Grass plugging is a method of lawn establishment that uses small, individual pieces of turf to propagate new growth across a larger area. This technique is often used to repair bare patches or transition a lawn to a more desirable, spreading grass type. Unlike seeding, plugging provides immediate, living root material, which can lead to faster establishment when done correctly. This guide outlines the steps necessary for successful plug installation and the long-term care required for a dense, vibrant lawn.
When to Plug and Selecting the Grass Type
The success of grass plugging depends heavily on starting the project during the correct growing season. The optimal time for installation is typically late spring through early summer, once soil temperatures consistently remain above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Warm soil is necessary to activate the grass’s growth mechanisms, prompting the stolons and rhizomes to aggressively spread outward from the initial plug. This allows the small turf pieces to rapidly colonize the surrounding bare ground.
Choosing the right grass variety is paramount, as plugging is most effective for grasses that spread horizontally. Warm-season varieties like Zoysia, Bermuda, and St. Augustine grass are excellent candidates because they produce runners that quickly fill in the gaps between the installed plugs. Conversely, turf varieties that grow primarily in clumps, such as many Tall Fescues, are generally unsuitable for this propagation method since they lack the aggressive spreading nature needed to close the distances.
Necessary Tools and Preparing the Site
Gathering the necessary equipment streamlines the installation process. A specialized grass plugger tool is highly recommended, though a small hand trowel or a power drill with a soil auger attachment can also be used to remove soil cores cleanly.
Other necessary items include:
- A sharp utility knife for separating plugs from the sod.
- A wheelbarrow for moving materials.
- A source of water for immediate irrigation.
- A starter fertilizer or compost to amend the soil around the new root systems.
Preparation begins by clearing the area of any existing weeds, rocks, or debris that might impede the new grass growth. If the soil is heavily compacted, slightly loosening the top two inches where the plugs will be placed improves root penetration and moisture retention. This attention to the soil structure gives the new plugs a better environment for quick establishment.
Installing the Grass Plugs
Installation begins by preparing the individual turf pieces from the source sod. Using a sharp knife, cut the sod into squares typically measuring between two and four inches across, ensuring each piece contains healthy root material and a visible crown. The size of the plug can be adjusted based on the quality of the sod and the desired coverage speed.
Next, use the plugger tool to remove soil cores from the prepared site, creating holes that are slightly wider and deeper than the grass plugs themselves. The depth should be consistent across all planting spots to ensure an even lawn surface. The soil cores removed can be temporarily set aside or placed into the wheelbarrow for easy disposal.
The spacing between these newly created holes dictates how quickly the lawn will thicken. For rapid coverage, plugs should be spaced about six inches apart in a staggered pattern, though this requires more plug material. If budget or time allows for a slower establishment, spacing the plugs up to twelve inches apart is acceptable, relying more heavily on the grass’s natural spreading ability.
Place each plug firmly into its corresponding hole, making sure the crown of the grass remains level with the surrounding native soil surface. If the plug sits too high, it will dry out quickly, and if it sits too low, it can become waterlogged. Finally, gently tamp down the surrounding soil around the edges of the plug to eliminate air pockets and ensure firm contact between the plug’s roots and the native soil.
Watering and Maintenance for Success
Immediately following installation, a deep watering is mandatory to settle the soil around the plugs and initiate the rehydration of the root systems. This initial soak helps mitigate transplant shock and ensures the soil profile is thoroughly moistened. Consistent moisture is the most important factor for plug survival during the establishment phase.
Initial Watering Schedule
For the first two to three weeks, the watering schedule must be frequent but light, keeping the plugs and surrounding soil consistently damp, not saturated. This often translates to short cycles, perhaps three to five times a day, especially during the warmest parts of the day. The goal is to encourage roots to grow outward into the surrounding soil.
Transitioning Water and Fertilization
After the initial establishment period, when new growth is visible, transition to a deeper, less frequent watering pattern. This change encourages the root system to penetrate deeper into the soil profile. Deeper roots create a more drought-tolerant and resilient lawn, promoting long-term health and stability.
The application of a balanced starter fertilizer, which typically contains a higher proportion of phosphorus, can be done shortly after planting to stimulate robust root development. Mowing should be postponed until the plugs have visibly begun to spread and knit together with the native soil, usually taking about three to four weeks. When the first mow occurs, raise the cutting height slightly above the normal setting to avoid stressing the newly established grass.