Changing Seasons = Making Changes

Change can be scary to most people and that is understandable.  But, sometimes change can be good. So don't always think the worst when you hear the word change.

Irrigation systems need to be monitored, just like your children and your pets need to be watched to make sure they aren't causing trouble! The schedule for your irrigation system needs to be updated and changed depending on the season and how much natural water your lawn is receiving.

October makes the perfect time of the year to make changes to your irrigation plans.  The weather is beginning to finally cool off a bit and we even have a bit of a chill in the air in the evening.  With this change taking place, your lawn doesn't have the incredible thirst for water like it did in the hot summer months.  Adjust your watering schedule to fit the new needs of your lawn.  Dormant turf loses water and can be damaged if it becomes too dry. Don't stop watering, monitor rainfall amounts so you don't over water.  If your lawn is receiving one inch of water per week that should be sufficient.

Don't let change scare you!  Make the needed changes to help your lawn be the envy of the neighborhood.

Call Sunbelt Turf Farm for all your sod needs!

Sunbelt Turf Farm began in St. Clair County. Over 30 years have perfected the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass. Customer satisfaction is paramount and we stand behind our turf grass. Expansions into Shelby and Talladega Counties successfully turned cotton fields and pasture land into beautiful green turf. Commercial and retail opportunities, pick-up or delivery, free estimates, fast turnaround and remaining environmentally friendly separate us from the rest.

Fall Planting

Even the inexperienced gardener knows that fall is the time to plants bulbs that we want to see bloom in the spring. But, most people don't know that early autumn can be a great time to install your sod.  This is especially true in Alabama since we have a "warm" weather climate longer than other parts of the country.



Installing sod in the fall isn't much different than laying sod in the spring or summer. One of the biggest differences is the temperature, it makes for more comfortable work than what you encounter in the spring and summer!

What are the basic steps for installing sod?

Prepare the soil as if you were seeding; measure the area to be sodded so your quantity calculations are correct.  Lay the first piece along a straight line such as a driveway or sidewalk, install all additional pieces so the seams create a brick-like pattern.  Apply at least one inch of water on the sod within 30 minutes of laying the first piece.  For the next two weeks keep the base soil moist with daily (or more frequent) watering.

Sodding is simple, but these tricks of the trade can make it even easier:

• Asking the delivery driver to place the pallets of sod across the yard, approximating how much each pallet will cover.  This will reduce the time and distance you might have to carry each piece.
• Leveling the soil about one inch below any hard surfaces such as patios, sidewalks and driveways.  This eliminates height differences between the sod and the hard surfaces.
• If you have a slope, begin sodding at the bottom and work your way up the slope. If the slope is very steep, run the pieces across the direction of the slope.
• Push edges and ends against each other tightly to reduce gaps and overlays.
• Use a sharp utility knife to trim corners and ends.
• Water! Water! Water! 

Give us a call at Sunbelt Turf Farm and will be happy to assist you with your sod needs!

Sunbelt Turf Farm began in St. Clair County. Over 30 years have perfected the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass. Customer satisfaction is paramount and we stand behind our turf grass. Expansions into Shelby and Talladega Counties successfully turned cotton fields and pasture land into beautiful green turf. Commercial and retail opportunities, pick-up or delivery, free estimates, fast turnaround and remaining environmentally friendly separate us from the rest.

It's Fall!

Happy Fall Y’all!  Sunbelt Turf Farm family wishes you and your family a happy Fall! 

Take a break from tending your lawns and enjoy a fall favorite recipe!

This recipe is perfect for a tailgate or watching the big game from the comforts of your home.


Santa Fe Soup

2 pounds of Ground Beef
1 medium Onion, chopped fine
2 packets of Ranch Dressing Mix, dry
2 packets of Taco Seasoning
1 can Black Beans
1 can Pinto Beans
1 can Kidney Beans
1 can Rotel Tomatoes
1 can Tomatoes, Crushed
1 can Yellow Corn
1 can White Shoepeg Corn
2 cups Water


Directions


Brown meat with onion then drain.  Add canned goods and seasoning packets. 
Stir well adding water.  Do not drain the vegetables.


Simmer for 2 hours.


Serve with corn chips and a dollop of sour cream and sprinkles of cheddar cheese.



Sunbelt Turf Farm began in St. Clair County. Over 30 years have perfected the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass. Customer satisfaction is paramount and we stand behind our turf grass. Expansions into Shelby and Talladega Counties successfully turned cotton fields and pasture land into beautiful green turf. Commercial and retail opportunities, pick-up or delivery, free estimates, fast turnaround and remaining environmentally friendly separate us from the rest.

Maintain Your Mower

Maintain your mower for the sake of your lawn!

Keeping your mower in good working condition is beneficial for many reasons.  If you maintain your mower properly year round, you will be ahead of the game when the busy mowing season arrives. You can start by reading your owner's manual for the technical information and scheduling your routine maintenance checks.  Remember to keep good records on any repairs and all maintenance performed on your mower.  

An annual service check by a professional is always a good idea to keep the mower in tip top condition so that you don't damage your lawn.  An efficient mower is also good for the environment! The oil and fuel filters must be changed if you want the mower to last.  While manufacturer recommendations may vary, a good rule of thumb is changing the oil every 25 hours of mowing.  For some homeowners this will be once a year, so it may be easier to just remember to change your oil each spring.

A dull mower blade can be devastating to a lawn.  A dull blade will shred the grass which causes a frayed or brown appearance and can create entryways for disease. Routinely sharpen your mower blade to ensure you are mowing with a sharp blade that will not shred the grass.

Annual maintenance checks should include making sure that all nuts and bolts are tightened.  Belts, filters, and safety shields should be clean and in place.  Cleaning the fans and intake screens will also help keep the mower operating correctly.

If your mower is difficult to start, check to see if the spark plug is dirty or damaged. Your owner's manual should have instructions for inspecting and replacing the spark plug. Replacing the spark plug annually is a good way to make sure you have a lawn mower that starts properly!

Storing fuel for your lawn mower should be stored in approved containers.  Do not use bottles or jars. Be sure to label the containers so there is no mistake what is inside.  If you still have fuel in your mower when it is time for winter storage, make sure you add a fuel stabilizer.  This will help prevent clogs in the carburetor.

Proper storage and service will ensure that your lawn mower is ready to go when the busy spring mowing season arrives!

Sunbelt Turf Farm began in St. Clair County. Over 30 years have perfected the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass. Customer satisfaction is paramount and we stand behind our turf grass. Expansions into Shelby and Talladega Counties successfully turned cotton fields and pasture land into beautiful green turf. Commercial and retail opportunities, pick-up or delivery, free estimates, fast turnaround and remaining environmentally friendly separate us from the rest.