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. ...
- Don’t sod during the dog days of summer. ...
- Sodding during an extended drought can be problematic, even with sprinklers or an irrigation system. ...
- Avoid laying sod just before the ground freezes. ...
When is the best time of year to lay sod?
You can successfully lay sod during any season and we’ll explain how here. The early fall or mid-fall tends to be the best time to plant sod. This is because the temperatures have cooled down from the summer highs and you tend to get more precipitation during these months.
Will the summer heat damage my new sod?
And during the heat of the summer months this can be the most critical part of the process since any delays can take a toll on the sod and increase the possibility of it getting damaged by the heat. Our friends at Red Hen Turf Farm delivered the sod for us.
How often should you water new sod in the fall?
Similar to other times of the year, you’ll want to maintain a healthy watering schedule that keeps the sod moist, but not too wet during the first 14 days of fall. As a general rule, keep the soil moist three inches below the surface when establishing. Be sure to fertilize your lawn to promote healthy rooting and establishment.
Why is sod cut in the middle of the 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 temperature is too hot for sod?
The ideal temperature range for laying new sod is 55°-75°F. Anything below 40°F is too cold and anything above 85°F is too hot in a perfect scenario. Laying sod when it is too cold or too hot outside can prevent your sod from properly rooting into the underlying ground.
Can you lay down sod in summer?
You can lay sod anytime during the growing season, as long as the ground is not frozen and you have adequate water for establishment and maintenance, although spring and early autumn are best. Cool temperatures combined with occasional rain help sod quickly root.
How do you keep sod alive in the summer?
Consistent watering is the key to ensuring new sod is able to grow strong roots. If sod is applied during the summer, it should be watered throughout the day in order to prevent shrinking and drying.
Is it bad to lay sod in August?
You can lay sod anytime during the growing season, although spring and early autumn are best—cool temperatures combined with occasional rain help sod quickly root.
Do I need to put topsoil down before sod?
You need to add topsoil before laying sod if your existing topsoil is less than 2 inches (5 cm) deep and the soil below that is mostly clay or sand. Sod will struggle to root in extremely sandy or clay soil, so adding topsoil will help your grass flourish.
How late is too late for sod?
Although sod can be harvested and laid in late fall, when morning frost is present, if daytime temperatures are consistently below 32℉ (0℃), it's too late for sod installation.
Should new sod be watered everyday?
Your new lawn needs to be watered twice a day, for about 20 minutes per session every day for at least two months. This should be enough so that your lawn gets a solid six inches of watering per cycle.
How often should new sod be watered?
2 to 6 times a dayDepending on the temperature, you should water it 2 to 6 times a day for 4 to 6 minutes at a time. The hotter it is, the more you should water it. The goal is to keep the sod and soil underneath moist, but no longer soggy, throughout the day. Try to stay off the sod for the first two weeks.
How long after installing sod can you walk on it?
two weeksIf you walk on your sod before its roots have established, you're lessening your chances of success. How long must you wait to use your new sod lawn? The general recommendation is to wait two weeks – but the number of days you wait is really dependent on determining that the lawn has, indeed, taken root.
What should you put down before sod?
To prep your lawn, kill all the weeds and stray plant life.Start by watering the area. ... Next, lay compost on the lawn. ... Once the existing plant life dies, till and rake the ground. ... Your prepped dirt should be at least 6 inches deep. ... Test the fresh terrain using a soil test kit. ... Lay fresh topsoil if needed.
Is sod or grass seed better?
If the lawn consists of more than 40 to 50 percent weeds or dead grass, then it's better to start over with new sod. However, if approximately half or more of your lawn appears healthy, it's likely best to plant grass seed and manually get the weeds under control.
Can you lay sod after it rains?
Should You Install Sod in Rain? A light drizzle may not be a big deal when you're installing sod; however, It's best not to install sod in heavy rain. Heavy rain makes the ground muddy and harder to work with.
When can you lay sod in Utah?
The optimal time to plant sod in Utah is late summer/early fall. Planting sod is possible any time of year, but this time frame will allow your new lawn to settle and adapt to the shifting seasons in Utah.
Can sod be laid over existing grass?
People often think that laying sod over an existing lawn makes sense and saves time. In fact, laying fresh sod over an existing lawn is no shortcut and could kill your sod and cause you twice as much work. Removing your old lawn before laying new sod is crucial for a healthy root system.
When can you lay sod in Georgia?
Almost any type of sod can be planted in Georgia year-round, but there are recommended times of year for optimal growth. Warm season grass needs to be planted in late spring or early summer to give the roots a chance to get established before hot summer begins. Cool season grass should be planted in early winter.
When can you lay sod in Missouri?
Sod can be laid in Missouri from March to October The soil is still cool and moist, so the root systems will establish well, which means your new grass should grow quickly. Sod can also be laid during this time of year if you live in an area with dry or sandy soil that doesn't drain well.
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.
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.
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, ...
Do you fertilize your lawn?
Be sure to fertilize your lawn to promote healthy rooting and establishment. We recommend our Lawnifi New Lawn Starter Box for proper lawn nutrition.
How hot does the soil have to be before sod is delivered?
Prior to delivery of your sod do any final grading of the soil and a good soaking of the soil helps since in dry hot weather the soil surface can reach 130 F
How long should I soak my sod?
Once the sod is installed it’s time to get some water on it, a good deep soaking is what you want for the first 5 days. Then you can reduce the frequency after the first week. Tiki is loving the new grass to run and play on!
How long does it take to install sod rolls?
Our backyard was a small project and we were able to install all the rolls in about 3 hours so we didn’t have to worry too much about them heating up to the point that they would be damaged. If you do notice that the sod is heating up on the pallets you will want to unstack and unroll them and soak them with water.
Is it important to have sod ready when it's delivered?
Planning and having your property prepped and ready when the sod is delivered is always important. And during the heat of the summer months this can be the most critical part of the process since any delays can take a toll on the sod and increase the possibility of it getting damaged by the heat.
How to reduce drainage problems?
Rough grade the area to eliminate any drainage problems. Be sure to slope the grade away from building foundations , reduce severe slopes and fill in low-lying areas.
When to use slow release nitrogen?
A slow-release or controlled-release form of Nitrogen should be used whenever possible, especially on the spring and fall applications.
How to test soil pH?
Test your soil pH by taking a soil sample to your local Garden Center or county Cooperative Extension office. Depending on the pH level, amendments can be added to improve the soil, working them into the top 3-4 inches of soil.
Is it better to water grass in the morning or evening?
Morning is ideal with lower wind speeds, and less water is lost to evaporation. Watering in the evening/overnight is discouraged, especially in hot humid weather as water remaining on the grass can promote disease and fungus.
Can you roll sod with water?
If available, you can roll installed sod with a light roller one-third filled with water to smooth out any minor bumps, remove air pockets, and improve sod-to-soil contact. Avoid using a heavy roller that will compact the site.
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:
How to keep sod from sliding?
If sodding a hillside or steep slope, lay sod horizontally. Using biodegradable or wooden stakes to anchor the sod rolls will also help prevent the pieces from sliding out of place, especially during a heavy rain event.
Why do you need to make sure the ground is prepared before planting 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:
How hot should soil be for sod?
Delay sod installations until soil temperatures are consistently in the mid-50s F or warmer. Buy an inexpensive soil thermometer to track this.
Why do you stagger sod rolls?
Stagger the sod rolls to eliminate long-running seams. This will help to “lock” the sod rolls together once installed .
What to add to soil to make it a good soil?
Conduct a soil test and add amendments such as lime, sulfur or compost.
Can you sod during a drought?
Sodding during an extended drought can be problematic, even with sprinklers or an irrigation system. Continuous cycles of too wet and too dry soil conditions will stress new sod.
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.
What Is the Best Time of the Year to Lay Sod?
Sod can be installed spring through fall (and even in winter in mild climates). In areas of the country that favor cool-season grasses, like the Northeast, it avoids the problem of sprouting a nice crop of weeds when seeding a lawn in spring. And in southern states, which favor warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass, zoysia grass, and centipede grass, sod is the best way to cover the yard at any time of year, since these turf types cannot be grown from seed.
What Direction Should You Lay Sod?
Make sure you lay your first row against a straight edge ; this could be along your yard or fence or patio.
Why do farmers cut 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.
How long does it take to get sod delivered?
Ideally, sod should be delivered within 24 hours of being cut and be laid the same day.
How does Roger make his sod curve?
Instead, Roger makes his sod curve the way a tailor might, by cutting a dart or two in a full-sized piece. With the sod la id next to the curve, he grabs a couple of spots along one edge and pinces them together to make the sod follow the contours of the bed.
How much does it cost to lay sod in a yard?
It costs about $400 to cover a 1,000-square-foot backyard (double that installed). But if you follow our tips for laying sod, in a couple of weeks you’ll have a dense, well-established lawn that's naturally resistant to weeds, diseases, and pest infestations.
How to tell how moist soil is?
Even sod farmers can't tell how moist soil is by looking at a lawn. Use a soil probe (many types are available at home and garden centers) to check moisture levels. After a thorough watering, soil should be damp 3 to 4 inches below the surface.
