However, it is best to do this in spring or early fall. To make the process easier, you can mix one pound of grass seed with one gallon of sand and use a spreader. Avoid installing sod if it's colder than 25 degrees. If you are working on selling your home, for example, having sod in place can help you sell it by improving the aesthetic and eliminating the appearance of mud. If you live in an area with harsh winters, wait until spring when temperatures have warmed up enough to support new grass growth. Continuous cycles of too wet and too dry soil conditions will stress new sod. With a little planning and some help from a professional, youll be enjoying your new lawn in no time. Avoid laying sod just before the ground freezes. And with new content being added every day, there's always something new to discover. Keep the sod moist but not saturated until it is firmly rooted in the soil (a few days), then gradually reduce watering. At lower temperatures, the ground might freeze, preventing the roots from becoming established. However, the article does go on to say that laying sod in the winter is possible, especially if the temperatures are nice something that happens often in sunny Colorado. Cold-season grasses prefer cooler weather and your sod expert will point you in the right direction. Learn more here. Installing and caring for your sod doesnt have to be hard, but doing it properly will protect your investment for years to come. In general, though, the ideal time to lay sod is when daytime temperatures are cool between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. There are a few things to consider when deciding when to lay sod. Avoid laying sod during times of drought or water restriction. Additionally, keep off the lawn when its covered in frost. And thats why we have sod, because many of us prefer a ready-made lawn to one that needs time and nurturing. Tight-fitting seams will also grow together and disappear quicker than loose-fitting ones. Need some more help or just have some questions. Nutrients and moisture within the soil sustain the grass until its active growing period next summer. Challenges to installing sod in the summer. Laying fescue in summer is more problematic, because as a cool weather grass it's susceptible to the heat. If the sod has resistance, it is rooted in and can be treated as an established . At hotter temperatures, the sod dries out more quickly and suffers more shock. Even though the British Climate is unpredictable, we usually know that June, July, August and sometimes September bring spells of hot weather. Anchor the sod using wooden stakes or dowels. The days are getting longer, the temperatures are warming up, and the rainfall is typically plentiful. 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. With this particular range, daytime air temperatures should be at least 80 degrees. Sod dries out quickly, which can cause the roots to die before they become established. What does a blinking blue light on a smoke detector mean? You will need to continuously water the grass throughout the winter and its dormancy. Sod is more expensive than seed, and it also requires more work to lay down. You can always lay it properly the next day. Add 2 inches of compost or manure, as well as any other amendments indicated by a soil test. 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. The best time to lay sod is late summer or early fall, when daytime temperatures are still warm and nighttime temperatures are cooler. High-quality artificial grass for garden, playground, football, field hockey, tennis, putting green, and multi-purpose. Here in Colorado, however, we can achieve mild temperatures year-round, and the temperature isnt the only factor to consider. If youre using a warm-season grass, like Bermuda or St. Augustine, its best to lay sod in the spring or summer. Joe's client base includes professional turf managers serving the lawn care, sports turf and golf course industries. You can lay sod anytime during the growing season, although spring and early autumn are bestcool temperatures combined with occasional rain help sod quickly root. No, it is not too late to lay sod in . choose a shady spot for your lawn that will get some protection from the hot summer sun. Schwerdt-Blog. Laying sod is the best choice when it's too hot to plant and nurture grass seed. If its out of office hours you may end up leaving a message on an ansaphone but at least your concerns will be recorded. Because St. Augustine grass prefers hot weather for active growth, water the sod directly after installation. The ideal temperature to resod a lawn is 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. How Long Does It Take for Sod to Take Root? To learn more about the nutrients new grass needs, readWhen to Fertilize Newly Installed Sod. Sod can be laid at other times of the year, but it may not establish as well due to heat stress or drought conditions. Although you can lay sod at almost any time of year, fall is actually the worst time of year to lay sod. Its best to wait until things have dried out a bit before you lay your sod. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The type of sod being laid is critical because a hearty sod is more likely to handle our colder winters than others. Cold-season grasses like fescue can be put down at any time of year, though they prefer the cooler months. Install new sod in late winter or early summer. MOQ 500m. Snow and frost cover the grass during extreme cold. Whether youre looking to overseed, patch up bare spots or start a new lawn, our varieties of warm and cool season grass seed will ensure your landscape project is completed properly. The optimal temperature for sod lies between the range of 58-86 F (14-30 C). St. Augustine sod installation works best when the temperature is between 80 and 100 degrees. Any later than that and you run the risk of warmer weather causing stress on your new grass that can lead to disease problems or browning from heat stress. If the soil temperature is much lower than 50 degrees, however, the seeds will lay dormant and not germinate. How Warm Must it Be to Plant Lawn Grass Seed? If your day is gloomy and wet, consider continuing your project on a dry day. Its better to have 2 or 3 deliveries of fresh turf over the course of several days, than it is to have lots of turf sitting on pallets going rotten. Knowing when to lay sod is an important step in your lawn care journey, so were here with the expert tips on proper maintenance. It all comes down to temperature. In a few hours, you have an instant lawn that looks like its been there forever. While you can lay soil at almost any time of year, fall is . However, the article does go on to say that, being laid is critical because a hearty sod is more likely to handle our colder winters than others. With this particular range, daytime air temperatures should be at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher -- this turf species thrives and grows rapidly in hot weather. You can only lay sod so fast though. Avoid installing sod in summer as the extra water required for establishment could result in added disease pressure and increased water bills. Be sure you choose a supplier that offers freshly cut sod. If youre laying sod in a sunny area, you can do so year-round, as long as the temperature is right. Their biggest concern is with homeowners who just dont know enough about sod to properly prepare the ground and sod during a dormant season. Once prepared, the soil surface should be firm and covered with about one-half inch of loose soil. Which Temperature is too hot or cold to lay sod? Lastly, ensure your new lawn is properly maintained and watered. It all comes down to temperature. These include protecting the ground from erosion, using less water, and having the sod take root and grow as soon as spring hits. 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. Zoysia sod is actually happiest if it's at least 80 degrees, but it will still establish at lower temperatures, at a much slower rate. Water each section of turfing as soon as it has been laid. The first factor to consider is the weather. can help you determine which sod is best for your specific project needs and make recommendations for when to lay it, and. Moderate temperatures are best when laying new sod. Cultured sod comes with a pre-established root system to get it off to a quick start. Oftentimes, people purchase sod through local distributors, landscapers or even big-box retailers. At hotter temperatures, the sod dries out more quickly and suffers more shock. This also gives the sod plenty of time to get established before winter weather arrives. It requires less pampering once installed. The second is your schedule. Stagger the sod rolls to eliminate long-running seams. Sodding in the spring has its drawbacks because soil and air temperatures are still relatively cool. Sod Solutions works with private breeders and university researchers across the globe to find and bring to market the best grasses with the best genetics on the planet. They range between 1326. Sit back and relax, and let the professionals get their hands dirty. Take care never to overwater the sod while it is in the rooting stage. Each has their own benefit. The sod will dry out or die if you plant it during peak summer temperatures. After about 10 to 14 days perform a "tug test" by gently tugging the sod in a few areas to make sure that it has firmly rooted into the soil. Whether youre on the hunt for one-time sod installation, or recurring services, were the team for the job. manicured lawn look, don't use Centipede sod. Its why there seems to be a fast-food restaurant and a drive-thru window on just about every corner. This will result in a professional-looking job that you can be proud of. Make small piles of turf on the prepared soil. While this might be at the top of your list, other issues such as those stunting the growth of your grass should take priority first. You will want to make sure that you keep your sod extra moist to maintain root healthespecially if you get an early hot day. If youre laying sod in a shady area, its best to do so in the spring or fall. Removing more than one-third to one-half of the leaf blade during one pass can shock newly installed sod. During the cold season, the sods tender roots may not absorb the required nutrients and water from the ground. If youre looking for more information on sod installation in South Carolina, keep reading. Once spring hits and the temperature starts rising into the 60s (Fahrenheit), thats the time to start thinking about laying your turf grass. In this guide, well let you know how to choose the best time to lay sod in your yard, so you can get the most beautiful lawn possible. Sod producers dont begin harvesting until conditions are right anyway. Please fill out the form and we will contact you to help you with your sod installation. Before you install the sod, remove any weeds or rocks from the ground. Rainfall Another factor to consider is the amount of rainfall in your area. When laying sod in the winter in the south, the sod can look dormant, but dormancy is just like hibernationit will be off-color and appear dead, but will regain its color in the spring when temperatures warm up. Remove all large stones, soil clods, tree roots and other debris from the surface. Ourinstallation guideis comprehensive and will help you install your lawn appropriately. You can successfully lay sod during any season, but first, its good to know how to lay sod no matter what time of year it is: The early fall or mid-fall tends to be the best time to plant sod. Make sure the water soaks right through the turf and into the top 15cm of soil. If its too cold, too hot or both, your sod wont root into the ground. Best Temperature For Laying Sod Is 60-80 Degrees Best temperature for laying sodis 60-80 degrees. What Happens When You Lay Sod During Cold Weather? It is, however, best to do so in the spring or early autumn. When she's not blogging or spending time with her family, you can usually find her rooting around in the garden or at the hardware store. Many people ask, What temperature is too cold to lay sod? What temperature is suitable for sodding? Sod will not root properly if the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have questions you can either call303-654-0202 or fill out our contact form. And you will need to work fast. Then, choose the type of sod you want to use: strips or slabs. Menu. Fill in holes, pull weeds. You dont want to, The best time of day to lay sod is in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. Choosing the correct temperature range for establishing your St. Augustine grass allows you to quickly fill your yard with healthy turf and prevent widespread weed infestation. Temperature can also pose a problem. But again, it all depends on whether you live in a colder or warmer region. Some sod growers like to use older varieties because theyre cheaper and produce a crop faster. The days are getting shorter, the temperatures are cooling off, and the ground is beginning to harden as it preparing for winter. The ideal temperature for laying sod is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Then start to water less frequently and for longer periods. When you lay this turf during freezing temperatures, the sod will remain dormant until the spring season. Your sod will not green up until the spring. Soggy sod can lead to root rot and eventually new sod failure. If you absolutely must lay sod in the fall, do so as early in the season as possible. Here in Colorado, however, we can achieve mild temperatures year-round, and the temperature isn't the only factor to consider. If you need to lay sod in the summer, be ready to water your new lawn very often as a means of maintaining its health. All low areas should be filled in and high spots removed. The best time to lay your new sod is when night temperatures range between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove any excess thatch and loosen the top of the soil with a rake. Lawnifi Complete Program 9 Bottle Annual Fertilizer. If the weather is going to be warm, there are a few extra precautions you need to take if you want your lawn to be successful. 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. 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. The three bottles work together to establish thick, healthy grass. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Creating a lawn by laying sod is simpler than babying grass seed along, but its not without its hazards. Do you love your home landscape as much as we do? You may need to order a bit extra to account for any discrepancies. Good ventilation is essential if you want to avoid sod heating. When the turf tries to absorb moisture from the ground, the ice freezes the blades, killing your new sod. 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. Overall, you can successfully start a new lawn at any time of the year and we hope this blog helps you make a decision on when to sod your new lawn for optimal results. If youre waiting for spring weather, its important not to wait too long. Some Important "Do's and Don'ts" for Laying Turf in Hot Weather. Without consistent moisture, the grass might go dormant or simply die back. This is because cool temperatures and light rain encourage sod 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. We may earn a commission from your purchases. Youll therefore notice some dead patches throughout your entire lawn. His lawn is the envy of the neighborhood and, in his free time, he enjoys kicking back on the Northshore of Lake Superior. You can lay sod anytime during the growing season, although spring and early autumn are bestcool temperatures combined with occasional rain help sod quickly root. . Likewise, never cover rolled turf with a sheet or a tarpaulin. If the turf and the soil beneath it are dry when you wake up in the morning get the hose out and soak them again. In fact, this warm-season grass is better suited for sprig or sod installation. Sod can be laid at any point during the growing season. Who wouldnt want their lawn looking its very best? At 32 F, the temperature is too cold to lay sod. These weeds are stealing nutrients and moisture meant for the St. Augustine sod. If youre using a cool-season grass, like fescue or rye, its best to lay sod in the fall or winter. Broadly there are two kinds of grasses, warm-season and cold-season. The bigger the lawn youre laying, the more people you should have to help. Continuous watering can make your lawns surface soft. Take pictures (preferably with the date and time on them if youre camera lets you do that) and email them immediately. Unlike other grass species, St. Augustine (Stenotaphrum secundatum) turf is not typically seeded because it spreads easily through above ground stolons. The best time of year to plant grass in Louisiana is in early spring or fall. Note: What follows reflects recommendations for Northern lawns (north of Interstate 70) when installing cultured sod with cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue. Julie Christensen is a food writer, caterer, and mom-chef. Laying sod is a big job, but its worth it when you have a beautiful, green lawn. 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: Because the sod producer did all the preliminary hard work, all you need to do is make sure the ground is properly prepared beforehand. Try to sod in the early summer when temperatures remain warm for several weeks for proper root establishment and grass blade growth in preferred U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. Sod installation is a popular choice for homeowners who want to achieve a beautiful, luscious lawn without having to wait months or even a year for grass seeds to germinate. If it's too hot, the sod will dry out and die. Planting sod at the right time and temperature helps ensure that the roots become established quickly. Mid to late spring is an ideal time. Due to the hot weather, the sods roots will grow deeper in search of nutrients and water. Lawn Disease Control What is the best grass seed for hot weather? You may also have difficulty inserting trowels or shovels into . In a perfect situation, anything below 40 degrees Fahrenheit would be too cold. Dry and/or hard soil. Rain may delay this project. However, for the best results, sod should be laid in early spring or late autumn. Prep your soil by watering, and lay compost for the next few weeks. Make sure you have plenty of sunscreen, are wearing a hat, have enough to eat and most importantly, keep yourselves well hydrated. Good ventilation is essential if you want to avoid sod heating. Spread 0.25 to 0.5 pounds of grass seed per 1,000 square feet. In general, though, the ideal time to lay sod is when daytime temperatures are cool between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. At Sod Solutions, we work with sod producers throughout the country that we regularly visit and monitor for overall sod quality including weed, insect and disease pressure. Some of the old standby varieties need more water, fertilizer and fungicides. The benefits of laying sod are many, including a fast way to achieve an even, green lawn. All of these conditions help sod to take root quickly and establish itself before summer arrives. As long as the ground isnt frozen, you can lay sod any time of year. Spring and early fall are ideal times for laying sod, when the weather is usually cool and rainy but not cold. Water lightly several times each day over the next two weeks so that the soil remains moist to a depth of 4 inches. Laying sod is best done on a cloudy, cool day when the soil is not excessively hot or dry. If youre going to sow sod in the summer, make sure you have a plan to keep it moist until its established. In mild climates, you can lay sod almost year round as long as the ground isn't frozen or a frost isn't expected. Get your. Over time, I have made my passion a way of life. What Is The Difference Between Bonding And HardWall. The ideal temperature to lay sod is when daytime temperatures are cool between 55- and 65-degrees Fahrenheit. Its, therefore, difficult for the sods tender roots to absorb enough moisture and nutrients from the soil. With thousands of articles covering everything from do-it-yourself repairs to tips on parenting, Arew has something for everyone. Keep all foot traffic and lawnmowers off the grass until it is established. Fertilize with the same starter fertilizer 30 to 45 days after installation. 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