If it's cold when you're laying sod, St. Augustine grass or Bermuda grass will already be brown and dormant for the winter. We live and grow in a cool season turf zone You may think the term makes this item something unique, while in practice sod is something very simple to understand. California Sod Center: Laying Sod - A Step-By-Step Guide to Your New Lawn, University of Arkansas Extension: Turf - Warm Season by Scientific Name, The Temperature for Laying St. Augustine Sod. Sod can be and is planted at any time during the growing season and sod’s needs are also fairly well matched for the spring, but let’s look at why landscaping your Chicago yard with sod in fall makes the most sense. Fall is a great time to sod. Because of that, it's best to run the sod at right angles to the slope. This makes your work easier as you’ve to concentrate on sod … In order to find out when is it too late to sow grass seed, you need to figure out the right time to sow grass seeds. Is it too late to plant sod? Is that true with sod being laid this late in the growing season? I've read that in general, early Fall is a good time to plant sod, but wasn't sure if this also held true to the front range area. We're finishing up a swimming pool in the next couple of weeks, and my formerly beautiful tifway 419 backyard is destroyed is many places. If you have other issues with which to contend, from poor drainage to partial shade to high traffic, discuss those as well with your sod vendor or extension service. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Plugs and sprigs should be planted between late April and June. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This because the temperatures are cooler and it’s generally wetter, conditions which these grasses thrive in. Most landscape plants reach their maturity during the fall. Few tips before Sod Installation: i) Clear your lawn before laying sods. The timing requirement would be that the sod be laid at least five weeks ahead of the first hard frost in your area. Re: TifTuf Sod Install...Too late? During Fall, winter is still far away that lends you enough time to lay your sods, fertilize and mow them. Sod may be laid somewhat later in the season, as long as there is enough time for the sod to knit into the soil before the end of the growing season.” FWIW, I have a small area that needs sodding (BR) and I plan to do it this week or next. Finally getting to the point where I can lay sod in my backyard with all of the landscape construction that's been going on. The second best time to install sod is during the spring. If your sod can be installed in one day, all the better. For example, the best time to lay Bermuda sod (Cynodon dactylon), zoysia (Zoysia spp.) Q: Is it too late to put down sod before it starts turning cooler? We're finishing up a swimming pool in the next couple of weeks, and my formerly beautiful tifway 419 backyard is destroyed is many places. It is more expensive than growing a conventional lawn.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'yardandgardenguru_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',110,'0','0'])); In total, it can cost around $400 to purchase the sod for a 1,000 square foot area. In theory, breaking out the grass seed and waiting for your new lawn to grow sounds great; however, this can take too long for your needs, so searching for a faster alternative can be the best option for you, and for your lawn. Will it root before it becomes too cold? Even before you lay your first piece, you need to ensure the ground where you will be laying has been watered, so it is moist yet not soaked, the day before installation. It is also too late to plant grass seed. Once your roots begin to take hold, you can begin reducing the frequency of watering. The best time to lay it is during the spring rainy season in your area. I've done a few searches and couldn't quite find my answer. We get lots of calls about the best time to lay sod and here in the Metro Houston area the springtime is the best because of the reasons covered in Michael Romine’s video. Call 281-431-7441. twolabs. As long as you choose the right type of grass variety, sod can be safely installed in Colorado before the first frost, in fall, but the best time for sod installation is in spring or in milder weather periods throughout the growing season – the important thing is to have strong grass roots before the soil freezes and stays frozen for months. Answer: Summer (late summer) Explanation: Sod can be installed at almost any time of the year. The best time to lay it is during the spring rainy season in your area. I've done a few searches and couldn't quite find my answer. Posted by YsF2015 in Did You Know? I noticed this on the weekend. That's not an issue in the Bay Area, where the newly laid sod can survive even if it's installed during the cold months. As long as you choose the right type of grass variety, sod can be safely installed in Colorado before the first frost, in fall, but the best time for sod installation is in spring or in milder weather periods throughout the growing season – the important thing is to have strong grass roots before the soil freezes and stays frozen for months. For our cool season grasses like Durablend Tall Fescue and HD 2000 Kentucky Bluegrass, you can install sod all year long. In the basic form, sod is a grass that has a layer of soil beneath it, which is held in place by the roots of the grass. Take all root rot kicked in on St. Augustine in late April and May. Winter is actually a great time to install sod! However, if this isn’t possible, lay out your pieces in shaded areas and keep them moist by sprinkling them with water. Ideal Time Frame The best time to start a new lawn from seed, or to scatter seed over an existing lawn, in the Northeast is from August 15 to September 15. While we’re at it, we’ll take a look at the reasons for choosing sod and how to care for it. This is where using turf sod vs grass seed proves to be a lot more advantageous (seeds may only be used when stable 20C weather holds), and we use it extensively in our sodding jobs in Markham, North York, Richmond Hill, and rest of the GTA: A: Turf expert Clint Waltz says you can do it ^IF^ you properly prepare beforehand. You have to do preparation before you lay sod on top of grass. Unfortunately, if you don't have the luxury of picking your planting time, you do the best you can. This does not cost you anything. This podcast details how late-season sod establishments of both cool and warm-season turfgrasses can actually benefit from the typically cool, moist environments of Virginia's fall and early winter months. Insist on fresh sod that has been harvested no more than 48 hours before you lay it. California Sod Center: Select the Perfect Type of Grass for Your Yard. I am having sod installed on October 7th this year (Shakopee, MN). Planting sod in Utah in late summer/early fall is the most advantageous as this allows your new lawn to adapt to the winter months and become prepared for the spring growing season. I have a very large patch of dirt (15X20 feet) and a couple smaller areas of dirt (4X4 feet). One good thing with laying a sod lawn is it will look even, rather than a lawn you have that may appear patchy, or has weed problems in some areas. The existing grass must be extremely sparse or you will have to bring in dirt and put it on top before laying the new sod. 6 years ago. I was told that it will either "take" this year, or go dormant, but either way that it will be fine in the Spring. The sod company may have a blend of warm- and cold-weather grasses that performs well all year round in your area. Fresh sod needs to be planted quickly so it can be watered and start receiving nutrients from the soil. We get lots of calls about the best time to lay sod and here in the Metro Houston area the springtime is the best because of the reasons covered in Michael Romine’s video. The ground needs to be clear of all rocks and debris, besides any weeds which are stubborn and keep showing themselves. It is now July and I live in Oklahoma where it can be hot (90's - 100's). Post by jim7white » Mon Sep 14, 2020 11:44 pm I sodded bermuda in late October in Southern California, and it took just fine. The best time to lay sod, however, is in early and mid-fall when temperatures are cooler but grass continues to grow. During the summer the temperature is hot and there’s too much sun exposure. Most landscape plants reach their maturity during the fall. Late season sodding increases establishment issues. In fact fall is one of the best times to install turf grass sod. Other things to think about are grading of the earth to prevent puddling, and checking for soil deficiencies. Over the past few weeks, and on a related note, one of the most common questions we’re hearing is whether it’s too late to LAY SOD in Northern Indiana. In order to get the best results possible, plan ahead. For most, 16-x24-inch sod pieces work great on home lawns. The reason is because temperatures start to fall and homeowners can take advantage of natural rainfall as the monsoon season draws to a close. Fall is great to lay sod for another reason. If you're uncertain which option is best in your specific microclimate, talk to your local extension service or sod vendor. Temperature. Summer is the least preferable time because you may need extra watering before grass takes root, and you can create light and disease as a result. Once you begin laying your sod, you need to do so in a bricklaying pattern, so the edges don’t run in a single line. Similarly, planting in the cold requires some adjustments. Over the past few weeks, and on a related note, one of the most common questions we’re hearing is whether it’s too late to LAY SOD in Northern Indiana. The short answer is NOPE! Laying sod in August, for example, means extra watering to keep the grass from shriveling and dying. In general, they need more water than warm-season grasses but can tolerate some drought. I wouldn't worry TOO much about the cones and needles that fall after the sod is planted, rake them gently every week or two depending … His articles have appeared on numerous home and garden sites including Our Everyday Life, GoneOutdoors, TheNest and eHow. If the soil is poor, adding fertilizer, organic material or higher-quality topsoil is not mandatory but is definitely helpful. Denver, CO – – – Ed Markham, President of the Rocky Mountain Sod Growers, advises homeowners to consider Fall sod installations and proper Fall watering guidelines. Not too late but perhaps a bit more risk from winter injury. Generally, sod may be laid at any time between mid-April until mid-December, weather permitting. The timing requirement would be that the sod be laid at least five weeks ahead of the first hard frost in your area. Both warm- and cool-season grasses can be laid during the cold months if necessary. Just be sure to take the extra time and plan ahead to ensure that your sod takes root before the ground freezes. Plugs and sprigs should be planted between late April and June. Warm season grass needs to be planted in late spring or early summer to give the roots a chance to get established before hot summer begins. So, once you order, you do need to be sure your area has had all the preparation. Spring is the second best time to lay sod and is the preferable time for warm season grasses such as centipede, zoysia, Bermuda, and St. Augustine that become dormant in the winter. It doesn’t matter if you are laying sod, new sod, or thinking about this method.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'yardandgardenguru_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_8',109,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'yardandgardenguru_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_9',109,'0','1'])); Here, we will show all you need to know about sod from the best time to lay sod, to how much it costs, and what preparation you have to do. Zoysiagrass sod needs plenty of water while its roots develop. A-G Sod Farms: When Is the Best Time to Plant a Yard? Once you do this, you have to aerate your soil area, so the earth isn’t too compacted. I got this from Heartland Turf Farms in Columbia, IL----so same as southern Ontario. Before Sod Install Odd Jobs LLC Common sense would tell you to lay Sod in the summer, and that’s actually a bad idea. Your email address will not be published. While sod looks mature when laid it is still in the delicate stage of establishing its roots in the new soil and should always be treated as if it were a tender young plant. Because sod can be installed quickly, and it gives you a near-instant lawn. Is it too late to re-sod this year? In Texas, that means laying this sod between the late spring and late summer months. It does require preparation of the ground where you will be laying your sod. Our temperatures are getting colder and our days are getting short. Warm-season grasses love the heat, so they'll grow well in the summer sun, and most do well in drought conditions. May be different for Edmonton Alberta Is it too late to install sod? Benefits of Laying Sod in the Fall. For cool season grasses (Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Rye, Fescues) the BEST time to lay sod is in the late summer or early fall. Fall in Colorado is the best time to lay sod. This has been, once again, tested by the experts over a long period of time, and the experts have found out the following: There are several kinds of grasses out there. Call 281-431-7441. Sod will last for up to … If you do not have spring rain where you live, water the sod daily for seven to 10 days after you lay it. Any discussion of planting grass needs to begin with the type of grass you're planting. He was educated at Memorial University of Newfoundland and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. Riding Lawn Mower With Snow Blower Attachment, Socket Sizes in Order from Smallest to Largest, How Many Squares are in a Bundle of Shingles, Best Riding Lawn Mower With Snow Blower Attachment, How Long After Weed Killer Can I Plant Grass Seed, How to Flush a Radiator with a Garden Hose. Once you see how to do this, you can save a chunk of money and lay out your sod yourself. Best Time to Lay Bermuda Sod. When is it too late to lay sod? They don't like the cold, though, and they'll go brown and become dormant in winter. No, it is not too late. In general – unsurprisingly – warm-season grasses are best planted when it's warm and cold-season grasses when it's cooler. Knowing when it is too late to seed depends on your location and the climatic conditions expected. The reason for doing so in early fall is because the temperatures are cooler at that particular time of year. However, It is recommended to lay sod when it is actively growing. Your choice of grass determines how they'll look. Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoyosa being some which lay dormant during the winter. My front yard looks like crap and I want to fix it. Sod must be planted within 48 hours of the time it is harvested. One roll of sod will cover ten (10) square feet. ft. Depending on your climate, sod can be laid year-round, including in late fall. It's a high end property and they will not mind the extra cost. It's too late to seed up here in New England, but I still have one last job that could bring good money before I start my fall clean ups. Get ready for spring early. Best Time to Lay Bermuda Sod I want to get a sod cutter, remove the old lawn, and put down new sod. Spring is the second best time to lay sod and is the preferable time for warm season grasses such as centipede, zoysia, bermuda, and St. Augustine that become dormant in the winter. I was told it is too late to seed and it is better to sod in the spring or fall, but I was thinking of trying to sod. Sod can be installed at almost any time of the year. Avoiding the extreme heat of summer combined with the dry weather is the most essential thing to know when planting sod … How Late is Too Late to Lay Sod and Plant Trees? Q: Is it too late to put down sod before it starts turning cooler? In fact, FALL is the OPTIMUM WINDOW FOR SOD INSTALLATION of cool season grasses like Red Hen’s 100% Kentucky Bluegrass Sod. Thanks in advance If you want to sod your yard with Bermuda, then you would want to wait until the late Spring and summer. Sod installation is extra, and to lay the sod; you can expect to double this price. How early and how late in the season may you lay sod? Our temperatures are getting colder and our days are getting short. Immediately after installation, go over the sod with a lawn roller. How late is too late to lay bermuda sod? The reason for doing so in early fall is because the temperatures are cooler at that particular time of year.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'yardandgardenguru_com-box-4','ezslot_2',111,'0','0'])); However, grass will continue to grow at this time. I wouldn't worry TOO much about the cones and needles that fall after the sod is planted, rake them gently every week or two depending … Sod can be grown from all manner of grasses and once cut, and these take the form of grass rolls ready for delivery. Not only will it be cooler for you to do the physical work, making it easier, but the sod also prefers the moderate weather. In Maryland, this means Zoyia and Bermuda should be installed between April and Late September Winter is actually a great time to install sod! For example for cool season the best time is just after summer heat breaks, and warm season just after green up. Hello all! need cooler weather for a head start on the summer's heat, so typically – if you have the choice – you'd lay your sod in the early spring or at the beginning of autumn. For the first seven days, sprinkle the sod briefly two to three times daily to keep roots moist. May is usually the best time for planting. High temperatures can easily burn your Sod and make it 3x more difficult for it to grow correctly. Follow these steps to do the job right the first time. Your email address will not be published. How late is too late to lay bermuda sod? What Fertilizer Do You Put on Fescue Grass in the Winter? Sod is a hefty investment, so it is critical to prepare the planting area and tend the turf with care. A – During the colder months of October and November, since it’s well under 80 degrees and the risk of “cooking” your sod is no longer an issue, uninstalled sod can hold up for several days. Plan the sod pick up or schedule the delivery for the day you want to complete the project. The night before you lay the sod, irrigate the soil with 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water. When is it too late to sow grass seed? The best time to lay sod is in late summer and early fall when temperatures are cooler but grass continues to grow. Sod Laying by the Builder - TOO LATE? In areas with cold winters, the prospect of freezing temperatures and hard-frozen soil means homeowners can't put down sod too late in the season. St. Augustine sod installation works best when the temperature is between 80 and 100 degrees. DH won't let me put down sod until the deck is complete (probably wise) but that is going to put me off until at least the second week of April. You can lay sod anytime of the year providing the ground is not frozen, snow covered, or mud. Types to Install During Winter Even though warm season turf like Zoysia, Centipede, and Bermudagrass is dormant and brown (think hibernating) in the fall or winter, you can still lay it on the bare soil of your lawn. While sod can effectively grow year round, the best time to install sod in Arizona is in the fall. Late plantings may winterkill while early plantings may be damaged by a late freeze. Fred Decker is a trained chef and prolific freelance writer. Clear and level the soil as best you can, remove any weeds or debris and till the soil if it's hard packed. I drove by after work tonight and saw that they had sodded the entire front lawn. Cool-season grasses like climates with distinct hot and cold seasons. 2.Yes, you NEED to rake away the debris. One cool-season grass that is becoming popular thanks to its heat tolerance and the resistance to disease is Tall Fescue. Required fields are marked *. . Sod installation has to be with 24 to 72 hours from the time of harvest. However, no matter what time of year it is, it’s always best to get installed right away so … In mild climates, you can lay sod almost year round as long as the ground isn't frozen or a frost isn't expected. So here’s the verdict: Install early in Spring or late in the Fall.You won’t spend as much time watering or worrying about it. How late can you safely plant grass and trees? eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'yardandgardenguru_com-banner-1','ezslot_0',112,'0','0']));You also need to be sure, the place you purchase it from can deliver in the right timeframe. Common ones include an incorrect pH level, and it doesn’t hurt to add trace minerals and nitrogen to encourage growth. I'm about 20 miles south of SLC. The best time to lay sod is in late summer and early fall when temperatures are cooler but grass continues to grow. It's usually best to start sodding at the straightest edge your lawn offers, but one of the best reasons for cold-weather sodding is to stop erosion of the soil. Just the Right Amount of Rain Whether you’re using sod to start a new lawn from scratch or improve an existing one, the grass requires a lot of watering in the beginning. Is it too late to install sod? Bermuda grass has tendencies that work well in many Texas regions. Fall is great to lay sod for another reason. When you're finished, tamp down the sod with a roller and water it just as you would with a summertime planting. Give your sod at least 4-6 weeks to grow before the ground is expected to freeze. However, there is an optimum time for doing so, and the best time to lay out sod is in the late summer through to laying sod in the fall. So my apologies if it's readily available! In Texas, that means laying this sod between the late spring and late summer months. 2.Yes, you NEED to rake away the debris. Initiating a sod lawn when the temperatures are pleasant--not too hot, and not too cold--is ideal for optimum growth. This makes your work easier as you’ve to concentrate on sod installation only. Sod lawn installation can’t be done on an existing lawn, or any soil with it expected to grow. Lay sod in a straight line along the length of the site, staggering pieces so they don't end at the same place, putting edges firmly against each other. In fact, FALL is the OPTIMUM WINDOW FOR SOD INSTALLATION of cool season grasses like Red Hen’s 100% Kentucky Bluegrass Sod. A: Turf expert Clint Waltz says you can do it ^IF^ you properly prepare beforehand. This is a question that we begin hearing a lot this time of year. Once the soil is prepared and your grass is due to arrive, moisten the soil with your hose. Generally speaking, sodding (also referred to as re-sodding, or simply lawn installation) may be done at anytime of the growth season. Once all your sod is installed, you need to water sod daily with 0.2 inches of water only. When the sod is laid in the fall, it can be properly watered and tended to prior to the first rains and snows. This is a question that we begin hearing a lot this time of year. Once the ground is frozen, your sod will not be able to continue developing its root system. It's not too late to lay the sod unless where your planning to plant is pure mud at the moment. If you need to lay sod in a larger area, it’s more cost-effective to buy larger rolls. Hello all! Zoysia is the same too. In Maryland, this means Zoyia and Bermuda should be installed between April and Late September. and bluegrasses (Poa spp.) That said, you can lay sod anytime and sod installation is always … Once you go through the above, you can see, most of the hard work, growing grass is already done from the producers of the sod. Once you begin to research what is the best time to plant sod, you will see you can install it at any time of the year. May is usually the best time for planting. The reason for this is because Bermuda is a warm season grass, meaning it thrives in the heat. You do this once in the morning, and once in the later afternoon for two weeks after installation.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'yardandgardenguru_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_5',113,'0','0'])); If the weather is hotter, you will need more water to be sure the matting of sod doesn’t dry out. Cool weather fescues and ryegrasses will show more green when you first lay them but might not do as well in summer. I have "rounded up" the weeds and intend to dig and smooth the soil in the next two weeks. After your sod has been laid in your yard, properly watering your grass is a necessity, regardless of season. Installing sod can be the ideal solution, though even this takes some preparation and consideration. If you need to lay sod during the cold months, which is often the case with new construction or recently renovated houses, the early steps are the same as for summertime sodding. Cool season grass should be planted in early winter. This means you have more time to complete your project. You also need to start the day early because your aim is to complete planting sod within one day. Depending on your climate, sod can be laid year-round, including in late fall. It's not too late to lay the sod unless where your planning to plant is pure mud at the moment. Or, you can be moving into a new home, and there is no sign of lawn care anywhere, or the one there is unkempt, and it is easier to get rid of it and start afresh. Spring is the second best time to lay sod and is the preferable time for warm season grasses such as centipede, zoysia, Bermuda, and St. Augustine that become dormant in the winter. Many people are also worried that new sod will not have time to root. The Verdict on Sod. This is perfectly normal, though it's a bit disappointing if you expect the "instant lawn" you get when laying sod in warm weather. Alternatively, you might opt to sod with either a warm- or cold-weather grass and then overseed with a different variety to create a suitable mixture. Ottawa. I ask because sometime last week my builder planted my front yard tree and installed grass between my home and the home next door. How Long Will Sod Last After It Is Rolled Up? Until your sod becomes established and it turns into your new lawn, you have little to do part from tending to its needs. St. Augustine sod installation works best when the temperature is between 80 and 100 degrees. However, grass will continue to grow at this time. Hd 2000 Kentucky Bluegrass, you can be done on an existing lawn, and most well... From Heartland turf Farms in Columbia, IL -- -- so same as southern Ontario could! All the better grading of the cooler weather ; the sod unless your. People are also worried that new sod will last for up to weeks! Easier as you ’ ve to concentrate on sod installation is extra, and to lay your sods fertilize. Spring rain where you live, water the sod with a roller and water it just you. Moisten the soil yard, properly watering your grass is a great time to sod... Sodding ( BR ) and i live in Oklahoma where it can be laid at least five ahead... Alberta is it too late to sow grass seed i live in Oklahoma where can! 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