Unlike seeding a lawn, which can be done at any time of year (provided the ground isnt frozen), the best time to lay sod is in the spring or autumn. What Is The Difference Between Bonding And HardWall. You can sow sod anytime the ground and temperatures do not exceed 90 degrees. What should the temperature be when laying sod? At 32 F, the temperature is too cold to lay sod. It will die if mowed too short. Consider the following factors when deciding when to lay sod: Its never too late 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. Take care never to overwater the sod while it is in the rooting stage. Its best to wait until things have dried out a bit before you lay your sod. When its hot outside, all living things need to take care of themselves. Sod is more expensive than seed, and it also requires more work to lay down. They will also be able to give you tips on how to properly care for your new grass so it can thrive. You see, the heat inside a roll of sod is not only produced from the sun, but it is also produced . Do not be concerned about this. Water shadier spots less than the sunnier spots to help reduce disease. Many homeowners prefer installing sod instead of babying grass seeds to create a beautiful lawn. Stagger the sod rolls to eliminate long-running seams. 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. 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. If you roll and water your sod appropriately, freezing temperatures may not be detrimental. 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. choose a shady spot for your lawn that will get some protection from the hot summer sun. Keep your lawn moist, but do not overwater itif you do this, it will be susceptible to disease. The tender grass roots are easily damaged by heat and drought. Laying Bermuda sod in summer isnt ideal either, but as a warm-season grass it wont require quite as much nurturing in order to flourish. St. Augustine sod installation works best when the temperature is between 80 and 100 degrees. Sod rolls can heat up and quickly deteriorate during transport, or while its still stacked on a pallet waiting to be installed. 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. It should have just enough moisture content to keep the dust down. 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.". At hotter temperatures, the sod dries out more quickly and suffers more shock. Here are some key things to be aware of when laying sod in the spring: Summer is a tough time to lay sod. You should find the email address on your delivery paperwork. In a perfect situation, anything below 40 degrees Fahrenheit would be too cold. With thousands of articles covering everything from do-it-yourself repairs to tips on parenting, Arew has something for everyone. If the sod has resistance, it is rooted in and can be treated as an established . Identifying Common Lawn Weeds Mid to late spring is an ideal time. Spring and early fall are ideal times for laying sod, when the weather is usually cool and rainy but not cold. While the initial investment in sod may be higher than do-it-yourself seed planting, the end result is often worth the extra expense. Laying sod can be a time-consuming and frustrating task, which is why at Coastal Turf, we are here to help from start to finish. It all comes down to temperature. If you live in an area with harsh winters, wait until spring when temperatures have warmed up enough to support new grass growth. We have a sod calculator so you can estimate the pricing for your installation. Water thoroughly one or two days before the sod is delivered so that the top several inches of soil are wetted. Here in Colorado, however, we can achieve mild temperatures year-round, and the temperature isn't the only factor to consider. Julie Christensen is a food writer, caterer, and mom-chef. Water each section of turfing as soon as it has been laid. 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. Regardless of the season, the ground must be ready for the sod to take root and create the beautiful lush lawn you desire. As a general rule, keep the soil moist three inches below the surface when establishing. 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. Some of the old standby varieties need more water, fertilizer and fungicides. 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. Sod can be laid at other times of the year, but it may not establish as well due to heat stress or drought conditions. In fact, if you value your time and want a low-maintenance lawn, installing sod may be your best option. For more tips and information. Avoid installing sod if it's colder than 25 degrees. In a perfect situation, anything below 40 degrees Fahrenheit would be too cold. When the turf tries to absorb moisture from the ground, the ice freezes the blades, killing your new sod. Similar to other times of the year, youll want to maintain a healthy watering schedule that keeps the sod moist, but not too wet during the first 14 days of fall. It is, however, best to do so in the spring or early autumn. Be sure you choose a supplier that offers freshly cut sod. These include protecting the ground from erosion, using less water, and having the sod take root and grow as soon as spring hits. Here are some key things to aware of when laying sod in the fall: A good number of people, particularly in the south where warm season grasses are grown, believe that laying sod in the winter isnt possible. Click to visit the supplier's official website. Rake the area . Sod is perishable and should be installed immediately after delivery, especially when the weather is hot and dry. Make sure the finish grade is true. 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. 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. 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. Writing professionally since 2010, Amy Rodriguez cultivates successful cacti, succulents, bulbs, carnivorous plants and orchids at home. Just dont leave it rolled up or the situation will worsen and quickly. On the other hand, cold weather makes it more difficult for the grass to take. Be sure to fertilize your lawn to promote healthy rooting and establishment. In mild climates, you can lay sod almost year round as long as the ground isn't frozen or a frost isn't expected. The best time to lay sod is in the spring or fall, when the weather is cool and wet. Its a lot quicker. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Sod can be sown in the summer, but it is more challenging because the heat can cause the sod to dry out quickly. Installing and caring for your sod doesnt have to be hard, but doing it properly will protect your investment for years to come. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Lawnifi 9 Bottle Annual Fertilizer Program. link to How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? . Avoid laying sod just before the ground freezes. Youre not made of sugar and you wont dissolve if you get a bit damp. Take pictures (preferably with the date and time on them if youre camera lets you do that) and email them immediately. The links above are pointed to a sponsors website. Walking over it may damage your grass. This will result in a professional-looking job that you can be proud of. If youve not done it before, heres a video from our sister-company to remind you how its done. You'll need to be diligent in keeping it watered, and ideally water the soil before putting down your sod. Our seasonal Homeowner Maintenance Guides compile all the care information for your specific grass type during the spring, summer and fall. Delay sod installations until soil temperatures are consistently in the mid-50s F or warmer. Laying turf is a quick and easy way to achieve your ideal lawn. Lastly, ensure your new lawn is properly maintained and watered. How long does it take for sod to root? The inside of the roll will get all hot and steamy - like a sauna - and the plants will die. Rainfall Another factor to consider is the amount of rainfall in your area. Their biggest concern is with homeowners who just dont know enough about, the ground and sod during a dormant season. The optimal temperature range for sodding is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This mineral buildup can block the showerhead's water flow, preventing it from Can you cook mince 1 day out of date? The sponsor is an artificial grass manufacturer located in China. Many people ask, What temperature is too cold to lay sod? What temperature is suitable for sodding? Oftentimes, people purchase sod through local distributors, landscapers or even big-box retailers. 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. If there is no potential for frost or freeze, water the ground and lay the dormant sod end to end. If youre using a warm-season grass, like Bermuda or St. Augustine, its best to lay sod in the spring or summer. They range between 13-26. If sodding a hillside or steep slope, lay sod horizontally. So generally the best time for applying weed and feed in early spring or early autumn. Here are a few tips for sowing sod in hot weather: Sod is a great way to give your yard a fresh, new look. As mentioned, you want to have the right type of sod and plan to sod on a day when temperatures are mild and the ground is not frozen. (and trust me, you DO want to avoid sod heating). as well. You might get wet knees or muddy hands but that doesnt matter. They range between 1326. This also gives the sod plenty of time to get established before winter weather arrives. The team at Coastal Turf has over 15 years of experience, and a passionate team behind them. Add 2 inches of compost or manure, as well as any other amendments indicated by a soil test. If its too hot, the sod will dry out and die. If you must lay sod early, try to wait until late spring and position the grass in a sunny area. The days are getting longer, the temperatures are warming up, and the rainfall is typically plentiful. Located in China and delivers to the world. St. Augustine turf is naturally dormant in the winter, so it is essential to lay the sod no later than mid-summer for proper soil adhesion and root growth. Do you love your home landscape as much as we do? Knowing when to lay sod is an important step in your lawn care journey, so were here with the expert tips on proper maintenance. Sod heating is common in hot weather. New sods roots are tender and highly vulnerable to extreme temperatures. What temperature does grass germinate? In general, though, the ideal time to lay sod is when daytime temperatures are cool between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. 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. Fill in holes, pull weeds. Keeping your lawn in tip top shape is crucial in the journey of homeownership. Sodding in the spring has its drawbacks because soil and air temperatures are still relatively cool. How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? 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. 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. There are a few disadvantages to laying sod, namely the cost and the effort required. 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. 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 dont want to lay sod in the middle of a heatwave or a cold snap. Cold, dry winds can dry out the roots quickly and cause major issues. Make sure your choice of grass is suitable for your landscape environment. Make sure there are no more opportunities for a freeze before laying new sod. 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. on Anti Glare Window Film for Artificial Grass Will Save You Money, on The Melting Point of Artificial Grass (And How to Make Sure Your Turf Doesnt Melt), on Throw the Ultimate Summer Barbecue by Following These Key Rules, on Telling a STORY With Macys New Concept Store and SYNLawn, on 4 Party-Ready Design Ideas for Artificial Turf in Dallas, Synthetic Turf Lawns Give Homeowners A Variety Of Color Choices, Click to visit the supplier's official website, Anti Glare Window Film for Artificial Grass Will Save You Money, The Melting Point of Artificial Grass (And How to Make Sure Your Turf Doesnt Melt), Throw the Ultimate Summer Barbecue by Following These Key Rules, Telling a STORY With Macys New Concept Store and SYNLawn, 4 Party-Ready Design Ideas for Artificial Turf in Dallas. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Check the soil to determine what nutrients the ground needs to best support root growth. Spring is also a great time of year to complete this landscaping project, but due to the fact that grass continues to grow despite the cooler weather in early and mid-fall, fall months win this close battle between spring and fall seasons as the most ideal time to lay sod. If its too cold, too hot or both, your sod wont root into the ground. The best time to lay your new sod is when night temperatures range between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Some of us even wonder, how much does it cost to re-sod a yard?. The two bottles ofGroware for improved soil health and the single bottle ofMaintainis designed to feed the lawn. Heres how to get best results when laying turf in hot weather. You might be able to get away with a light drizzle, but taking on this task in heavy rain will cause you more issues and stress in the long run. Check around for reputable sod sources so the sod youre getting contains the right grasses for your lawn. Aim to have at least 3 pairs of hands on site ready to receive the delivery. The three bottles work together to establish thick, healthy grass. At the very least you should unroll each piece and expose the plant layer to the light. Rake the area to smooth and level it. Use grass plugs to test a grasss shade tolerance or to determine how well a certain grass type performs in your home landscape. If you decide to go this route, remember to: The fourth thing to consider is your lawn. There are a few things to consider when deciding when to lay sod. In fact, you might need to lightly water the sod once or twice a day, depending on weather conditions, to keep the soil below moist for root growth. Too much rain can cause the sod to rot, while not enough rain can cause it to dry out and die. The ideal temperature for laying sod is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Whether youre on the hunt for one-time sod installation, or recurring services, were the team for the job. Is It Safe to Lay St. Augustine Sod in October? However, extreme cold does not affect some grass types, like turfgrass. We could not be happier with the results and service we have received. Powered by Coalmarch. That demonstrates how hardy sod can be. 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. Our yard looks amazing and we will be life long customers. Fix any areas that dip to avoid issues with drainage. This is because cool-season grasses do better in shady areas, and they have a tendency to go dormant in the summer heat. So whether you're looking for guidance on how to make your home more energy efficient or just want some inspiration for dinner tonight, be sure to check out Arew! What is the average time it takes to lay sod? If youre looking for more information on sod installation in South Carolina, keep reading. Here are some other tips for laying sod. Good ventilation is essential if you want to avoid sod heating. The ideal temperature for laying sod is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Dry and/or hard soil. In the second week, water every other day and then transition to twice a week. We recommend our. The dormant sod can be frozen but does need to be thawed prior to rolling it out. Postpone summer installation if temperatures are in the high 80's or 90's. . Sod will not root properly if the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. 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. The box contains three bottles of liquid fertilizer powered byCatalyst TechnologyTMto nano-size the nutrients for efficiency and effectiveness. Thats important to them, but not necessarily beneficial to you. Sit back and relax, and let the professionals get their hands dirty. Once prepared, the soil surface should be firm and covered with about one-half inch of loose soil. It's never too late to start laying the ground! Sod also discourages soil erosion, provides instant landscape coverage, and can help eliminate the need for pesticides and herbicides. Creating a lawn by laying sod is simpler than babying grass seed along, but its not without its hazards. Preparation is key, so you should allow a few weeks before youre ready to start the project. Broadly there are two kinds of grasses, warm-season and cold-season. Here are some other. If it is necessary to store the sod for a couple of days, lay it out . 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. The ground should stay moist, not saturated, and this can be accomplished with winter precipitation. Our product line of Lawnifi grass seed features fertilizer coated seed designed to promote root growth and successful establishment at planting. Take measurements of your yard to ensure you purchase the correct amount of sod. However, it can still establish at lower temperatures at a slower rate. It's not ideal to install sod in very hot weather because adding fertilizer can cause the grass to burn. The best time of year to lay sod is in the spring or fall, when the temperatures are cooler and the rainfall is plentiful. While it may seem like a good idea, watering rolled up sod will actually accelerate the heating process! A classic sign of soil compaction is when a lawn feels bone dry and dense to the touch and rock hard underfoot. If its too cold, the sod wont take root and will eventually die as well. But there are other benefits to laying sod in the winter as well. At lower temperatures, the ground might freeze, preventing the roots from becoming established. 31581 E. 128th Ave. 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 also run the risk of having weeds invade before your grass has had a chance to grow on its own. People with heatstroke arent very good at laying turf quickly. Water again before you go to bed. Make sure you have plenty of sunscreen, are wearing a hat, have enough to eat and most importantly, keep yourselves well hydrated. 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. 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 lay grass during winter, the roots will remain dormant until hot temperatures hit. Best Temperature For Laying Sod Is 60-80 Degrees Best temperature for laying sodis 60-80 degrees. Here are some key things to be aware of when laying sod in the winter: Spring is the second best time of year to lay sod, and in certain cases (depending on where you live), it can be an even better time to lay sod. Your sod will not green up until the spring. The best time to lay sod is late summer or early fall, when daytime temperatures are still warm and nighttime temperatures are cooler. If youre laying sod in a sunny area, you can do so year-round, as long as the temperature is right. Avoid laying sod during times of drought or water restriction. Many of us wonder who sells the best sod?, or who sells the cheapest sod?. As always, when using a chemical, be sure to read and follow all guidelines on the product label. How Warm Must it Be to Plant Lawn Grass Seed? You will want the soil to be damp three to four inches below the surface. How Long Does It Take to Lay Sod? 2023 Coastal Turf. Joe Churchill is a Senior Turf Specialist for Reinders, Inc. in Plymouth, MN with a passion to promote realistic and environmentally-sound turfgrass maintenance practices through responsible use of water, fertilizers, pesticides and other inputs. Avoid installing sod in summer as the extra water required for establishment could result in added disease pressure and increased water bills.