Grass Care & FAQs

In today’s volatile, uncertain market, you need a turf provider you can trust, who works side-by-side with you to get the job done. For over 30 years, Southwest Sod has been cultivating Arizona’s highest quality turf and we know what it takes to develop and maintain healthy turf so you can enjoy it for years to come.

Arizona’s desert seasons present specific growing challenges, but we can assist you with any needs, questions, or concerns you may have. Our expert staff is waiting to take your call or respond to your email, so contact us today! We’ll help you solve the problem or send out one of our turf specialist who can.

For seasonal information, please sign up for our quarterly newsletter, which includes tips and insights on how to maintain a beautiful, green lawn throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I determine how many square feet I need?

Divide your yard into geometric shapes. Measure the area of each shape and total their square footage. We recommend adding an additional 5 to 7% to allow for extra cut-outs and odd-shaped areas. Please see our Turf Calculator to easily determine your total order.

What makes your sod unique?

Our farm produces the highest quality turf grown on native soil to complement our western desert climate. Southwest Sod’s premium Hybrid Bermuda is non-allergenic and non-netted. The sod varieties grown on our farm can be enjoyed year round because our turf does not produce pollen. Our non-netted sod has a 100% biodegradable root system so that children, pets, and lawn mowers will not get tangled in plastic netting.

What steps should I take to help my lawn transition?

Please refer to our Seasonal Transitions page for detailed specifications.

What kind of sprinkler system should I use?

For best results, we recommend using 4 inch pop-up sprinkler heads and adjust the spray pattern to ensure overlapping coverage.

How much should I water?

It’s important to keep new sod moist for the first 7 to 10 days; don’t let it dry out. The length of watering time varies depending on location, soil conditions, and weather. In general, 10-12 minutes, 3-4 times a day using pop-up sprinklers is recommended. A good rule of thumb: run sprinklers until water starts to run off the area. Once the sod starts to take root, water daily during hot or windy weather, and 2 to 3 times weekly during mild conditions. See our Sod Watering page for more information.

Is it best to water during the day or night?

We recommend watering during the day, preferably during the early morning hours. Making sure the sprinklers are operating properly also helps the grass to make maximum use of the water as the plant grows.

How long does it take to lay sod?

On average, 2 people can lay a pallet of sod (500 sq. ft.) in about 1 hour.

How long will sod stay green on the pallet?

Sod needs to be installed within 12-24 hours from the time delivery.  Sod is perishable and will begin to degrade quickly if left on the pallet. As temperatures increase, the sod’s pallet life decreases.

When is the best time to establish a lawn?

Our sod can be installed year-round. Sodding your yard during the heat of summer will require more water than during cooler seasons. Sprigging is best accomplished in the spring.

Can I install my own sod?

If you can keep the sod “green side up,” you can successfully install your own turf! Since freshly cut turf can be heavy, enlisting the help of a few friends is suggested. Free pizza afterwards is always a good incentive.

Is sprigging cheaper than sodding?

A large bag of stolons will cost less than a pallet of sod, but it will also require a greater investment of your time and energy. Our sod is a finished product that will provide nearly instant enjoyment and environmental benefits. Sprigging requires one or more years of ongoing time, attention, water, fertilizer and herbicides to reach a maturity equal to sod on its day of installation. Let us do the work for you. Order today!