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WHAT ARE STOLONS? Stolons are chopped sections of Tifgreen
hybrid bermuda or El Toro Zoysia grass stems containing nodes. These nodes
are capable of taking root and forming a new plant. (Contrary to the myth,
hybrid bermuda grass clippings are not capable of generating new growth.
Clippings are portions of the grass leaf and do not contain the node
necessary for plant formation.)
WHEN WILL THEY BEGIN GROWING? Under normal conditions, the
first signs of growth from your OLD RIVER SOD stolons will take place during
the first 10 days to two weeks.
HOW LONG WILL FULL COVERAGE TAKE? A thick velvety green lawn
can be expected in 60-90 days under normal conditions. Coverage speed will
vary based on the number of stolons used, the average daily temperatures,
the soil conditions (including competition from weeds) and the amount of
water and fertilizer used.
HOW LONG CAN STOLONS LAST IN THE CARTON? If kept cool or in
a shady place, stolons will live approximately 48 hours without
refrigeration. Soaking in cool water prolongs stolon life. If properly
refrigerated stolons will remain healthy and viable 2-3 weeks.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD NEW STOLONS BE WATERED? Once planted
stolons should be watered within 20 minutes and then kept moist at all times
for at least 10 days. Thereafter, watering frequency can be reduced.
(Consult OLD RIVER SOD "Tifgreen Lawn Care Sheet")
WHEN DO I BEGIN MOWING MY STOLONS? Weekly mowing should
begin 3-4 weeks after installation to encourage lateral growth.
WHAT ABOUT WEEDS? OLD RIVER SOD recommends that weeds be
controlled prior to planting your stolons. An assessment of your potential
weed problem should be made prior to disturbing the proposed planting area.
This is important because certain weeds are best controlled while they are
actively growing.--After planting your stolons, the initial watering and
fertilizing may trigger the growth of weed seeds existing is your soil.
Generally, most post-planting weed problems can be controlled by the low
mowing of your OLD RIVER SOD Tifgreen. However, stubborn weeds may require
hand-weeding or spot treatment with chemicals.
WHAT TOPDRESSING SHOULD BE USED? After broadcasting your OLD
RIVER SOD stolons, cover the stem pieces with 1/8" of a material that
will hold moisture well during rooting time. You may use weed-free topsoil,
compost, or peat moss. Steer manure is also used, but be sure it has been
sterilized and does not introduce disease, salts or weed seeds into your
planting area. Best of all use Kellogg's Topper®, it is specially
formulated as a seed cover.
HOW DO I FIGURE HOW MANY STOLONS I WILL NEED? Measure the
area to be stolonized to the nearest whole number of feet. If large curved
areas are involved, break them into smaller square areas for the sake of
measuring. Multiply the number of feet of length, times the number of feet
of width. The product of this calculation will give you the total number of
square feet to cover. (EXAMPLE: 10 ft. x 50 ft. = 500 sq. ft.--cover this
amount) One cubic foot of OLD RIVER SOD stolons contains enough material to
plant an area of 200 - 250 sq. ft. For a standard rate of coverage we
recommend 5 cu. ft. per 1000 sq. ft. of area. Planting at lighter rates will
increase the amount of time needed to achieve full coverage and planting at
heavier rates will shorten the time needed to achieve full coverage. If you
don't like math call us and we can help you figure out how much you'll need.
HOW AND WHEN DO I ORDER MY STOLONS? OLD RIVER SOD stolons
can be installed anytime from March to October. Call or visit the farm to
schedule your stolon delivery or pick-up. Remember, stolons are extremely
perishable, so arrangements should be made to receive your stolons as close
to planting time as practical.
OLD RIVER SOD is dedicated to providing you with quality plant material
and a beautiful, green lawn. Please ask us for a free "How to Plant
Stolons" sheet and follow our recommendations for rapid coverage.
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