Water often to make sure of this. All low areas should be filled in and high spots removed. Once spring hits and the temperature starts rising into the 60s (Fahrenheit), thats the time to start thinking about laying your turf grass. There are a few things to consider when deciding when to lay sod. You will want to make sure that you keep your sod extra moist to maintain root healthespecially if you get an early hot day. 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. The optimal temperature range for sodding is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Sod can be installed at almost any time of the year. However, spring and autumn are the best seasons for sod. Never ever water rolled up turf. 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. At hotter temperatures, the sod dries out more quickly and suffers more shock. At hotter temperatures, the sod dries out more quickly and suffers more shock. Its, therefore, difficult for the sods tender roots to absorb enough moisture and nutrients from the soil. How to Lay Sod . Best Temperature For Laying Sod Is 60-80 Degrees Best temperature for laying sodis 60-80 degrees. There are a few things to consider when deciding when to lay sod. What is the average time it takes to lay sod? Preparation is key, so you should allow a few weeks before youre ready to start the project. However, there are types of sod that perform differently in this temperature. We may earn a commission from your purchases. As soon as the lorry arrives with your turf on board, start unstacking the pallet. And you will need to work fast. I think that is where my passion for landscaping and lawn care started. Make sure the ground is level and free of any debris. Postpone summer installation if temperatures are in the high 80's or 90's. . Insect Identification Bear in mind that should your turf not establish well, its for you to prove to your supplier that you DID lay it within 8 hours of delivery. Joe's client base includes professional turf managers serving the lawn care, sports turf and golf course industries. 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. You may need to order a bit extra to account for any discrepancies. Mid to late spring is an ideal time. Avoid laying sod just before the ground freezes. At lower temperatures, the ground might freeze, preventing the roots from becoming established. Sod rolls can heat up and quickly deteriorate during transport, or while its still stacked on a pallet waiting to be installed. There are a few disadvantages to laying sod, namely the cost and the effort required. 2023 Coastal Turf. While it may make sense to wait, sometimes you dont have a choice. As a result, there is no harm in installing this type of turf during cold seasons such as winter. When the turf tries to absorb moisture from the ground, the ice freezes the blades, killing your new sod. 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. The surface should slope away from foundations. . Stagger the sod rolls to eliminate long-running seams. The tender grass roots are easily damaged by heat and drought. Menu. As always, when using a chemical, be sure to read and follow all guidelines on the product label. Tight-fitting seams will also grow together and disappear quicker than loose-fitting ones. Avoid working the soil when it's wet, which causes hard clumps of soil to form. It should be watered at least 6 inches deep to get it established, and watered heavily enough that it will not die during hot weather, as it is not . While it may seem like a good idea, watering rolled up sod will actually accelerate the heating process! Warm soil temperatures help sod roots quickly knit into the soil surface. 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. Here are some other tips for laying sod. 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! Snow and frost cover the grass during extreme cold. MOQ 500m. If the sod has resistance, it is rooted in and can be treated as an established . This will result in a professional-looking job that you can be proud of. The bigger the lawn youre laying, the more people you should have to help. How Do I Fix Bare or Brown Spots in My Lawn? Before rolling out the soil, make sure it has thawed. If youre waiting for spring weather, its important not to wait too long. 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. 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 team at Coastal Turf has over 15 years of experience, and a passionate team behind them. How Late in the Year Can You Put Sod Down. Removing more than one-third to one-half of the leaf blade during one pass can shock newly installed sod. 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. Till the amendments into the soil to a depth of 4 inches. Installing and caring for your sod doesnt have to be hard, but doing it properly will protect your investment for years to come. 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. Because St. Augustine grass prefers hot weather for active growth, water the sod directly after installation. Keep the soil moist until the sprouts are about two inches tall. If youre using a cool-season grass, like fescue or rye, its best to lay sod in the fall or winter. This will help reduce stress on the grass as it adapts to its new environment. The tender grass roots are easily damaged by heat and drought. We recommend our. The installation window for sodding is wide open, compared to the tighter window with seeding. While you can lay soil at almost any time of year, fall is . link to Can you cook mince 1 day out of date? Make sure your yard is leveled 1 inch below the sidewalk. You will need to continuously water the grass throughout the winter and its dormancy. Good ventilation is essential if you want to avoid sod heating. 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. How Warm Must it Be to Plant Lawn Grass Seed? 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. 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. Water your lawn early in the morning, midday and early afternoon to help make sure it does not dry out. Laying sod is the best choice when it's too hot to plant and nurture grass seed. The annual subscription includes three seasonal boxes for spring, summer and fall. In general, temperatures between 32-58 F (0-14 C) run the risk of damaging sod, while temperatures below 32 F (0 C) can be fatal. Continuous cycles of too wet and too dry soil conditions will stress new sod. In general, though, the ideal time to lay sod is when daytime temperatures are cool between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Here are a few things to keep in mind about the temperature and sod: Tammy Slater is the founder of arew.org, a home and garden blog that provides inspiration and resources for homeowners and renters alike. Worst Time of Year for Lay Sod. The sod will dry out or die if you plant it during peak summer temperatures. Avoid installing sod if it's colder than 25 degrees. This turf must NOT dry out. Take pictures (preferably with the date and time on them if youre camera lets you do that) and email them immediately. Give the sod time to knit into the ground. The ideal temperature for laying sod is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal time to lay sod is mid-March to mid-April in the spring, or mid-September to mid-October in the fall. It should have just enough moisture content to keep the dust down. Unlike other grass species, St. Augustine (Stenotaphrum secundatum) turf is not typically seeded because it spreads easily through above ground stolons. You see, the heat inside a roll of sod is not only produced from the sun, but it is also produced . 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. DO NOT water the sod while it's rolled up. Read more in this blog. You should never lay sod on frozen ground: The roots need room to grow, and if the soil is frozen, they cant get established. In addition to temperature and type of sod, you must also consider proper ground preparation. Many homeowners prefer installing sod instead of babying grass seeds to create a beautiful lawn. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Our product line of Lawnifi grass seed features fertilizer coated seed designed to promote root growth and successful establishment at planting. 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. 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. The expiration date also labeled Arew is the go-to source for all your home improvement, gardening, cooking, and family needs. The days are getting shorter, the temperatures are cooling off, and the ground is beginning to harden as it preparing for winter. Youll therefore notice some dead patches throughout your entire lawn. 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. You dont want to lay sod in an area thats been experiencing a lot of rain, as this can cause the sod to rot. When youre ready to tackle this project, make sure you do your research and find the best time to lay sod in your area. Some of us even wonder, how much does it cost to re-sod a yard?. Instead, water the sod in smaller amounts, several times during the day. As long as the ground isnt frozen, you can lay sod any time of year. The inside of the roll will get all hot and steamy like a sauna and the plants will die. You can sow sod anytime the ground and temperatures do not exceed 90 degrees. If your lawn is facing a problem and you arent sure whats causing it, check out some of our recommended blogs here. Sodding in the spring has its drawbacks because soil and air temperatures are still relatively cool. But there are other benefits to laying sod in the winter as well. Also, since sod is heavy, its hard to maneuver over frozen ground so you wont be able to position it properly. Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. Thinking about installing new sod? 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. Cold-season grasses like fescue can be put down at any time of year, though they prefer the cooler months. The best time to lay sod is late summer or early fall, when daytime temperatures are still warm and nighttime temperatures are cooler. The reason is that the sod on the edges is the most likely to dry out. Aim to have at least 3 pairs of hands on site ready to receive the delivery. Julie Christensen is a food writer, caterer, and mom-chef. 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. What temperature is too cold for sod? It is, however, best to do so in the spring or early autumn. Sod is perishable and should be installed immediately after delivery, especially when the weather is hot and dry. 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. You can only lay sod so fast though. Use a sharp-edged spade or sod knife to carefully cut sod pieces so they fit snugly against trees, landscape beds and sidewalks. These weeds are stealing nutrients and moisture meant for the St. Augustine sod. When you lay this turf during freezing temperatures, the sod will remain dormant until the spring season. 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. Prep your soil by watering, and lay compost for the next few weeks. When your turf arrives you will need to lay it immediately no faffing! The best time to lay sod depends on various factors. Learn more aboutThe Benefits of Laying Sod in the Winteror check out ourinstallation guide. During this time, hard frost may settle on your fresh grass. Taper back watering in the shadier spots since these areas are more prone to fungus and disease pressure. Avoid installing sod in summer as the extra water required for establishment could result in added disease pressure and increased water bills. Without consistent moisture, the grass might go dormant or simply die back. Check around for reputable sod sources so the sod youre getting contains the right grasses for your lawn. Cultured sod comes with a pre-established root system to get it off to a quick start. You will want the soil to be damp three to four inches below the surface. And thats why we have sod, because many of us prefer a ready-made lawn to one that needs time and nurturing. New sods roots are tender and highly vulnerable to extreme temperatures. 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. Rake the area . Spring is generally regarded as the best time of year to lay sod. The first factor to consider is the weather. Any delay in getting your turf unrolled and installed could result in sod heating. Cold, dry winds can dry out the roots quickly and cause major issues. Finding a quality provider for sod can be daunting at times. (and trust me, you DO want to avoid sod heating). Incredibly, it popped out from under the snow the following spring with no severe damage or subsequent issues. The second is your schedule. By planting within the correct temperature range, the St. Augustine lawn should be firmly rooted in approximately two weeks. 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. Grasses in the warm season zone need to be able to . Sod heating is common in hot weather. Lawnifi Complete Program 9 Bottle Annual Fertilizer. Challenges to installing sod in the summer. This. We have a sod calculator so you can estimate the pricing for your installation. Some times, however, are better than others: We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. In either season, avoid laying sod during hot, dry weather because it wont be able to take root properly in parched soil and will die off quickly.. If you have a busy week coming up, it might not be the best time to lay sod, because it is a labor-intensive project. But again, it all depends on whether you live in a colder or warmer region. Over time, I have made my passion a way of life. You can seed your lawn with Zoysia or you can lay sod. This is one of those times when many hands make light work. Therefore, note; The deep-freezing temperature is too cold to lay your sod. If you absolutely must lay sod in the fall, do so as early in the season as possible. You can enjoy your sodded lawn sooner than a seeded one. 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. Once established, sod becomes less vulnerable to the vagaries of the weather, including temperature extremes. How Long Does It Take to Lay Sod? The biggest factor is the weather. If the weather is hot and dry during these early weeks, water it up to once a day or as needed to keep it from browning. Additionally, keep off the lawn when its covered in frost. Keeping your lawn in tip top shape is crucial in the journey of homeownership. This is because the temperatures have cooled down from the summer highs and you tend to get more precipitation during these months. It's never too late to start laying the ground! Conduct a soil test to ensure your soil has the right balance of proper nutrients. 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. 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. All rights reserved. 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. Once prepared, the soil surface should be firm and covered with about one-half inch of loose soil. However, there are types of sod that perform differently in this temperature. Here are a few tips for sowing sod in hot weather: Sod is a great way to give your yard a fresh, new look. 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. If youre laying sod in a shady area, its best to do so in the spring or fall. Rain may delay this project. The ideal temperature for laying sod is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because cool-season grasses do better in shady areas, and they have a tendency to go dormant in the summer heat. Is It Safe to Lay St. Augustine Sod in October? Sod will not root properly if the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. We decided to give 4 ways to prevent overheating sod: 1. And with new content being added every day, there's always something new to discover. Creating a lawn by laying sod is simpler than babying grass seed along, but its not without its hazards. It's not ideal to install sod in very hot weather because adding fertilizer can cause the grass to burn. Rainfall Another factor to consider is the amount of rainfall in your area. The benefits of laying sod are many, including a fast way to achieve an even, green lawn. How Long Will Sod Last After It Is Rolled Up? Moderate temperatures are best when laying new sod. will point you in the right direction. If you roll and water your sod appropriately, freezing temperatures may not be detrimental. 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. Read on to learn more. The best growing conditions for laying sod are the same as planting a lawn from seed:(new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=2ba02a33-c319-4410-bba7-f8321a13bed3&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "2ba02a33-c319-4410-bba7-f8321a13bed3" }).render("00499ba9282e4d1b985fa8af14d29c2b"); }); Laying sod can be done almost any time after the ground thaws in the spring and before it freezes again in late fall. Water daily until the sod is firmly knitted into the soil. Water the new lawn once a day during the first week, ideally early in the day so the sod has plenty of daylight time to absorb the water. If you live in an area with harsh winters, wait until spring when temperatures have warmed up enough to support new grass growth. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Learn more here. But if you have a spot in your yard that needs new grass right away, dont wait go ahead and lay sod! After the sod is installed the initial watering should soak the sod and hydrate the soil below many inches. If youre thinking of laying sod, here are a few things to keep in mind: Its never too late to sow sod! 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. Your lawn is the first impression for your neighbors and guests, so it deserves the special care that our technicians provide. What temperature does grass germinate? Water each section of turfing as soon as it has been laid. However, the practice comes with a myriad of challenges. This is because cool temperatures and light rain encourage sod growth. They range between 13-26. Anything above 85 degrees Fahrenheit would be too hot. When youre laying sod, timing is everything. 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. Also grow together and disappear quicker than loose-fitting ones immediately no faffing moist to maintain healthespecially. One pass can shock newly installed sod when many hands make light work are still warm and nighttime are. Care that our technicians provide what is the amount of rainfall in your area sods roots are tender and vulnerable! When your turf on board, start unstacking what temperature is too hot to lay sod pallet in shady,. Plants will die daytime temperatures are cooling off, and family needs consider... Lower temperatures, the ideal temperature for laying sod are many, including temperature extremes its not! The high 80 & # x27 ; s not ideal to install sod the... A result, there 's always something new to discover: its never too to. 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