When should I water after laying sod?
Water your new sod within half an hour after laying it in your garden. Apply enough water to ensure the soil beneath the turf is sufficiently wet. Gardening experts recommend you ensure at least three inches below the surface is wet. To test this, push a sharp object such as a screwdriver through the turf, and it should come out moist along the ...
How late in the year can I lay sod?
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 to Mow Your Lawn after you plant sod?
When to Mow Your Lawn After You Plant Sod
- Getting Started. When you mow, your sod must be able to hang on for dear life as you drive a powerful rotary mower over it.
- Testing. When your sod holds firm against a strong tug at a corner, it’s ready to mow. ...
- Mowing Heights. Every variety of grass has a height at which it develops best. ...
- Hints. ...
Can I fertilize after laying sod?
The most important rule to remember is to avoid applying fertilizer within the next 60 days after you lay down the sod. After planting, the root system of the sod is still short and can’t absorb much nutrients. If you apply fertilizer at this time, it will just end up in the soil. But there is an exception to this rule.
What is the best time to lay sod in North Carolina?
SpringBased on information from the farmer's almanac, the last Spring frost is on ~April 6th. That means that early spring is one of the best times to lay sod in NC without the risk of your grass being killed off by freezing temperatures. It's also when most people start moving their leisure activities outdoors.
What temperature is too cold for sod?
It's All About Temperature 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.
What is the earliest you can lay sod?
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.
Can you lay fescue sod in winter?
Cool season turfgrass (Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Fine Fescues) can be installed year round in the entire United States. They are more accustomed to cool weather and can tolerate being planted in the middle of winter.
What happens if you lay sod and it freezes?
Freezing temperatures will not hurt your sod if it is rolled properly and watered appropriately. Avoid walking on your turf while it is covered in frost to prevent damage. Caring for your sod doesn't have to be hard, but using the right kind for your needs is important to keep it beautiful.
Will frost hurt newly laid sod?
Keep in mind that morning frost will not kill the new sod, rather it will add moisture naturally after it thaws. Once the ground freezes for the season, there is no need to water, as the sod will go into a dormant state and finish rooting in the spring.
Do I need to put topsoil down before sod?
Adding topsoil is not essential for sod but it will provide some benefits. What topsoil does is increases a soil's water and nutrient holding capacity, so if you do add it, the intervals between watering and fertilizing will be longer.
Can I lay sod without tilling?
You can lay sod without tilling with the correct soil type and conditions. For the sod to effectively take, the soil must be adequately soft and free of rocks, roots, and debris. If soil is dry and hard, or if the ground is full of invasive root systems, tilling may be needed before laying new sod.
Do you have to till soil before laying sod?
Till the soil using a shovel or rototiller It is important to loosen the soil before planting new sod because it reduces compaction and makes it easier for the roots to grow into the soil. Also, the loose soil will hold moisture better, reducing the amount you have to water.
How long does it take for fescue 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.
What soil temperature does fescue go dormant?
Dormancy can occur in Tall Fescue affecting growth when temperatures drop below 50°. In other words, Tall Fescue will stop growing when dormancy occurs. Also be aware frost, snow and the recent sub-freezing temperatures can damage your Tall Fescue grass.
What temperature is best for fescue grass?
60 to 65 degrees FahrenheitBest Conditions for Tall Fescue Seed Tall fescue seed needs soil temperatures near 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit for thorough germination and strong root development. These soil temperatures roughly correspond to fall and spring air temperatures in the range of 68 to 77 F.
Should I water sod before a freeze?
Tips for Watering New Sod in Winter Water during mid-day when temperatures are warmest. This helps to make sure water actually reaches the roots of the sod before freezing. Only water if the temperature of the air is 40 degrees or above, and the ground is not frozen.
Can you lay sod before winter?
Although it's best to lay sod at the beginning of the growing season, in late spring or early summer, it's possible to put the sod in before winter and have it survive.
How do you keep sod alive in the winter?
Watering New Sod Through Winter Just as in the spring and summer, you'll need to water sod immediately after it is installed. This applies to both Tall Fescue and dormant warm season sod. Even if it's dormant, you'll then need to keep it moist until it takes root in the spring and greens up.
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.
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 lawnifi box?
The Lawnifi 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 create thick, healthy grass and establish a robust root system. 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.
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.
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 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, ...
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 I plant fescue sod in the summer?
Yes, you can install Tall Fescue sod in the summer. While spring and fall are preferred times to plant Tall Fescue grass, you can install fescue sod in the summer if you take the proper steps to help the grass survive heat stress and disease stress, explains Craig Chambers, owner of Evergreen Landscaping & Maintenance based in Timberlake North Carolina.
How to test if sod is dry?
To test this, stick your finger down through the sod and into the soil at least 1-inch to 1-½ inches down until you can feel the soil. If the soil is moist, it’s good. If it’s muddy, there’s too much water. If it’s dry, there’s not enough water.
How long does a fungicide last?
Chambers prefers to use liquid fungicides applied as a spray because they last longer than granular applications. Spray fungicides, he says, last about 30 days while granules last about three weeks. As with any chemical application, please follow label instructions.
Where is turf connection sod grown?
Turf Connections grows our proprietary blend of Tall Fescue sod at two farm locations near Charlotte, NC. It is grown from a blend of three tall fescue varieties and Kentucky bluegrass for extra durability. This grass is a popular choice for homeowners, site contractors, landscapers, and home builders working with residential lawns–especially areas with partial or full shade. It keeps its green color all winter long. Turf Connections Tall Fescue blend produces a fine-textured, deep green lawn.
What is fescue grass?
Is a southern version of what many consider to be the “Classic American Lawn.” Fescue requires more water, care, and maintenance than other grasses in North Carolina, but in return, it offers a green lawn year-round with the proper care. Fescue is a great choice for shady areas (it can easily survive in areas with 4 hours of sunlight or longer periods of filtered shade), or areap to 30% less water than other varieties of tall fescue seed and is suitable for home lawns and commercial landscapes.
What is sod in a new home?
For newly built homes, sod can be a quick way to transform a barren landscape into a gorgeous lawn that looks like it has been established for years. For existing homeowners, sod provides you the option to put down a fresh, lush, green carpet to blanket your yard. The process is fast and results in polished looking yard.
What is a warm season turf grass?
A warm-season turfgrass with a fine leaf texture. It feels soft and has a dark green emerald color. This grass is wear and traffic tolerant and recovers well from damage. It grows in full sun or partial shade. It tolerates both the winter and heat. Commonly found in places such as residential lawns, condos, hotels, businesses, and golf courses.
Why do you need to water your lawn regularly?
Set up regular watering on a routine schedule to encourage initial root growth to establish a healthy root system. Curious about the perfect watering schedule? When choosing the type of lawn to install, we will give you the best watering schedule for every lawn type.
How long does it take to build a yard?
Most home projects can be completed in just a matter of days and at almost any time during the year. If weather conditions are right, a yard can even be used for active use within a matter of weeks.
How to grow a sage plant?
Prepare the area by removing large rocks and other debris. Blend the native dirt and add additional soil and other nutrients to give the roots a fertile base to grow. Finish grading the area by hand with rakes for greater precision and control.
Does sod need water?
When installed, sod requires about half the amount of water that seeding does. With water at such a premium during certain seasons in North Carolina, this is often a great advantage for getting a lawn to establish its root system.
How to grow a sage plant in hot weather?
Planting on a cool day helps, but you also must provide plenty of water. Soak the soil to a depth of 8 inches a few days before planting, especially during hot weather.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Who is Julie Christensen?
Julie Christensen is a food writer, caterer, and mom-chef. She's the creator of MarmaladeMom.org, dedicated to family fun and delicious food, and released a book titled "More Than Pot Roast: Fast, Fresh Slow Cooker Recipes."