Expert: Charles W. Field - 7/2/2004

Question
Hi. Quick question. We hired a contractor to lay sod in the front yard. It's not growing well despite our best efforts because (a) he neglected to tell us we had grubs (so raccoons are digging) and (b) he used Kentucky bluegrass, the least hardy variety for shady areas (we have a huge tree). He claims that his only responsibility was to provide & lay good sod (which he did); caveat emptor. Is one party clearly to blame here?

Answer
I would think he should have checked for the grubs and known that the bluegrass wasn't suitable due to the shade. You might want to take him to small claims court for the cost of fixing the lawn. You are going to need another expert to go with you to court to testify about the grubs and the shade.