Q. What would be causing my Sod to be rolled up during the night? I laid the new sod about two weeks ago on some bare spots that died because of standing water. There is a wetland behind me and I have no fence at the back of my property. I did not put any fertilizers in the new sod. I just laid it. I hope what I have provided helps you. Everett Perrin – Tacoma, WA
A. Well there are two separate issues that you have to deal with. First you need to address the standing water problem. Lawns will not grow well in waterlogged soil and the bare spots are just the first warning signs. Sod is only a short-term solution to the problem. Consider hiring a professional to address the drainage of the soil in your yard. It is most likely raccoons and possibly opossum or skunks that are rolling back your sod at night. These animals feed on many insects like grubs, pillbugs (potato bugs) slugs and other insects that are either in the soil below the sod or are attracted to the underside of the sod. These animals have a keen sense of smell and can easily find this kind of insect activity. Since the sod has not knitted into the soil below (and this will be slow going if the soil below is as wet as you indicate) it is quite easy for these animals to roll it back and feed. Controlling the insects will remove the food source. The other option is to try using sod staples or pegs to secure the sod and discourage the animals from rolling it back.