Grass Plugs

Grass plugs are small pre-potted grass plants that differ from sod pieces in that they come with a pre-established root system. Grass plugs are managed with insecticide and fungicide to assure they are in optimal condition when they reach your hands.

They will thrive with whatever water regimen you have in place and they come in several different varieties. It is essential to choose the specific variety that matches the area where they will be planted.

Grass plugs are used to repair small areas of a lawn that have been damaged. Plugs are an ideal way to repair these areas because they are quick and easy to install. First, you must address what is causing the damage.

Once you have controlled what is causing the damage, installing plugs in the damaged area is the quickest way for your lawn to return to its thick, lush former self. Plugs come in different sizes and mixes, so be sure to select the right size and mix for your needs. Installing grass plugs is a simple process, but it is important to do it correctly in order to achieve the best results.

Installing Grass Plugs:

How quickly do I need to plant my grass plugs?

When you receive your plugs, unpack them immediately and place them in a single layer in a shaded area. Water the plugs right away and keep them moist until you are ready to plant. If you cannot plant them right away, store the plugs in a cool, dark place such as a garage or basement. Check on the plugs regularly to make sure they are still moist and do not appear to be drying out.

How to prep my soil before planting grass plugs?

Before you can enjoy your newly renovated lawn, a few important preparations need to be made. One of the most important steps in ensuring that the soil is weed-free. The best way to do this is to treat the entire area with a glyphosate herbicide, such as RoundUp®. For particularly stubborn weeds or invasive grasses, you may need to wait a week and apply a second application.

Once the herbicide has had time to work (at least 48 hours), you can then mow the area down to a 1-inch height. This will ensure that your new lawn has a clean slate to start from and that weeds won't be able to take root and ruin all your hard work. A sod cutter can be a helpful tool if you're looking to remove existing grass without using chemicals.

To use a sod cutter, simply till the area to a depth of 3-4 inches and let it dry for a few days. Once it's dry, water the area to compact the soil, then rake it to an even grade. This method is effective and can help you avoid using harmful chemicals in your renovation project. You can also use a rototiller, which will allow you to simply chop the grass up into small pieces allowing you to rake and level afterward.

Basic Steps for Installing Grass Plugs:

1. Make sure to select an area that is sunny and has well-drained soil.

2. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the plug and just as deep.

3. Gently remove the plug from its tray and place it in the hole.

4. Fill in the hole with soil, making sure to pack it down firmly around the plug.

5. Plant the plugs 8 to 18 inches apart and repeat until your area is covered.

6. Water the area well, making sure to give it plenty of water in the first few weeks after planting.

How Do Grass Plugs Compare To Laying sod Pieces?

Grass plugs differ from sod pieces in a couple of key ways. First, grass plugs come with a pre-established root system. This means that they will be able to take hold and thrive much more quickly than sod pieces, which need time to develop their own root systems.

Second, grass plugs are managed with insecticide and fungicide to ensure that they are in optimal condition when you receive them. This gives you a grass plug that is ready to go and less likely to experience problems down the road. Simply put, if you are looking for a cost-effective option and have time on your hands, grass plugs are the way to go. If you would like an instant lawn and don't mind spending a bit more money, sod pallets or pieces will be a better option.