Factors to Consider
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Seed
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Hydroseed
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Turfgrass
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Time of Year to Install
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Not recommended for Winter or Summer, possibly in Spring. Best in Fall for most regions.
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Not recommended for Winter or Summer, possibly in Spring. Best in Fall for most regions.
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Year-round installation, even on frozen ground if sod is available.
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Soil Preparation
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Same for All types of installation. Deeply till soil, add necessary amendments and fertilizers, grade and level for a smooth surface, remove all debris, lightly pack and moisten.
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Same for All types of installation. Deeply till soil, add necessary amendments and fertilizers, grade and level for a smooth surface, remove all debris, lightly pack and moisten.
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Same for All types of installation. Deeply till soil, add necessary amendments and fertilizers, grade and level for a smooth surface, remove all debris, lightly pack and moisten.
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Water Requirements
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Highest Water needs. Bare soil will dry quickly. Water lightly for 3-4 weeks, keep surface moist, begin to apply 1 inch of water per week after first mowing.
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Moderate-High water needs. Mulch will preserve some moisture. Water lightly for 3-4 weeks, keeping surface moist. begin to apply 1 inch of water per week after first mowing.
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lowest Water needs. Water at installation to a depth of 6 inches, then light watering for the next 2-3 weeks. Grass will shade soil and prevent drying.
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Seed Quality
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Extremely variable because of germination rates, weed and foreign matter content: unknown or unspecified varieties. Generally lower quality seed than used in cultivated sod production.
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Extremely variable because of germination rates, weed and foreign matter content: unknown or unspecified varieties. Generally lower quality seed than used in cultivated sod production.
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Typically highest available sod quality, certified, elite seed. May be certified to prove specific variety. Mixture and blends used to suit area needs.
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Weed Control
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Multiple applications of chemicals usually required to combat competitive weed invasions until turf is well established.
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Multiple applications of chemicals usually required to combat competitive weed invasions until turf is well established.
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Minimal if any chemical control required.
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Coverage Uniformity
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Seeding varieties, rates, germination times, wash-outs (erosion), traffic, feeding birds and rodents can create spottiness.
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Seeding varieties, rates, germination times, wash-outs (erosion), traffic, feeding birds and rodents can create spottiness.
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Mulch layer may reduce some problems. 99-100% uniformity with use of mature turf grass sod.
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Visual Impact
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Rough texture and open soil.
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Colored Mulches act to camouflage soil appearance.
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Immediate beauty of a complete and mature landscape.
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Cost vs. Value
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Higher management and maintenance costs, compounded by increased water and chemical applications, as well as delay of use, poor uniformity and visually unappealing are trade offs for lower installation cost.
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Higher management and maintenance costs, compounded by increased water and chemical applications, as well as delay of use, poor uniformity and visually unappealing are trade offs for lower installation cost.
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Installation costs offset by added values of timing, usability, uniformity and visual appeal. Reduced maintenance, chemical and water costs.
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Turpin Farms would like you to compare the difference between Seed, Hydro Seed and Turpin Farms Quality Turf Grass.
Turpin Sod, LLC Phone: 513/561-2621
