Question
I recently had new sod installed. I am concerned because it appears the sod is separating. In addition much of the sod is yellowing. I live in Chicago and just want to make sure the SOD is going dormant and not dying. As an add-on question-the builder put down seed and I put sod on top of the seed. (would rather not have that grow) The Seed they used was awful, majority weeds and was put down by hand and not a spreader. It is about 55 degrees currently here. Lastly, should I fertilize now? What can I do to make sure I have a lush lawn next year. P.s I am putting a sprinkler system in during the spring.

Many thanks.

Answer
Hi Sean;
Whether or not the seeds under the sod will grow is not a certainty.
There is nothing wrong with broadcasting by hand. Using a spreader does NOT insure a better planted lawn.
All grass seeds will have some weed seeds in there too.
The only way to keep weeds from coming up is to be on an organic program that makes rich soil. Weeds like poor soil and will not grow in rich soil.
Chemical lawn fertilizers do not enrich the soil.
They feed the vegetation growing there, including weeds, and then wear out and you have to reapply them.
Organics works at conditioning and enriching the soil continously.
At 15 degrees I am sure your grass in the sod is going into dormancy, but that doesn't guarantee that it is not also dieing.
Read my answers on maintaining an organic program.
I have not put fertilizer on my lawn for 7 or 8 years, and I have thick, lush grass, with no weeds even coming up.
Chemical products have to be applied at certain times. Organic products can be applied anytime.
Charlotte