Beautiful Bermuda

Tifton 419 Bermuda, also known as Tifway, is one of the most beautiful and durable grasses.  It has a dark green color and a fine leaf texture.  This grass also grows rapidly so its root system is established shortly after planting. You will see this grass on golf fairways and on many sports fields, but it is not exclusive to athletic use. It is used in many commercial and residential lawns as well.  A fun fact about this Bermuda is found in its name.  It is called TIFTON because it was developed by the University of Georgia at their Tifton, Georgia campus.

Tifton 419 performs great in the warmer climates and becomes dormant only after multiple frosts , which makes it popular in the South!  It comes back to life quickly as the temperature begins to rise.  This grass is somewhat drought resistant meaning that it will preform well in dry conditions and in places where there is low water availability. This makes it an ideal choice for a location that has limited access to water.  The adaptability of this grass to a variety of soil environments and climates make it a favorite among landscape professionals.

The dense growth of Tifton 419, when properly maintained, effectively competes with the weeds known to be attracted to turf grasses.  It easily tolerates broadcast applications of selective herbicides. Tifton 419 also has a high tolerance and quick recovery from damage after pest control treatments.

Homeowners and business owners that have a full sun lawn and don't mind the 3 to 6 day mowing interval, this Bermuda is a great solution to your turf grass dilemmas.  It provides a beautiful lawn that recovers quickly from wear, retains good color under stress and is a superior surface under short cutting heights.

Sunbelt Farms is proud to offer Tifton 419 to their customers.  This beautiful soft lush grass is perfect for games and sports.  Children as well as adults will be enticed to run barefoot through the thick green carpet of beautiful grass!

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.

Why are Zoysia Grasses Attractive to Homeowners?

The first step in having a great lawn is selecting the correct turfgrass.  We have many choices when it comes to our lawn.  The lawn is the first thing people will see when they come to your home.  You never get a second chance to make that first impression.   Zoysia grasses are popular choices for homeowners in this area. 

Sunbelt Farms grows and sells quality Meyer Z-52 Zoysia. It is an improved version of the Zoysia Japonica that was released in 1951, also called Z-52 and Amazoy.  Meyer Z-52 is a very common variety grown in Alabama.  The medium texture and dark green color make it a popular choice.

Zoysia tolerates heat and cold well making it a great choice for an excellent lawn.  It requires some maintenance, has excellent wear resistance, has good shade tolerance and grows well in a variety of soils.

Meyer Z-52 works well in areas with steep slopes and hills.  Once it's established it creates a thick carpet like grass. Its deep root system along with the thickness of the turf works to significantly reduce slope erosion.

It will become dormant in the winter months and stop growing when the temperatures drop below 55F for a sustained period.  It will be a tan color during the winter but it will green up quickly in the spring.

An interesting fact about this specific turfgrass is that it is named for Frank Meyer, a USDA plant explorer.  Meyer was hired in 1905 in the Office of Seed and Plant Introduction of the USDA.  The responsibilities of this division of the USDA was to send back to the United States economically useful plants and seeds.  The original plants were grown from seeds first discovered by Frank Meyer along the Yalu River in Korea.  Meyer later died while collecting plants in China. He was instrumental in introducing Asian plants into the US, including many soybean selections, the jujube and the seeds that later produced the popular Bradford Pear tree.

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.

The Crown Jewel of Lawn Grass

Our home lawns are an integral part of our lives.  It is the place where we lounge, play games, and have cookouts.  A beautiful lawn is an asset to any home.  One of the biggest decisions you will make regarding your lawn is what type of turfgrass to install and what type of lawn are you expecting or desiring.  Do you want a “Lawn of the Month”, or an average lawn or just ground cover to avoid erosion and provide soil stability around your home?

A favorite in Alabama is the Emerald Zoysia.  Emerald Zoysia is one of the most beautiful grasses. It has been referred to as the “Crown Jewel of Lawn Grass” and the “Cadillac of Lawn Grasses”.  It is a hybrid between Zoysia tenuifolia and Zoysia japonica.  It is a lovely emerald green color and has a fine leaf texture. It’s dense lush and thick sod crowds out weeds and other grasses. Emerald Zoysia is popular for its carpet like appearance that comes from the very fine texture and high density. Emerald Zoysia is ideal for lawns where the outstanding appearance is worth the premium it may cost.  Emerald Zoysia is a favorite choice for small turf islands in retail or commercial properties as well as surrounding patios and pool decks for the residential homeowner.

Emerald Zoysia has excellent heat tolerance as well as drought tolerance. It may brown in triple digit heat but with adequate hydration it can restore its vibrant green color quickly. It grows well in a wide variety of soils and does well with shade.  Emerald Zoysia does require a dedicated maintenance program and is recommended for high-quality lawns where time and money can be allocated to the maintenance.  Emerald Zoysia requires less frequent mowing than most turfs.  A 7 to 10 day interval is a great guideline for this type of turf. 

Emerald Zoysia is a very cold hardy and warm season turf grass that stays green longer into the fall than other varieties.  Visit Sunbelt Farms for Emerald Zoysia, it is the perfect choice for making a fabulous first impression of your lawn!

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.

Why plant grass SEED when there is SOD?

Need Turf? Sunbelt discusses Sod versus Seed. 

People have a variety of opinions on all things including the best way to have a beautiful lawn!  If you are the type of person that likes immediate gratification or at least as soon as possible gratification, you more than likely are a fan of sod.

What is sod anyway?

Sod IS grass!  It is just grass that has already been planted and is sold in sections.  The sections include the grass with soil that is held together by roots and other materials. 

You can debate which is better, grass or sod, with great arguments on both sides.  It really just comes back to personal preferences.  It is your lawn so it is your choice!  Sod tends to be a favorite among many homeowners since it is more reliable than seed.  You have a lawn much quicker using sod than when you plant grass seed. Sunbelt Farms reminds us that sod takes less watering than grass seed, you won’t be pulling weeds all summer long, and you can install sod most any time of the year!

Installing sod does take more work than spreading grass seeds but it is a job most anyone can do.  It does take time and energy!  The first step is to prepare the ground for the sod, rake the yard free of rocks, the yard needs to be as level as possible and adding fertilizer to the soil will help the grass grow nicely.  Install the sod as soon as it is delivered to get the best results since sod needs immediate attention when it comes to installing it.  Don’t let it sit around and be unattended.  After you have laid the sod, you must water it.  The first watering should be heavy so that you soak the ground thoroughly, especially if it is a hot Alabama sunny day.  During the first week, water the lawn at least twice a day and then you can water every other day for the first few weeks. 

To keep your lawn looking lush and green you must keep up with the watering especially in the first few weeks.  Limit the foot traffic for the first few days and remember you won’t need any weed killers so don’t use them!

What is sod if you don’t care for it the proper way?  It certainly isn’t a nice looking lush green lawn! Let Sunbelt Farms guide you in the care of your sod and you will enjoy the reward of a beautiful lawn! 

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.

How Turfgrass affects the Environment

Posted By developer at 3/31/2009 12:00:00 AM

OUR PRECIOUS PLANET
 

Being A True Environmentalist Begins Right Under Our Feet
Turfgrass -- Functional, Recreational & Aesthetic
The earth has been good to us, but we haven't always been good to it.

While industry and technology have provided jobs and goods to make life easier, the effect on the environment has been substantial.

But we can help restore this precious earth with something as simple as turfgrass -- the earth's living skin.

The U.S. Congress has acknowledged these positive benefits to our environment.

"Turfgrass sod in urban areas and communities can aid in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, mitigating the heat island effect, reducing energy consumption and contributing to efforts to reduce global warming trends."

Scientific research has documented the many benefits of turfgrass to our environment. Our turfgrass lawns, parks and open areas:

• Provide a natural, comfortable, and safe setting for fun and games.
• Release oxygen and cool the air.
• Control pollution and reduce soil erosion.
• Purify and replenish our water supply.

Our Environment
The satisfaction of creating beauty within the landscape can be rewarding for you and the environment. With turfgrass sod, the rewards are practically immediate.

• A well maintained lawn and landscape can enhance the "curb appeal" adding as much as 15 percent to the value of a home.

Pollution Control
Today's improved turfgrass varieties are very effective in reducing pollution.

• Turfgrass traps and removes dust and dirt from the air.
• 2,500 square feet of lawn absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and release enough oxygen for a family of four to breathe.

Nature's Air Conditioner
Another benefit that everyone enjoys, usually without notice, is turfgrass' tremendous cooling effect.

• On a hot summer day, lawns will be 30 degrees cooler than asphalt and 14 degrees cooler than bare soil.
• The front lawns of eight houses have the cooling effect of about 70 tons of air conditioning. That's amazing when the average home has an air conditioner with just a three or four ton capacity.
• The cooling effect of irrigated turf reduces the amount of fuel that must be burned to provide the electricity which powers the air conditioners.
• Watered when the grass plant needs it, turfgrass will very efficiently and effectively use almost every drop.

A Natural Filter
Runoff water in urban areas carries many pollutants.

• Turfgrass acts as a natural filter, reducing pollution by purifying the water passing through its root zone.

Soil Erosion
The clean gentle strength of turfgrass is the most cost-effective method for controlling wind and water erosion.

• A healthy sodded lawn absorbs rainfall six times more effectively than a wheat field and four times better than a hay field.
• A sodded lawn will absorb greater amounts of rain than a seeded lawn; even after three years of growth.

Fun & Games
The soft resilient surface of turfgrass is the safest and least expensive place to play.

• For backyard ball games or the Super Bowl, athletes of all sizes prefer the green cushion of turfgrass.
• Turfgrass is the only place for putting, picnics or just plain relaxing.

Our Mental Health
Turfgrass quietly adds to the beauty of our lives and even our mental and physical health.

• Doctors have shown that people recover faster in a hospital when given a landscape view, rather than seeing only the walls of adjoining buildings.

Turfgrass
. . . a continuing source of oxygen and cool air.
. . . a cleansing answer to our environment.
. . . a source of beauty and comfort.

With the benefits of turfgrass working their wonders for us, we will be able to share a beautiful and healthy planet with our future generations.

Installing Turfgrass Sod

What are the basic steps to installing sod?

Prepare the soil as if you were seeding; measure the area to be sodded to calculate the quantity you’ll need to order; 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 new sod, beginning within 30 minutes of laying down the first piece; keep the base soil moist with daily (or more frequent) watering for the next two weeks.

Are there any "tricks of the trade" to make the installation better?

Sodding is simple, but it can be made easier by:

1. Leveling the soil approximately one-inch below any hard surfaces such as patios, sidewalks and driveways so that when the sod is installed it won’t be higher or lower than the hard surface.
2. 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’ll might have to otherwise carry each piece.
3. If there’s any slope, begin sodding at the bottom and work your way up the slope to keep the seam and joints tightly together. If the slope is quite steep, run the pieces across the direction of the slope.
4. To make sure you are applying enough water, lift a corner of any piece of sod and insert a screwdriver or other sharp probe into the underlying soil. If it’s hard to push in or the soil’s not moist, keep watering. For more information call us at Sunbelt Turf Farm and we will guide you through it.

Establishing A Lawn

When’s the best time to establish a lawn?

Turfgrass sod can be installed year-round, even on frozen ground, if sod is available; however, sodding during the heat of summer will require more water than during cooler periods. Seeding or sprigging is best attempted in the Fall in most areas, with Spring being the second best time. Winter and Summer planting of seed or sprigs is strongly discouraged.

Can a homeowner install turfgrass sod?

If you can understand "Green Side Up," you can successfully install sod. Because turfgrass sod can be heavy, the help of a few friends is recommended. For more information click to "Turf Installation Guide."

Is seeding cheaper than sodding?

A big bag of grass seed will cost less than a pallet of sod, but that is like comparing the cost of raw wool to a fine sweater. Turfgrass sod is a finished product that will provide nearly instant use, beauty and environmental benefits, whereas seed is an unknown that requires two or more years of on-going time, attention, water, fertilizer and pesticides to reach a maturity equal to sod on its first day.