TLDR; Our landscaper installed new sod over old dying lawn. New sod is now dying, landscaper claims it's due to shade from nearby oak tree, my sleuthing says it might be because he installed new sod over old.
Our north-facing palmetto grass lawn was dying off, so we hired the landscape company that normally cuts it twice a month to replace the sod for us. My husband wanted to do it himself, but didn't have all of the tools to remove the old dead lawn and prepare the topsoil, or a vehicle to transport the pallet we'd need. When all was said and done, the price between DYI and hiring someone was negligible considering he was going to have to labor in the hot, muggy, florida sun all day.
Our landscaper told us we needed "shade resistant" sod, since we have a tall, medium oak tree on the sidewalk directly north of the lawn. The tree doesn't shade the lawn the entire day, but when it does it's a good portion (see photos). We went ahead and hired him, and to our surprise, he installed the new sod directly over the old one. We were somewhat upset, as my husband could've done that himself with no tools, and our gut feeling was that this would not be good for the new sod. This was done within a couple of hours, so we don't think the old lawn was tilled or aerated before the new one was added, but we're not sure.
We watered the new sod continuously, and within days rainy season came with a vengeance sending us downpours every day. After 3 weeks, it was looking pretty green and tall, but it was not very dense. About 2 months after installation, the lawn looks super patchy and I have a feeling we're a dry week away from losing it completely.
I contacted the landscaper, and he said that he checked for bugs and rot and found nothing. He said the grass is dying because of the oak tree, and that we need to trim it to save the grass. I told him that I did some research online and though it was because of the old sold underneath, he said that it's a myth, that he installs it that way all the time with no issues. I asked him about the "shade resistant" sod he sold me, and he replied that it's why the grass hasn't died completely.
I'm about to have a baby and lose my income, so I can't afford any more on this lawn. Is my landscaper right? Is my internet search right? Can my lawn be saved? Thank you so much!
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