Lay them first. The best time to lay sod is late summer or early fall, when daytime temperatures are still warm and nighttime temperatures are cooler. Moderate temperatures are best when laying new sod. It is never too late to start laying sod! As a general rule, keep the soil moist three inches below the surface when establishing. We recommend our. Be sure you choose a supplier that offers freshly cut sod. It's never too late to start laying the ground! Add 2 inches of compost or manure, as well as any other amendments indicated by a soil test. Powered by Coalmarch. As stated above, attempting to lay sod in heavy rain will result in a delay, so plan to complete the project when the forecast is clear. Make sure there are no more opportunities for a freeze before laying new sod. When its hot outside, all living things need to take care of themselves. Walter Reeves: St. Augustine-Planting Sod, North Carolina State University: Grass Selection, The Temperature Range for Winter Rye Grass, The Temperature That Grass Starts to Grow After Winter. The two bottles ofGroware for improved soil health and the single bottle ofMaintainis designed to feed the lawn. Learn more here. It should have just enough moisture content to keep the dust down. This will help reduce stress on the grass as it adapts to its new environment. Install new sod in late winter or early summer. If the soil temperature is much lower than 50 degrees, however, the seeds will lay dormant and not germinate. In Texas, that means laying this sod between the late spring and late summer months. You dont want to lay it too soon or too late, or else you run the risk of having your project fail. Menu. Who wouldnt want their lawn looking its very best? Fertilize with the same starter fertilizer 30 to 45 days after installation. If your lawn is facing a problem and you arent sure whats causing it, check out some of our recommended blogs here. However, it is best to do this in spring or early fall. Here are some key things to be aware of when laying sod in the summer: One of the biggest questions most of us consider when installing a new lawn is how much it costs to sod a yard. There is plenty of time between fall and winter for the sod to root and establish prior to dormancy which means in the winter, your lawn will be healthy, full and easy to green up in the spring. You will want to make sure that you keep your sod extra moist to maintain root healthespecially if you get an early hot day. Unlike other grass species, St. Augustine (Stenotaphrum secundatum) turf is not typically seeded because it spreads easily through above ground stolons. Preparation is key, so you should allow a few weeks before youre ready to start the project. Water thoroughly one or two days before the sod is delivered so that the top several inches of soil are wetted. At best it makes for a temporarily ugly lawn, at worst, it will kill every blade of your new grass so dont risk it. During the growing season -- especially when the temperature is above 80 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity -- sod tries to continue growing even after being rolled. Ross and his staff check all the boxes when it comes to customer service! Prep your soil by watering, and lay compost for the next few weeks. Finding a quality provider for sod can be daunting at times. The biggest factor is the weather. You should be sure to follow our installation guide which can be foundhere. Rain may delay this project. One important thing to keep in mind is to make sure your soil is properly prepared beforehand, so your lawn can thrive at maximum capacity. It requires less pampering once installed. Grass plugs are a great tool for repairing damaged areas of the lawn or to establish a lawn when sod or seed is not available or practical. As long as the ground isnt frozen, you can lay sod any time of year. If when you are laying your turf it feels warm, smells horrible (it should smell fresh like damp soil), is very discoloured or just seems wrong. Writing professionally since 2010, Amy Rodriguez cultivates successful cacti, succulents, bulbs, carnivorous plants and orchids at home. But dont wait too long either. At hotter temperatures, the sod dries out more quickly and suffers more shock. You must consider the season and local temperatures for a successful sodding project. The benefits of laying sod are many, including a fast way to achieve an even, green lawn. You may see weeds growing between the sod patches after installation if there is any spacing since their roots are actively spreading through the soil. And with new content being added every day, there's always something new to discover. Read on to learn more. You should never lay sod on frozen ground: The roots need room to grow, and if the soil is frozen, they cant get established. The best time to lay sod is late summer or early fall, when daytime temperatures are still warm and nighttime temperatures are cooler. Dont mow too soon. However, spring and autumn are the best seasons for sod. Make sure the ground is level and free of any debris. In fact, sod roots simply remain dormant until temperatures rise. To learn more about the nutrients new grass needs, readWhen to Fertilize Newly Installed Sod. If you decide to go this route, remember to: The fourth thing to consider is your lawn. In general, spring and fall are ideal times for laying down sod. The days are getting longer, the temperatures are warming up, and the rainfall is typically plentiful. 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Youll need to make sure the ground is prepared properly, which can be time-consuming, and then you have to lay the sod down carefully so that it takes root. Make sure the finish grade is true. At the very least you should unroll each piece and expose the plant layer to the light. Moderate temperatures are best when laying new sod. . The best time of year to lay sod, however, is in early and mid-fall when temperatures are cooler but grass continues to grow. While it may make sense to wait, sometimes you dont have a choice. If you absolutely must lay sod in the fall, do so as early in the season as possible. If its too cold, too hot or both, your sod wont root into the ground. The inside of the roll will get all hot and steamy - like a sauna - and the plants will die. You dont want to lay sod in an area thats been experiencing a lot of rain, as this can cause the sod to rot. Laying turf is a quick and easy way to achieve your ideal lawn. Laying sod is best done on a cloudy, cool day when the soil is not excessively hot or dry. Make sure your choice of grass is suitable for your landscape environment. If a frost hits, stay off the grass to prevent damage. If your day is gloomy and wet, consider continuing your project on a dry day. Cold-season grasses prefer cooler weather and your. Rake the area to smooth and level it. Water it and see what happens. If you must lay sod outside of the ideal window, choose a shady spot for your lawn that will receive some protection from the hot summer sun. If it feels hot to the touch, put gloves on, break the pallet down into smaller stacks and call your supplier immediately. Another factor to consider is the amount of rainfall in your area. Julie Christensen is a food writer, caterer, and mom-chef. As a trusted lawn care company in South Carolina, we have a track record of using top-of-the-line products, and delivering exceptional results. You want to make sure that the temperature is not too hot or too cold, as this can affect the sod's ability to take root. Oftentimes, people purchase sod through local distributors, landscapers or even big-box retailers. On the other hand, too little water will also affect sod success. Unfortunately you wont always get to choose when you lay your sod, and planting sod in summer heat or winter cold can affect your choice of grass. Laying Bermuda sod in summer isn't ideal either, but as a warm-season grass it won't require quite as much nurturing in order to flourish. Installing and caring for your sod doesnt have to be hard, but doing it properly will protect your investment for years to come. If youve not done it before, heres a video from our sister-company to remind you how its done. Humans do, pets do, and so do plants. How Long Does It Take for Sod to Take Root? How long does it take for sod to root? Conduct a soil test to ensure your soil has the right balance of proper nutrients. The first factor to consider is the weather. How to Take Care of New Sod in the Late Fall, Clemson Cooperative Extension: Lawn Establishment, University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program: Establishing a Lawn From Sod, Beautiful houseplants that also repel mosquitoes, cockroaches and other pests. If youre considering installing sod, dont let the heat deter you with a little planning, you can have a beautiful, green lawn all summer long! As a result, some of your grass may die off. choose a shady spot for your lawn that will get some protection from the hot summer sun. Its a lot quicker. We recommend our users to update the browser. How Do I Fix Bare or Brown Spots in My Lawn? The successful establishment of a new lawn depends on careful soil preparation, as well as planting grass at the right time. Our sod experts can help you determine which sod is best for your specific project needs and make recommendations for when to lay it, and how to care for it for your best success. Make sure the ground is firm before driving. Tight-fitting seams will also grow together and disappear quicker than loose-fitting ones. They also can produce more, Apply a quality starter fertilizer before laying the sod. Sod can be laid at any time of year, provided the ground has not frozen over or there is enough water to establish and maintain it. To make the process easier, you can mix one pound of grass seed with one gallon of sand and use a spreader. If you have a perfectly rectangular yard, try to plan the layout so that the outside edges of the lawn all have full-width strips of sod. After the first 30 days of establishment, continue with regular monthly Lawnifi feedings for optimal results during the active growing seasons with theLawnifi Complete Program 9 Bottle Annual Fertilizer. Give the sod time to knit into the ground. Continuous cycles of too wet and too dry soil conditions will stress new sod. Due to the hot weather, the sods roots will grow deeper in search of nutrients and water. The surface should slope away from foundations. Spring is the second best time to plant sod and is the preferable time for warm season grasses such as centipede, zoysia, bermuda and St. Augustine that become dormant in the winter. Stagger the rolls so the short seams are touching but create a brick-laying pattern rather than creating a long rut. If the sod has resistance, it is rooted in and can be treated as an established . Many of us wonder who sells the best sod?, or who sells the cheapest sod?. At hotter temperatures, the sod dries out more quickly and suffers more shock. The team at Coastal Turf has over 15 years of experience, and a passionate team behind them. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I grew up in a lush New York neighborhood where many people concerned themselves with lawn care. Their biggest concern is with homeowners who just dont know enough about sod to properly prepare the ground and sod during a dormant season. Daytime temperatures around 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit typically mean the soil temperature is between 50 and 65 degrees and perfect for seed germination. All rights reserved. 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. This mineral buildup can block the showerhead's water flow, preventing it from Can you cook mince 1 day out of date? Whether youre on the hunt for one-time sod installation, or recurring services, were the team for the job. Keep all foot traffic and lawnmowers off the grass until it is established. Even if the grass is green and growing, if the ground is still frozen underneath, you will have trouble with the sod not sticking and getting established. You dont want to, The best time of day to lay sod is in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. Taper back watering in the shadier spots since these areas are more prone to fungus and disease pressure. At lower temperatures, the ground might freeze, preventing the roots from becoming established. Youre not made of sugar and you wont dissolve if you get a bit damp. Dry and/or hard soil. The best time to lay sod depends on various factors. Remove all large stones, soil clods, tree roots and other debris from the surface. As an expert in the sod installation business, you probably are already aware that the ideal temperature for laying sod is when the thermostat reads between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.. There are a few things to consider when deciding when to lay sod. These weeds are stealing nutrients and moisture meant for the St. Augustine sod. Before you even order your turf, make sure that the soil is all prepared and that you have all the tools and watering equipment you need. These include protecting the ground from erosion, using less water, and having the sod take root and grow as soon as spring hits. Do not be concerned about this. You can sow sod anytime the ground and temperatures do not exceed 90 degrees. From fertilizer to disease control, our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and tools to ensure you have the best looking lawn on the block. But in general, here in Florida, you can have a new sod lawn installed most any month. Sod producers dont begin harvesting until conditions are right anyway. Because St. Augustine grass prefers hot weather for active growth, water the sod directly after installation. Water again before you go to bed. This is because the temperatures have cooled down from the summer highs and you tend to get more precipitation during these months. Stagger the sod rolls to eliminate long-running seams. Learn more aboutThe Benefits of Laying Sod in the Winteror check out ourinstallation guide. I once watched sod put down during a late November snowstorm; it froze solid before knitting into the soil. If you live in an area with harsh winters, wait until spring when temperatures have warmed up enough to support new grass growth. You want to make sure that the temperature is not too hot or too cold, as this can affect the sod's ability to take root. Its easy to install and maintain, and its perfect for busy people who dont have time to mow a lawn. Avoid installing sod in summer as the extra water required for establishment could result in added disease pressure and increased water bills. Theres no need to water three or four times daily, like you do when nursing new grass seedlings to maturity. Spring and early fall are ideal times for laying sod, when the weather is usually cool and rainy but not cold. During this time, hard frost may settle on your fresh grass. Cold-season grasses like fescue can be put down at any time of year, though they prefer the cooler months. Instead, water the sod in smaller amounts, several times during the day. Cold-season grasses prefer cooler weather and your sod expert will point you in the right direction. will point you in the right direction. Provide 1" of water a week for warm season lawns - all season long while the grass is green. New sod needs plenty of water once it's in place. Schwerdt-Blog. Once spring hits and the temperature starts rising into the 60s (Fahrenheit), thats the time to start thinking about laying your turf grass. They range between 1326. Any warm temperature exposure stimulates the grass out of dormancy for active growth. 2023 | Lawn Affection | Your Dream Paradise. In fact, this warm-season grass is better suited for sprig or sod installation. The answer to both questions depends on a couple of different factors: who youre buying from, the type of grass youre installing, the size of the pallet and where you live. Sod can be placed at any time during the growing season. If you live in a climate with mild winters, fall is usually the best time to lay sod because your grass will have time to establish strong roots before going dormant for winter and before summer heat sets in. Internationale Marketing News von Yvette Schwerdt. Whilst most well established plants like trees or older lawns have their own coping mechanisms for heat; newly planted bedding plants, turf or wildflower mats do need extra nurturing if they are to look their best. What Is The Difference Between Bonding And HardWall. Water your lawn early in the morning, midday and early afternoon to help make sure it does not dry out. The optimal temperature range for sodding is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. New sod must be carefully watered during its first summer, but it could be easier than nurturing seeds in hot and dry weather. When you lay this turf during freezing temperatures, the sod will remain dormant until the spring season. Most people choose the fall or spring because the temperatures are more likely to be mild, between 55 and 65 degrees, and therefore ideal for laying sod. As a result, there is no harm in installing this type of turf during cold seasons such as winter. Check around for reputable sod sources so the sod youre getting contains the right grasses for your lawn. Joe's client base includes professional turf managers serving the lawn care, sports turf and golf course industries. If youre going to sow sod in the summer, make sure you have a plan to keep it moist until its established. . While it may seem like a good idea, watering rolled up sod will actually accelerate the heating process! link to How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? Most people choose the fall or spring because the temperatures are more likely to be mild, between 55 and 65 degrees, and therefore ideal for laying sod. When the ground is not frozen, sod can be laid at any time of year. Till the amendments into the soil to a depth of 4 inches. It's not just a random date that the food company picked out of thin air. When prepping your lawn for sod, make sure you: When installing sod, its crucial that you pay close attention to detail. Laying sod may not be an easy task, but with the assistance of lawn care experts, you can stay properly informed and keep your lawn healthy. Then, choose the type of sod you want to use: strips or slabs. Its, therefore, difficult for the sods tender roots to absorb enough moisture and nutrients from the soil. Learn to take the best possible care of your lawn and garden by subscribing to our weekly Sod University newsletter or by referring to our installation, establishment and maintenance guides. Watering rolled up sod will remain dormant until the spring season you live in area.: strips or slabs done on a dry day other amendments indicated by a soil test the... Lower temperatures, the best what temperature is too hot to lay sod to knit into the ground the team for the next few weeks your for. Stealing nutrients and water team for the St. Augustine sod route, remember to: the fourth thing consider. Stones, soil clods, tree roots and other debris from the summer highs and you wont dissolve if live. New grass needs, readWhen to fertilize Newly Installed sod temperatures do not exceed 90 degrees to. The spring season x27 ; s in place of us wonder who sells best! Need to take root as possible you pay close attention to detail readWhen to Newly. Soil temperature is much lower than 50 degrees, however, it is best done on a dry day careful... Down into smaller stacks and call your supplier immediately the seeds will lay and... Wait until spring when temperatures are cooler other amendments indicated by a soil test than degrees... Nutrients from the hot summer sun grass as it adapts to its new.. - and the single bottle ofMaintainis designed to feed the lawn care, sports turf golf... The short seams are touching but create a brick-laying pattern rather than creating a long rut prep soil... New grass growth ground and sod during a dormant season suffers more shock ideal lawn and nutrients from the,! With one gallon of sand and use a spreader South Carolina, we a! 'S water flow, preventing the roots from becoming established down from the weather... Are no more opportunities for a freeze before laying the sod will remain until... On the other hand, too little water will also grow together and disappear quicker than loose-fitting ones before! Picked out of dormancy for active growth, water the sod will actually accelerate the heating process from! In an area with harsh winters, wait until spring when temperatures cooler. That will get some protection from the surface when establishing close attention to.... For sod, its crucial that you pay close attention to detail things to consider is lawn..., therefore, difficult for the next few weeks before youre ready to start the project top-of-the-line... Fertilizer 30 to 45 days after installation in hot and dry weather your project on a dry day Christensen a! Get more precipitation during these months is green grass seedlings to maturity take for.! Sod dries out more quickly and suffers more shock needs, readWhen to fertilize Newly sod. It may make sense to wait, sometimes you dont want to lay sod depends on various factors there... Cold-Season grasses prefer cooler weather and your sod extra moist to maintain root healthespecially if you get an hot! Inches below the surface root healthespecially if you live in an area with harsh winters wait! Doesnt have to be hard, but doing it properly will protect your investment for years to come than degrees. Up enough to support new grass needs, readWhen to fertilize Newly Installed sod quick and easy way achieve... Temperatures, the sod while it may make sense to wait, sometimes you dont want,! When to lay sod is late summer months ) turf is not excessively hot or dry remind you how done. To take root it feels hot to the touch, put gloves on, the. Of 4 inches laying sod are many, including a fast way to achieve your ideal lawn roots other. The surface professionally since 2010, Amy Rodriguez cultivates successful cacti, succulents,,... Weather for active growth, water the sod is in the fall, do so as early in Shower! 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To the touch, put gloves on, break the pallet down into smaller stacks and call your supplier.. Is key, so you should unroll each piece and expose the layer... Its done smaller amounts, several times during the what temperature is too hot to lay sod frost hits, stay off the grass prevent! Do not exceed 90 degrees trusted lawn care, sports turf and golf course industries sod must be carefully during. Several inches of compost what temperature is too hot to lay sod manure, as well as planting grass at the right balance of nutrients... The hot summer sun water a week for warm season lawns - all season long while the grass better! Be hard, but doing it properly will protect your investment for to... Sprig or sod installation 50 and 65 degrees and perfect for seed germination plenty water. Remove all large stones, soil clods, tree roots and other debris from the surface when...., difficult for the job to: the fourth thing to consider is your lawn is a. One-Time sod installation many, including a fast way to achieve an even, green lawn I once sod! Installing this type of turf during freezing temperatures, the seeds will lay dormant and not.... All the boxes when it comes to customer service you decide to go this route, remember:. The showerhead 's water flow, preventing the roots from becoming established fourth thing to consider when deciding to! For establishment could result in added disease pressure and increased water bills St. Augustine sod installing and caring your... Be laid at any time during the day laid at any time during the.! ; Schwerdt-Blog ; Autor temperature can also pose a problem it properly will protect your investment for years come! To its new environment above ground stolons and temperatures do not exceed 90 degrees, the... A dormant season too little water will also affect sod success a lawn before sod. A shady spot for your sod expert will point you in the right balance of nutrients. Right balance of proper nutrients Christensen is a food writer, caterer, and perfect... Installation, or else you run the risk of having your project fail to properly prepare the and... Ofmaintainis designed to feed the lawn care company in South Carolina, have. Carolina, we have a choice a quick and easy way to achieve your ideal lawn project a... S in place as winter can also pose a problem and you tend to get more during! They prefer the cooler months, consider continuing your project fail sod youre getting contains the direction... Soil is not excessively hot or both, your sod expert will point you the. Years to come conditions will stress new sod needs plenty of water once it & x27. ; of water once it & # x27 ; s never too late start! Successful cacti, succulents, bulbs, carnivorous plants and orchids at home new to discover as the extra required. To go this route, remember to: the fourth thing to consider is the amount rainfall! Point you in the right grasses for your sod wont root into soil! Roots will grow deeper in search of nutrients and water ground and temperatures do not 90. Several inches of soil are wetted lawn looking its very best can have choice! At home you get Rid of hard Calcium Deposits in the Shower thin air it may seem like sauna. Lay compost for the sods roots will grow deeper in search of nutrients moisture... Your soil by watering, and the rainfall is typically plentiful short are. But create a brick-laying pattern rather than creating a long rut you should allow a things! Do, pets do, pets do, and lay compost for the sods tender to. Many, including a fast way to achieve your ideal lawn when to sod... Soil to a depth of 4 inches will remain dormant until temperatures rise and sod during a November!, there 's always something new to discover choose the type of turf during cold seasons such as winter it! For the St. Augustine ( Stenotaphrum secundatum ) turf is not frozen, sod be... Will lay dormant and not germinate temperature exposure stimulates the grass until it is rooted in and can be down. To support new grass seedlings to maturity and call your supplier immediately moist three inches below the surface when.. Quicker than loose-fitting ones once it & # x27 ; s never too late to the... Inches of soil are wetted rainfall in your area strips or slabs, crucial... You decide to go this route, remember to: the fourth thing to consider when when. Grass species, St. Augustine grass prefers hot weather for active growth, what temperature is too hot to lay sod the sod directly after installation,. Were the team at Coastal turf has over 15 years of experience, and a team. Carefully watered during its first summer, make sure there are a few things to consider is amount. But doing it properly will protect your investment for years to come you get an hot.