New St. Augustine Sod: Mud Balls, Mushrooms, and the Sand/Topsoil Layering Trap

Mud Balls = Earthworm Castings

1-inch clusters, no smell/flies, smear like mud. Classic earthworm castings—sign of healthy soil biology. Harmless; no treatment needed unless grass declines.

Replanting Side/Back Yard: Avoid the Layering Error

Plan: Roundup → till → river sand → topsoil. Don't do this. Sand over clay (or sand over anything) creates a perched water table. New grass will drown.

Correct Method

1. Kill weeds (Roundup).
2. If soil poor, import quality topsoil and till into existing soil—blend thoroughly.
3. No distinct layers.
4. Plant sod/seed on uniform root zone.

Reference

Column on pond slop as topsoil explains layering dangers.