[95mmrenegade]

I am renovating my backyard, issues with poor drainage slopes and big trees made it tough to grow grass. The slope problem is gone and the trees are down. Are there any tips to ensure the best outcome with tiftuf sod? We are using a drag mat on the base to level. Should it be rolled multiple times, how soon can I reel mow(Heard 14 days mininum)

 

[Movingshrub]

Tiftuf is still going to have a high light requirement albeit lower than tifway.

Are you sure Bermuda is the right grass for that location?

Considering your remark about the trees, I would suggest looking into a light meter, measuring multiple locations of your yard, and conforming how much light you are getting. The sunlight is going drive which grasses are able to thrive in your yard.

 

[Bunnysarefat]

It sounds like you removed the trees, is that correct?

TifTuf was very easy to establish for me. 100% of the pieces of sod took hold without any hiccups. For initial success just add lots of water and sunlight.

Not sure if you had Bermuda in this area before now, but if you did, make sure it's all been killed off 100%. Even Tifway creeping into a TifTuf lawn will be noticeable to the keen observer. A well fed Tifway is a little darker than TifTuf.

A soil test is a really good idea. If you can lay down any needed phosphorus and potassium, I think it's best to get those nutrients in the soil first so the roots can find them.

And you can cut it whenever it's growing. As long as the sod comes cut relatively short you're not going to hurt it. Just don't cut too much leaf off at first.

Rolling helps some, I would recommend it. But it will be uneven until you can sand level the lawn. The sod pieces are cut in varying thickness. Surprisingly varied, I found.

 

[jayhawk]

How soon to mow? When you can't easily pull it up...good rooting. Might take longer than normal, it's fall...

You want the ground well watered before...definatly not dry when sod goes on.

Consider rolling with http://www.northsidetoolrental.com/lawn-and-garden-equipment/lawn-rollers/roller-lawn-self-propelled/

My neighbors tuff is dark, after he fertilized it.

 

[Bunnysarefat]

My neighbors tuff is dark, after he fertilized it.

It does get dark, but I wouldn't bet against Tifway getting darker, all things being equal. It could be very slight but I wouldn't want to take the chance.

 

[95mmrenegade]

The problem before was water drainage and trees. Trees have been cut down and slope has been corrected with grading. We should ha e a solid 10 days or so of mid 85s here, whats the temp where this grass grows fast?