.
Consider installing turf from Lavington Turf Farms and call us today for your quote.
Let’s Fix Your Lawn Problems
Have you looked at your lawn recently and thought, what is going on out there? There can be various lawn problems preventing it from looking its best. With some maintenance and a detailed eye, you can keep these problems from getting worse.
Grass Isn’t Always Greener
Are you getting some grass envy looking over your neighbour’s fence? Ask yourself why your grass is dying in patches or turning brown? Here are a few of the common lawn problems.
Brown spots – can be caused by a fungus, grubs, dog urine burns or heavy foot traffic.
Spongy lawn – can sometimes happen due to excess buildup of old and dead grass material.
Browning – grass turns brown when roots can no longer grab hold of nutrients or water from the soil.
Weed or moss growth – this happens in areas of too much shade and poorly drained soils.
Grass lifting – watch for grubs and water puddles that could lead to root damage.
What Can Cause Unhealthy Grass?
Now that you notice something is wrong with your lawn, what caused it in the first place. Getting more knowledgeable about these issues will help you put together an action plan faster.
- Soil structure is lacking
- Improper lawn care (mowing, raking, etc.)
- Didn’t fertilize
- Water retention
- Grass dormancy
- Diseases or pests
How To Fix These Problems
Thankfully, many of these lawn problems can be quick to identify and simple to remedy with some of these tips. Take care of your lawn the best you can and identify problems before they get out of hand.
- Fertilize
- Re-sod
- Fix soil structure to allow for proper drainage
- Test the pH, nitrogen level and microbial level of the soil
We Are The Solution To Your Lawn Problems
A healthy, lush lawn is one of those essential elements tying everything together in your yard. Besides just a lovely backdrop it adds comfort and it is also where kids play – adults too – so let’s keep it green! We are Okanagan’s best producer of quality sod for residential, golf and sports field applications. From our central location to Coldstream and Vernon, we can ship fresh sod, fertilizer and turf grass anywhere in BC’s Okanagan and Interior quickly and efficiently. Consider installing turf from Lavington Turf Farms and call us today for your quote.
Time To Start Laying Some Turf!
Mighty May
There is something about Spring that gets people inspired. Between the change in weather and the transformation of the valley’s landscape, as it awakens from its winter slumber, the land comes alive! Due to the warm summers with low humidity, and the mild winters; the Okanagan’s semi-arid climate is the perfect location to start your turfing needs. Within Okanagan and Interior British Columbia, you can install turf any time from early spring to late fall. There can be benefits to laying turf during the month of May.
Reasons Why You Should Be Laying Turf in May
You’ll have many considerations to figure out when planning for big transformations on your home or business properties and it’s no different with your new turf plans. We are here to help answer any questions you may have on when is the best time for you to lay down your new turf. Here’s why we think May is a perfect time.
It’s A Comfortable Temperature To Work In
The May working conditions are perfect – let’s go! The average high temperature in British Columbia is 18 degrees Celsius (65 Fahrenheit) and the average low temperature is 11 degrees celsius (52 Fahrenheit). Ideal outdoor temperatures for laying down your new turf.
The Long Days Assist With Avoiding Sod Heating
Sod heating is when harvested turf is suffering from heat stress after being rolled up too long and as a result, hasn’t had sufficient sunlight, air or water. The longer days in May help alleviate some of this stress on your turf but you should lay new turf ASAP to avoid the chance of sod heating.
The Soil Is More Accepting Of The Turf
Laying turf requires some prep work and understanding of the overall turf installation process in order to be successful. Also in May, you’ll find your soil is in its best condition for the application of the turf to the ground.
The Soil Is Warmer Which Helps With Plant Growth
Those May temperatures are just what the turf relies on to generate strong plant growth and in turn, provide you with healthy lush green turf. We tailor all of our products for the unique and beautiful climate we live in to make sure that your lawn is unparalleled in quality and beauty.
Don’t Lay Turf If...
Timing is everything and it is also a key consideration when deciding when you can plan for your turf installation. For instance, if you are planning on going away on holiday and cannot care for the lawn you’ll want to reconsider your plans. Also, the soil will not be receptive to the turf if it is TOO WET, TOO HOT or TOO COLD. We carefully choose our seed and suppliers to provide the highest quality varieties that best perform for our diverse climate and usage needs.
No Better Time To Turf
There is no better time than now to get your turf project completed, learn more about our turf products today. We carefully choose our seed and suppliers to provide the highest quality varieties that best perform for our diverse climate and usage needs. Come on down to Lavington Turf Farms and talk with our team about the best turf options for you. We provide availability for pick up or delivery that services Okanagan (including Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton, Osoyoos, Sorrento, Salmon Arm), Thompson Okanagan (Kamloops) BC Interior, and All the way to the US border. You can contact us directly about any questions or quotes about our turf and any other lawn care needs over the phone at (1-250-549-2967) or you can fill out our contact form on our website here.
Farm Fertilizer For Your Spring Projects
Get The Farm Advantage This Spring
Spring maintenance projects are here and being prepared is key to making sure that you have the nicest yard on your street. A crucial ingredient is your fertilizer, replenishing the nutrients in the soil ensures the healthiest plants and grass possible. Fertilizer can be found commonly at big box stores and garden centers, these fertilizers are general and can be okay for most situations. But these stores are not always capable of providing the right product and information for your needs. That’s where we come in! Purchasing fertilizer directly from our farm provides you with the right information and product for your needs with the added benefits of Lavington Turf Farms well-renowned customer service. Let us tell you all the reasons you should be getting your fertilizer farm fresh this spring.
Products You Can Rely On
We know you love your grass, your plants, and those amazing blooming spring flowers and we have dedicated ourselves to having the best product for all of our customers’ needs. Our extensive years of experience has taught us which are the best fertilizers for every occasion that provide the best and most consistent results. We are prepared to answer any questions you may have on which fertilizer is best for you and your projects this spring.
A Price You Will Love
Your lawn deserves the best but that does not mean it has to break the bank. We provide the fertilizers you need at competitive prices you will love. You also can save with our expert advice, ensuring you get the best fertilizer for your needs the first time around and save your lawn from any potential problems in the future.
Top-Notch Customer Service
We have been providing our customers with the best turf and sod for decades and we have taken this experience and improved year over year to ensure that we give the best customer service possible. We make sure that we provide the latest information in lawn care and what the best techniques and products are for your lawn. We take pride in knowing what is best for your lawn so you don’t have too.
Our Fertilizers Got What Plants Crave
Generic fertilizers are not the best or most effective solution for your lawn, this spring switch to our fertilizers and we won’t just tell you the difference our fertilizer makes, we will show you the difference it makes. We guarantee that all our fertilizers provide a consistent and predictable source of nutrients for your plants and lawn that promote health and growth that lasts.
Local Farmers Providing The Best For You
We at Lavington Turf Farms have our roots in the Okanagan and have been providing services and products with our customers in mind. We tailor all of our products for the unique and beautiful climate we live in to make sure that your lawn is unparalleled in quality and beauty. Supporting local means farms like ours can continue to provide the best products and services to the community we love.
Get Your Fertilizer Today!
Come on down to Lavington Turf Farms and talk with our team about the best fertilizer options for you. We provide availability for pick up or delivery that services Okanagan (including Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton, Osoyoos, Sorrento, Salmon Arm), Thompson Okanagan (Kamloops) BC Interior, and All the way to the US border. You can contact us directly with any questions or quotes about our fertilizers and any other lawn care needs over the phone at (1-250-549-2967) or you can fill out our contact form on our website here.
Do not forget to stay up to date on our latest lawn care blogs, found on our website here.
Fall Lawn Care Tips
It’s easy to understand that people put more love into their lawns during spring and summer. During fall however, it’s just as important to care for your lawn and put in some well timed care for the growing season. If you are eager to have your lawn green, and healthy for spring then it’s important to keep up with lawn care during fall. An easy mistake from homeowners is to do the same fall lawn care as usual, but not see excellent growth/results come spring. Lawn maintenance is key for the fall season!
In this blog, we are going to outline some essential fall lawn care tips that can have your grass looking fresh and full come spring.
Keep Your Lawn Clean & Tidy
Be sure to clear your lawn of any childrens toys, garden tools, and tree leaves that more often than not, appear on a lawn throughout the year. A common misconception is that tree leaves protect your lawn from the impending snow. This is not true. Tree leaves actually have a negative impact, and rob your sod of the much needed fall sunshine.
These leaves will block sunlight and trap moisture, and become a soggy mess when the snow melts. Take time this fall and rake away those leaves to protect your lawn.
Continue Cutting
Don’t put away your mower quite yet. It’s important to keep cutting your lawn until grass stops growing. Grass continues to grow up to the first hard frost. That’s why you will need to give your lawn regular cuts to keep it at an ideal 2½- to 3-inch height. Letting turf grow too long will leave it vulnerable to fungi like snow mold. It’s also just as important to not cut it too short.
Cutting your lawn too short impedes the lawn’s ability to withstand winter cold and dryness, and also curtails the root system.
Feed Your Lawn
Fall is an excellent season to give your lawn much needed nutrients to keep it strong during the winter season. With the change in cooler temperatures, your lawn’s top growth will slow, but the roots will continue to grow. While the plants are still absorbing nutrients it’s the perfect time to apply fertilizer.
Your sod has up until winter, when the ground is frozen, to accept fertilizer. Within the Okanagan, you can expect frozen ground come the end of October to early November. It’s important to act soon, as giving your lawn the proper nutrients before the long winter means a healthy lawn come spring.
Loosen The Soil And Let It Breathe
It’s important to determine if your lawn requires aeration. Typically your lawn will require aeration every couple of years. This prevents soil from becoming compacted and covered with thatch, a thick layer of roots, stems, and debris that blocks water, oxygen, and nutrients from reaching the soil.
Even more ideal, aeration can be easily done with fertilizing – creating those holes in the turf will allow fertilizer to reach the roots quickly.
Conclusion
Don’t let the chill in the air fool you – lawn maintenance this time of year is still important. After all, sod needs to be cared for and nurtured up until the ground freezes.
At Lavington Turf Farms, we understand the importance of preparing your lawn for the winter season. Our team of experts will tell you how to look after your grass so you don’t have to waste valuable water resources. Pair our services with our drought tolerant turf and sod, and get a healthy and green lawn each spring and summer.
Service Area
We proudly serve the following areas: Vernon, Coldstream, Lumby, Salmon Arm, Sorrento, Revelstoke, Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Kootenays, and Caribou, all the way to the USA Border.
For more information or a free quote for your project, please visit this page on our website.
End of Season Sod Installation
It might not be well known, but did you know that spring and fall are the best seasons to lay sod? It’s typically assumed that due to the warm weather, summer would be the optimal time, however this isn’t true. Sod can be laid anytime throughout the growing season, but spring and fall tend to be the best seasons for it. While it’s important to avoid laying sod in freezing temperatures, the Okanagan offers some mild fall conditions which make sod installation very convenient this time of year. September is an optimal month to get landscaping projects finalized, because this is the last month of “predictable” weather.
Laying sod past September isn’t a large issue, however you would be in favour of the unpredictability of snowfall and freezing temperatures, which can affect the chances of sod rooting into the soil. This isn’t an end all however, as rooting can proceed come spring, however, that’s why we stress sod installation this month for ‘end of season’ application.
In this blog, we will give you a few things to consider for end of season sod installation – Let’s get started!
Cooler Temperatures
In a previous blog, we mentioned how beneficial laying sod in the fall was. One of the largest benefits is the cooler temperatures. Contrary to popular belief, the cooler temperatures associated in September help prevent sod from overheating and drying out. This is also a great opportunity for sod to develop roots prior to the winter season.
Not only do these mild temperatures benefit the sod, but they also benefit you!
Working on landscaping projects has never been easy throughout fall. Without the demands of the intense heat during summer, the cooler temperatures make it easier for working conditions. Keep in mind that it is too late to plant seeds, but laying sod is optimal for the month of September.
Less Care Required
Thanks to the cooler temperatures, lawns require less work. We mentioned in our previous blog the demands of sod in hot temperatures.
However, in the current season, sod doesn’t dry out and the risk of roots not developing is lessened. Compared to summer, the amount of water needed in the fall is greatly reduced. Grass maintains moisture easily in fall, and due to that, has a greater survivability compared to summer.
The best advantage to laying sod during the fall season is dormancy, or “set it and forget it”. Dormancy is easy to achieve by laying the sod and letting it root before winter kicks in. This allows it to be dormant throughout the winter, and grow in the following spring.
Timing is Key
While laying sod during the fall is an optimal time to finish landscaping projects for the season, it’s important to utilize September as the final month for sod installation. Sod typically takes up to 6 weeks to finish developing a strong root system and 2 weeks to develop a shallow root system.
Because of this, you need to give your sod adequate time to form and develop roots.
Timing is important here.
Give your sod approximately 4-6 weeks to root before the ground will freeze for the winter. Within the Okanagan region this means taking advantage of September to install sod. Once the ground is frozen you lose the opportunity to let your sod root – so act fast this month!
Conclusion
Fall is a great time to lay sod and finish those landscaping projects for the year. It’s important to utilize the end of season for fall sod installation – and be of course mindful of the winter to come. Afterall, the goal is to have beautiful growing grass for next spring and summer!
At Lavington Turf Farms, we understand the importance of end of season sod installation. That’s why we still have sod available for your end of season landscaping projects. We offer customisable, drought tolerant turf that holds up in fall temperatures.
Service Area
We proudly serve the following areas: Vernon, Coldstream, Lumby, Salmon Arm, Sorrento, Revelstoke, Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Kootenays, and Caribou, all the way to the USA Border.
For more information or a free quote for your project, please visit this page on our website.
The Benefits of Real Grass
The average home within the beautiful Okanagan, and many other cities across Canada, comes with its share of beautiful yard space and accompanying turf. This grass can be found on lawns, athletic fields, parks, and many other recreational areas. In fact, Canada alone has over 6.2 million maintained lawns (StatsCan, 2014). With ongoing research, turfgrass is proving to have benefits that go beyond that of just aesthetic, but also continue to benefit the environment, house value, and your overall health.
With all that said, and with growing technology advancements, homeowners now have the option to fill their yards with real growing grass or artificial grass. In this blog, however, we will break down the key benefits associated with having real, natural grass, compared to the alternative; artificial grass.
Let’s get going!
Environmental Benefits
The impact that natural turf grass has on the environment is important. After all, the environment is essential for quality of life and health. Keeping that in mind, turfgrass is a living organism. Natural turf utilizes photosynthesis and releases oxygen into the air, improving air quality. Even more interesting, turfgrass measuring in 2,500 square feet produces enough oxygen for a family of four to breathe.
Putting it more into perspective, one soccer field can offset the carbon produced by a car driving 3,000 miles (SportsTurf, 2018). Compared to the alternative, artificial grass provides no air quality benefit.
Besides just the benefit of reducing carbon dioxide, natural grass is proven to be a filter. By this we mean, of course, turfgrass traps dust and dirt released annually within the atmosphere. Purifying the air where possible!
Water Absorption
Even more ideal in heavy rain seasons, healthy grass and mulch will do an excellent job in absorbing rainfall. Beneficial microbes and a thick root system of natural grass actually filters water as it passes through, removing some potentially damaging bacteria going into storm sewers systems. For example, a 2,500 square foot lawn can harvest over 1,000 gallons of rainwater before runoff occurs (Lawn Institute, 2021). This strong water absorption can even help with fire resistance. All the more reason to keep your lawn healthy and happy!
Value & Appeal
Another great benefit to natural turf is the overall community appeal and property benefit. It will come as no surprise to hear that one of the most effective ways to boost curb appeal for a home is through landscaping. By landscaping, we mean increasing the attractiveness of a lawn through property yard adjustments. As well, manicured lawns are important factors for families to consider
when purchasing plots of land.
Of course, real lawns provide obvious value but they also come with added appeal. Nothing quite beats running in natural grass during a hot summer day and feeling the cold crisp grass beneath your feet. The feeling of having natural grass for children to play around on, not only adds personal value to your home but can even trigger stress relief. That’s just added comfort that comes with real grass!
Commercial Projects
Turfgrass is extensively used for recreation and sport activity spaces. This could include; football, soccer, rugby, golf, baseball, and much more.
Whatever your commercial project can include, natural turfgrass is reliable and provides a natural surface in stadiums, courses, and more. As mentioned previously, the added benefit of real turfgrass is the cooling effects it holds. Consider a stadium, in comparison, a single high school baseball stadium can provide up to 70 tons of air conditioning (SportsTurf, 2018). That’s a lot of cooling!
Conclusion
With all the reasons stated above, we hope this blog was able to help you understand the large benefits that come with having natural growing turf. Whatever your project includes, let natural grass improve your quality of life, home value, and overall health.
If you are looking to understand turf varieties, and more on how it can benefit your home or commercial project, then contact us today!
At Lavington Turf Farms, we understand the importance of having a well-kept space, and with our knowledge of high-quality turf, we provide our customers with significant results all year round.
Service Area
We proudly serve the following areas: Vernon, Coldstream, Lumby, Salmon Arm, Sorrento, Revelstoke, Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Kootenays, and Caribou, all the way to the USA Border.
For more information or a free quote for your project, please visit this page on our website.
References:
https://www.stma.org/eight-benefits-of-natural-grass/
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/16-002-x/2007002/10336-eng.htm
https://www.thelawninstitute.org/
How to Fix Dead Patches in Your Lawn
Introduction
Nothing brings down the look of a beautiful lawn quite like dead patches of grass. Even with the best tended lawn, you might still have dead patches of grass appear from time to time. That being said, the reason for them might not always be obvious. The most common reasons for dead grass patches are: Pets, weeds, high foot traffic areas, drought stress, soil concerns, fungal diseases, fertilizer burn and improper watering.
Got some pesky dead spots you would love to restore? In this blog we walk you through our top tips on how to repair those pesky patches, and how best to treat your lawn to achieve that beautiful lush, green lawn once more.
Let’s get started!
Prepare the Soil
The dead spots in your lawn will require reseeding to produce new growth. However, before immediately dropping seeds within a dead spot, first you will want to remove the dead grass.
Using a garden rake or hand rake, scrape the dead grass zone and remove the first layer of thatch. That’s the base layer above the soil. With the first layer removed, it’s also ideal to pull any invasive weeds, and rake the soil below to loosen it for reseeding. With that all ready, you have prepared your spot for new growth!
Reseeding your Lawn
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and spread new seeds over the new area. It’s important to not overseed during this step.
Seeds will also germinate best in morning and evening temperatures, so avoid reseeding in the middle of the day during summer time. Finally, gently water your spot! And we do really mean gently, as the seeds need the best possible start to grow effectively. Give it a generous amount of water, and continue to do so until germination occurs. This is typically after two weeks of watering.
Encouraging Growth
Now that you have your seedlings planted, it’s important to encourage growth and make sure your grass grows effectively. Mow your lawn only when the germinated lawn is at least 3 inches tall.
Keep up with consistent watering, and your lawn will grow in and back to normal in no time. It’s also important to monitor the location regularly, to ensure there are no fungal growth issues, improper watering spots or issues due to lack of fertilizer. To find more information on how to improve your lawn’s overall health, and keep it healthy throughout the summer, check out our previous blog here.
Conclusion
At Lavington Turf Farms, we understand the difficulty of maintaining a perfect lawn. We professionally install turf for your projects – contact us today if you need a quote for your project.
We are committed to helping our customers and are always here if you have questions. Our drought tolerant sod is of high quality to help ensure a healthy lawn all year round!
Service Area
We proudly serve the following areas: Vernon, Coldstream, Lumby, Salmon Arm, Sorrento, Revelstoke, Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Kootenays, and Caribou, all the way to the USA Border.
For more information or a free quote for your project, please visit this page on our website.
Top Tips to Keep your Grass Green & Healthy This Summer
Introduction
There is nothing quite like lush green grass, and thanks to spring, it’s easy to achieve this. However, when spring transitions into summer, the weather conditions can be an absolute nightmare for your lawn. The good news is, you don’t have to slave over your lawn to keep it healthy. In fact, to a great extent, it’s not the amount of work you put into your lawn — it’s when and how you do it.
There are some fundamentals that are key in retaining the life in your grass. As well, keep it fresh and lush all season long. In this blog, you will find our top tips for keeping your beautiful grass green and healthy, and how caring for your grass can give you some great results!
Know When To Water
If you live within the Okanagan, then you understand summer heat. And as much as your lawn requires sunshine to thrive, too much of it can dry out your lawn and cause any water to evaporate. A good rule of thumb is to water your lawn in the early morning or late evening. Your lawn will enjoy the break of sunlight. During this time your lawn has a chance to take in as much water as possible and absorb enough to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Mow Appropriately
You might not have ever considered raising the height of your lawnmower, but believe it or not, it greatly helps your lawn during the summer months. Trimming and keeping the grass longer will help shield the roots from the damages of the sun. This in turn, prevents your roots from drying out. That being said, it’s ideal to mow your lawn every 2-3 weeks to keep it within its best conditions.
Test Your Soil
Running a soil test will let you know if you are missing any specific nutrients, and whether those nutrients are running low or high. Knowing your lawn’s current health means it’s easy to find a fertilizer with a nutrient ratio that fits your needs. Fall is an excellent time to fertilize your lawn with a slow-releasing fertilizer, as it is soaking up as much nutrients as possible to store for the winter months – resulting in fresh green grass for spring!
Regular Lawn Care
Keep an eye out – or take the time every week to do a walk through your backyard. If your lawn is filled with feet everyday, it doesn’t hurt to check in and see the damage from time to time. As quick as your lawn get’s green, it’s also quick to sprout weeds and develop dead spots. We always recommend getting to those weeds as early as possible. Whether that includes manually pulling them, or using a weeder. Dead spots are an indication of regrowth needed. Which means, reseeding appropriately. Dead spots included, it’s better to address lawn imperfections sooner rather than later when it becomes an even bigger problem.
Aerate Your Lawn
Your lawn needs oxygen just as much as it needs water. The process allows for air, nutrients, and water to penetrate deeper into the soil and gain quicker access to the roots. Aerating your lawn also allows for better water absorption which prevents runoff. The easiest method to aerate your lawn would include the use of a garden fork, or hiring a machine in larger areas.
Conclusion
Whatever your goals are for this summer – rest assured knowing that the work you put into your lawn will provide lush, green grass as a result. Most importantly, as we mentioned earlier, it’s not always about the work you put in, it’s about when you do it.
At Lavington Turf Farms, we are committed to helping our customers and are always here if you have questions. We also offer drought tolerant sod of high quality to help ensure a healthy lawn all year round.
Service Area
We proudly serve the following areas: Vernon, Coldstream, Lumby, Salmon Arm, Sorrento, Revelstoke, Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Kootenays, and Caribou, all the way to the USA Border.
For more information or a free quote for your project, please visit this page on our website.
Okanagan Grass in Dormancy
Introduction
Within the Okanagan, home owners have the luxury of enjoying mixed temperatures all season, with the added benefit of cold winter months and hot summer months. With that being said, the unreasonably hot and dry summers take its toll on plant life – giving long hot days, with little to no rain. As well, the long winter months mean your grass manages with heavy snow falls, and below freezing temperatures. However, the brown and dry grass homeowners are left with is completely normal and should have no cause for concern. In fact, your grass isn’t dead, it’s simply dormant!
It’s quite a common question at Lavington Turf Farms; We have customers who aren’t used to the Okanagan summers or winters, and are more used to green grass year round. In this blog, we will take you through grass dormancy; the difference between dead or dormant grass, how your lawn will be affected, and tips we gathered from years within the industry to care for dormant sod.
That being said, let’s get started!
Difference between dead and dormant grass
The sight of brown grass can be confusing for homeowners. It’s important to know what caused the discoloration and in the best case scenario – if your grass is still alive. There are a few simple differences in dead and dormant grass, and if the grass is dormant, you will be completely capable of having lush green grass again.
The simplest difference would be testing your lawn by pulling on a small section of brown grass to test resistance. Simply put, if you have no resistance and the grass pulls out easy – it’s dead. Another visual difference in dead and dormant grass, is that typically, dormant grass will be consistent. By this we mean, if your whole lawn is brown in colour it’s most likely dormant.
Of course, if there are small patches of brown grass inconsistent with the rest of the lawn, then those areas are most likely dead.
Remember to act consistent and attentive with watering, and inquire to a professional if you need help deciphering between dead or dormant grass.
Grass in dormancy
Now that you know your grass is dormant, let’s talk about how your grass is revived out of dormancy. As mentioned earlier, when your grass is yellow or brown in colour and looks as if dead, there is actually a part of the root that is still intact; the crown. This inner piece remains alive and will regain life again once reactivated by moisture. When this happens, the grass will begin to transition into green lush grass again. Of course, this is greatly benefited if you have consistent waterings and treat your dormant grass with care.
Dormant grass is in a vulnerable state, so limiting the traffic on your grass while it recovers is ideal for your grass to bounce back properly. Besides damage caused from traffic, your vulnerable lawn is susceptible to weeds when dormant. Be sure to monitor your grass frequently during dormancy and trim weeds appropriately early in the spring season.
Laying dormant sod
Did you know that it is possible to lay dormant sod in the off seasons? It’s actually beneficial to install dormant sod grass in the early winter months to prevent erosion and mud. If monitored and treated correctly, your sod will grow roots in the early spring months, and you will have the full benefits of a healthy green lawn. When laying dormant sod, it’s important to follow a proper watering schedule, and be alert for cold dry weather, which has a high chance of drying out the root of the sod.
Dormant sod does require less water than previously laid summer sod – but you should always be mindful of the conditions year round, and water accordingly, to ensure roots form for spring. Herbicides should also not be applied until spring months once the sod is rooted.
Conclusion
Now we hope you feel confident and comfortable knowing that your lawn can, and will go dormant during certain seasons throughout the year, but that should give you no reason to panic. Brown grass is common and not an issue – as long as you treat your dormant grass well, then the likelihood of having green lush grass for future spring and summer seasons will happen for you. If at any point you require help determining if your grass is dormant or dead, or if you need sod for new sections of your lawn, contact us for a quote today!
At Lavington Turf Farms, we are always here if you have any questions about your projects. We can customize our sod to fit your needs, and our drought tolerant turf will always fit the conditions.
Service Area
We proudly serve the following areas: Vernon, Coldstream, Lumby, Salmon Arm, Sorrento, Revelstoke, Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Kootenays, and Caribou, all the way to the USA Border.
For more information or a free quote for your project, please visit this page on our website.
