What to Expect After Planting Grass Plugs
Grass plugs have been proven to be a practical and cost-effective way to repair bare or damaged areas in a lawn. These small sections of mature grass, complete with a fully developed root system, facilitate faster establishment than planting grass from seed. However, it's important to understand that grass plugs require time and care to develop into the dense, green lawn you envision.
Key Takeaways
- SodPods® grass plugs are a practical solution to repair bare or damaged areas in a lawn. These small sections of mature grass with well-developed roots establish faster than seeds, which makes them effective for improving lawn health and appearance.
- Establishing grass plugs takes time and patience. Initially, there will be bare spots between the plugs. But this challenge is normal during the plugging process as the grass takes root and begins to spread.
- Proper post-plugging measures are crucial for successful establishment. Consistent watering and removing weeds during the early stages are essential. Supplementing with a specialized lawn fertilizer like NutriPod® can significantly improve the growth and spread of grass plugs, leading to a lush, green lawn in a shorter period.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: What Happens After Installing Plugs
Using SodPods® grass plugs involves planting them evenly, spaced 9-18 inches apart. A set of 18 plugs will usually cover approximately 32 square feet. The repaired area will initially have visible bare spots as the plugs take root and begin to spread. This is a normal part of the process and requires time and patience as the new grass establishes itself.
Shock
Grass plugs are grown individually in trays, making them ready for planting with minimal root disturbance. However, after transit—during which they may have been deprived of light and water—they may experience some shock when introduced to a new environment. This shock can reflect as yellowing or browning due to travel stress and insufficient water uptake.
While grass plugs are designed for immediate planting, they may benefit from gradual acclimation. Acclimate the plugs by exposing them to their new environment a little at a time before planting. During this period, ensure they are hydrated by watering them when they show signs of dehydration.
Watering
Watering the grass plugs immediately after transplanting is critical for proper rooting. It facilitates better root-to-soil contact and helps the grass adapt to its new surroundings. Keep the soil moist for the first 14 days to aid in this process. Consistent watering during this initial period will support the plugs as they settle in and begin to spread.
Weeds
The bare soil and abundant water create an environment conducive to weed growth. As the grass plugs establish and the gaps between them gradually close, weeds—being opportunistic—may attempt to take over. Stay ahead of them by hand-pulling any weeds that appear before they can take root. Avoid using chemical treatments during this period, as they may hinder successful growth.
READ: How to Rejuvenate an Old Lawn with Grass Plugs
The key to successfully establishing grass plugs is patience and diligence in taking post-plugging measures. The establishment stage, which can take a minimum of four weeks to see new growth, is a period of adjustment where your grass needs extra attention. The plugs need time to root and settle and even more time to spread. The rate at which they spread depends on the spacing, season, and maintenance.
For best results, we recommend using NutriPod®, a specialized lawn fertilizer designed for grass plugs. With a balanced 17-1-10 NPK ratio, NutriPod® helps grass grow up to two times faster. Its slow-release formulation ensures a gradual and steady release of nutrients, lasting up to 45 days to support consistent and uniform growth.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what to expect can help you better prepare for planting grass plugs. Patience and diligence in following these guidelines are essential during the establishment stage, as your grass needs extra care to root, settle, and spread. By staying ahead of weeds, maintaining proper watering, and supplementing with the right fertilizer, you’ll soon be rewarded with a lush, green lawn that elevates your outdoor space.
Ready to get started? Shop for a wide range of high-quality grass plugs for sale at the SodPods® website today.