Sod can be laid much later in the year than grass seed. When laying sod late in the year, keep these rules in mind. In areas with freezing winters, lay sod as late as Thanksgiving. In areas without freezing winters, you can lay sod year-round. Cool-season grass sod performs best when laid in October–November.
When the best time to put down sod?
You can successfully lay sod in any season, and we’ll explain how here. Laying sod in the early fall or mid-fall tends to be the best time to lay sod. This is because the temperatures have cooled down from the summer highs and you tend to get more precipitation during these months.
How late in the season can sod be laid?
The best time to lay sod, however, is in early and mid-fall when temperatures are cooler but grass continues to grow. Spring is the second best time to lay sod and is the preferable time for warm season grasses such as centipede, zoysia, bermuda, and St. Augustine that become dormant in the winter.
Is it too late in the season to lay sod?
However, there is an optimum time for doing so, and the best time to lay out sod is in the late summer through to laying sod in the fall. The reason for doing so in early fall is because the temperatures are cooler at that particular time of year. However, grass will continue to grow at this time.
How late into winter can you lay sod?
- Lay cool-season grass sod (Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue, Rye) when temperatures are 55–65℉.
- October–November is the best time of year to install cool-season grass.
- Lay warm-season grass sod (Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine) when temperatures are 65–80℉.
- Spring (March–April) is the best time to lay warm-season grass sod.
Is it too late to lay sod down?
Answer: Yes, you can lay sod any time the ground is not frozen or temperatures are not above 90 degrees. Prepare the planting bed just as you would if you were sowing grass seed.
Is it OK to lay sod in the winter?
Yes, you can sod in the winter! Dormant sod roots slowly this time of year but once the temperatures warm up, the grass will take off. So, cover up that dirt and get a jump on establishing a new lawn.
Can you lay sod at night?
Because sod is perishable and dries out quickly, many farmers cut their turf in the middle of the night so that it can be delivered and installed the same day. To keep it moist, consider watering the sod after you lay the first large area and move the sprinkler around the lawn as you complete each subsequent section.
What is the best time of year to lay sod?
Generally it is best to lay sod during the active growing period of your turfgrass species: cool-season grasses do best when planted during the early fall or early spring and the warm-season grasses do best when planted mid-late spring.
Can you lay sod in November?
Yes, you can sod in the winter! Dormant sod roots slowly this time of year but once the temperatures warm up, the grass will take off. So, cover up that dirt and get a jump on establishing a new lawn.
How long does it take sod to root in winter?
20 to 30 daysThe warmer the temperature, the faster sod takes root. Your sod should root in five to 15 days in the summer, and 20 to 30 days in the winter.
How long does it take for sod to take root?
10-14 daysHow long does it take new sod to root? Your new sod should root within 10-14 days of application. This is also when you should mow your new lawn for the first time after laying sod. Be sure to set your mower to the highest setting possible in order to avoid cutting it too close to the root.
How often should you water new sod?
twice per dayIf the weather is particularly hot and dry, you may need to start irrigating the completed areas before the entire site is laid. Continue watering new sod twice per day, in the morning and afternoon—thorough, deep watering is best until the soil is saturated but not puddling.
How long can sod sit on a pallet in the winter?
Sod ordered in winter will last for up to a week on the pallet, but if you are installing in the hot summer it will only last for 24 hours or less. Watering the sod while still on the pallet will not help. The heat of decomposition is what will make the sod turn bad, not a lack of moisture.
Can you lay sod over existing grass?
“Although more expensive than seed, sod can be applied to your lawn in a single day. Sod also requires much less care than sown seed. Most homeowners go to the expense — in both work and actual financial burden — of removing their lawns before applying sod. Sod, though, can be applied directly over existing grass.”
What should you put down before laying sod?
0:193:01Laying Sod & How to Prepare Soil For Sod | The Home Depot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn about two or three inches of organic matter like fertiliser or lime depending on your testMoreIn about two or three inches of organic matter like fertiliser or lime depending on your test results.
Do you have to rototill before laying sod?
To lay sod, you'll need freshly-prepared soil, which usually requires tilling. This enables the sod to quickly root into the soil. However, if the area you need to sod is small, you should be able to work the soil over manually and skip using a rototiller.
Why is it important to plant sod at the right time?
Planting sod at the right time and temperature helps ensure that the roots become established quickly. Once established, sod becomes less vulnerable to the vagaries of the weather, including temperature extremes.
Why is fescue so bad in summer?
Laying fescue in summer is more problematic, because as a cool weather grass it's susceptible to the heat. You'll need to be diligent in keeping it watered, and ideally water the soil before putting down your sod.
Can you put down fescue in the winter?
Cold-season grasses like fescue can be put down at any time of year, though they prefer the cooler months. They're dormant in winter, and won't "green up" until spring, but they'll keep your newly installed lawn from eroding or turning into a mud pit in the meantime.
Can you lay sod in the winter?
Unfortunately you won't always get to choose when you lay your sod, and planting sod in summer heat or winter cold can affect your choice of grass. Broadly there are two kinds of grasses, warm-season and cold-season. Cold-season grasses like fescue can be put down at any time of year, though they prefer the cooler months.
When is the best time to lay sod?
Laying sod in the early fall or mid-fall tends to be the best time to lay sod. This is because the temperatures have cooled down from the summer highs and you tend to get more precipitation during these months. There is plenty of time between fall and winter for the sod to root and establish prior to dormancy which means in the winter, ...
How do I lay sod in the summer?
Here are some key things to be aware of when laying sod in the summer: 1 Keep your lawn moist, but do not overwater it—if you do this, it will be susceptible to disease. 2 Water your lawn early in the morning, midday and early afternoon to help make sure it does not dry out. 3 Taper back watering in the shadier spots since these areas are more prone to fungus and disease pressure. 4 Be sure to fertilize your lawn to promote healthy rooting and establishment. We recommend our Lawnifi New Lawn Starter Box for proper lawn nutrition.
What is a lawn starter box?
The New Lawn Starter Box is designed for newly sodded, seeded or plugged lawns. The box contains three bottles of liquid fertilizer powered by Catalyst Technology TM to nano-size the nutrients for efficiency and effectiveness. The two bottles of Grow are for improved soil health and the single bottle of Maintain is designed to feed the lawn. The three bottles work together to establish thick, healthy grass. To learn more about the nutrients new grass needs, read When to Fertilize Newly Installed Sod. After the first 30 days of establishment, continue with regular monthly Lawnifi feedings for optimal results during the active growing seasons with the Lawnifi Complete Program 9 Bottle Annual Fertilizer Subscription. The annual subscription includes three seasonal boxes for spring, summer and fall.
When does sod green up?
Your sod will not green up until the spring. Do not be concerned about this. You will need to continuously water the grass throughout the winter and its dormancy. Cold, dry winds can dry out the roots quickly and cause major issues.
Can you lay sod in the winter?
How to Lay Sod in the Winter. A good number of people, particularly in the south where warm season grasses are grown, believe that laying sod in the winter isn’t possible. People think that either the sod is brown and therefore dead, or that they don’t need to water it—both of those statements are wrong. When laying sod in the winter in the south, ...
Can you freeze sod before planting?
Make sure there are no more opportunities for a freeze before laying new sod. Be sure to keep an eye on weather. You will want to make sure that you keep your sod extra moist to maintain root health—especially if you get an early hot day. Water shadier spots less than the sunnier spots to help reduce disease.
Take it from me, seeding a new lawn will almost always yield better results than sodding one. But there is a time and a place for using sod
We don’t like to wait. That’s why we buy single-serving coffee makers and microwave bacon. It’s why there seems to be a fast-food restaurant and a drive-thru window on just about every corner. We’re an impatient lot. And that’s why we have sod, because many of us prefer a ready-made lawn to one that needs time and nurturing.
Why Do We Lay Sod?
Although seeding a new lawn or reseeding an existing one will give you more grass type options and a healthier, better-performing lawn, sodding does have its benefits:
Best Conditions to Lay Sod
Because the sod producer did all the preliminary hard work, all you need to do is make sure the ground is properly prepared beforehand. Cultured sod comes with a pre-established root system to get it off to a quick start. The best growing conditions for laying sod are the same as planting a lawn from seed:
Best Time of Year to Lay Sod
Laying sod can be done almost any time after the ground thaws in the spring and before it freezes again in late fall. Some times, however, are better than others:
Worst Time of Year to Lay Sod
Don’t lay sod too early in the spring or too late in the fall. Sod producers don’t begin harvesting until conditions are right anyway. Get your irrigation system operational, pressure-wash your deck and remove your outdoor furniture from storage. Only then should you order your sod.
Top Sod Laying Tips for Success
Check around for reputable sod sources so the sod you’re getting contains the right grasses for your lawn. Also, make sure it contains grass varieties with current genetics. Some sod growers like to use older varieties because they’re cheaper and produce a crop faster. That’s important to them, but not necessarily beneficial to you.
How long does it take for sod to grow?
Water it immediately, then water daily (depending on rainfall), moistening the soil to a depth of 4 inches, until the sod takes root (in 2-3 weeks). Avoid mowing sod until it has firmly rooted. To find out if sod has rooted, gently tug at it. If you feel resistance, roots are anchored in the underlying soil.
What to use to cut sod?
A utility knife or sharp spade is handy for cutting sod to fit irregular areas. Once the sod is in place, run the sod roller over it to eliminate air pockets. woman watering green grass. Credit: Carson Downing.
Why is it important to lay sod?
Every step in the process of laying sod is important to keep your lawn healthy and happy. Preparing for the sod before laying it down and caring for it after it's in place will help yield the longest-lasting results.
What to add to soil to make sod?
If your soil test indicates a low pH level, you'll need to add lime, dolomite limestone, or wood ashes to your soil.
How to break up clods in soil?
Break up soil clods that are larger than 2 inches in diameter. Fill low areas with good quality topsoil. If the soil is sandy or full of clay , work in organic matter. Take advantage of this opportunity to improve the soil; it's easy to add amendments when the soil is bare. preparing dirt and grass with gardening rake.
When should I lay down sod in Colorado?
When Is It Best To Lay Down Sod in Colorado. As long as you choose the right type of grass variety, sod can be safely installed in Colorado before the first frost, in fall, but the best time for sod installation is in spring or in milder weather periods throughout the growing season – the important thing is to have strong grass roots before ...
How do I care for sod after I install it?
Now that you know when it is the best time to install your sod, here are some tips about how to care for it after you install it: Prepare the soil – clean the area where your sod will be installed. Remove old grass roots and complete the grading, creating an area that slopes from the foundation of your home. De-compact the soil to a depth of ...
How deep should I water new grass?
After they are spread on your territory, water your sod abundantly, to at least 6 inches deep, to relieve your new grass from the stress endured during the journey to your plot. Keep watering frequently for the next two weeks – you can reduce intensity to about 2 inches of water.
