Frequently Asked Questions
Sod & Environment
Environmental Farming
No, we are not producing our own wind energy, but we do strive to protect the environment as best as we can. One major way to do this is “re-growing” our sod. This way we don’t seed and work the soil after every harvest. Since most of our fields are now green all season long, carbon is kept in the ground.
Also, we do not irrigate unless necessary. One of the reasons commercial turf farms irrigate is to make their turf grass grow faster. Windmill Turf grows in a more natural way, and since we don’t “spoil” our sod, our customers have the benefit of needing less irrigation in the future as well.
Frequent mowing with good machinery is one of the best practices to keep weeds away and save on chemicals.
Benefits of a Sodded Lawn
Not only will your house be worth more with a sodded lawn, your new lawn also releases oxygen, cools and cleans the atmosphere, stores carbon, breaks down other harmful pollutants, enriches the soil, provides substantial erosion control, helps ground water recharge and minimizes storm water run off.

FAQ
Good Questions to Ask
1. What is the size and weight of your pallet?
One full pallet of sod weighs about 2800 lbs. The pallet is 4 feet long and 4 feet wide. Don’t forget to bring straps to strap the sod down. A regular pallet holds 700 sq.ft of sod. We can make custom size pallets upon request.
2. Do I need to be home when sod is dropped off?
No, if you have paid by credit card over the phone, we can drop off the sod at a designated area, such as a driveway. However, it is beneficial for the customer to be home when the sod arrives. You could give directions to the driver and ask any questions you might have. We will never drop off sod, if we haven’t confirmed the order with you.
3. Can you give a time when the sod will be dropped off?
We can only give you an rough estimate to what time the sod will be coming, because there are several drop offs to be made on one load. In general, sod is delivered between 1 and 6 pm. You will get an email notification when the sod is delivered.
4. How long can sod sit on a pallet?
It is essential that you lay your sod within 24 hours after harvest. Since our sod has been cut fresh in the morning, you have time until the next morning. If you cannot get the sod down in time, check for signs of overheating (see question 6) and get the sod off the pallet. If you are not able to lay your sod soon, you should move the rolls in the shade, preferably in a cool spot. Sprinkle with water hose is optional (prevents drying out, but makes the rolls heavier to handle. It is okay for the sod to be a bit dry. Just make sure it gets water directly upon install.
5. Why does my sod look dry upon arrival?
In general we keep the sod on the dry side. This has several reasons, lowering the weight of the sod being the most important. Also dryer sod doesn’t spoil as quick as wet sod and lasts longer. As soon as you start watering, the sod will freshen up. Remember: Dry sod is not dead, it will revive with water.
6. Why does my sod feel hot when I take it off the pallet?
Sod is a living product and it is still growing, even on the pallet. If sod sits too long on the pallet, it starts to overheat/burn. This starts from the middle of the pallet, because of lack of oxygen. The grass will change into a yellowish color. If it goes to long without oxygen it starts to stink and turns white. Overheated sod is dead, it will not revive with water
7. Should I put a tarp over the pallets
No, don’t put a tarp over the pallets. This will trap the heat inside and increase the risk of overheating.
8. What do I do with the empty pallets?
Grande Prairie area: Please return your empty pallets to Aztec Landscaping (9655 128 ave, south of Kakwa Stone). If you paid a deposit you can get a refund during office hours, by bringing in your receipt.
9. When do I start mowing?
You could start mowing if the grass is growing, sometimes already after a week. Only cut off of 1/3 of the grass blade height. Be extra careful when you mow the first time. Frequent mowing stimulates the grass and root growth and is one of the easiest ways of keeping your sod healthy. Make sure your mower has sharp blades!
10. How much water do I give?
It is impossible to recommend the exact amount of water the sod needs. Many factors have to be taken into consideration. We feel that since our sod has grown with minimal irrigation, it can do with far less water than other commercial sod. The first water you give, as you install the sod is extremely important. Once the sod has established, irrigation gets less important. Without regular irrigation (or rain), Kentucky Bluegrass Sod goes dormant during hot and dry summer months. It stops growing and looks “dead”. This is normal and the grass always starts growing again, once water is applied.
11. How late in the season can I install sod?
You can safely install sod until the ground is frozen. Be sure to give enough water, so the sod is saturated and will freeze evenly. Next spring your sod will thaw out and start growing.
12. What do I do with weeds in the topsoil?

Quackgrass is somewhat similar as kentucky bluegrass. It is very invasive if not killed properly before you lay the sod.
Small weeds (seedlings) are no problem, you can lay the sod on top. Bigger ones can be raked out. For weeds with a big root system, you should use Round-up to kill them, before you lay the sod. Quack grass is one of those noxious weeds, that will grow through your new sod eventually.

The rootsystem of quackgrass is extensive and competes with the turf grass. Little pieces of the underground roots (rhizones) can grow out to big plants again.
Quackgrass cannot be effectively killed after you have laid the sod. After spraying with Roundup® (Glyphosate) wait one week before working the soil and then lay the turf. Windmill Turf comes virtually free of weeds. If you keep your lawn healthy, weeds have no chance to germinate and survive in your lawn.
13. Do you have a depot in Grande Prairie?
We usually keep some sod in stock at our yard in Grande Prairie at Aztec Landscaping. This is also the place to return you empty pallets. To find out if there is sod available at the Aztec yard, give us a call at 780 597 2234.