If new turf grass is dying around the edges, what should you brush into the joints between the sods?

• A. A dressing of sandy loam
• B. Water
• C. Mulch
• D. Fertilizer

Answer: (B)

When turf is laid, the goal is to have each sod piece sit firmly on soil with no air pockets at the seams. If the edges are dying, it’s usually because there are gaps or poor contact between pieces, which dries out and slows root establishment. Brushing water into the joints helps by settling the soil and pushing the sod edges tight against one another, eliminating those air pockets. The moisture promotes root contact with the soil beneath and encourages quick rooting along the seams.

Adding a dressing of sandy loam would create uneven surfaces and drainage issues, mulch between sods isn’t appropriate, and fertilizer in the joints isn’t needed for establishing new sod and could harm tender roots. Water directly into the joints is the effective choice here.