Cool temperatures and light rain are beneficial to the growth of sod. 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. 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. On the other hand, cold weather makes it more difficult for the grass to take. In general, though, the ideal time to lay sod is when daytime temperatures are cool -- between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. You will need to continuously water the grass throughout the winter and its dormancy. Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. Planting sod at the right time and temperature helps ensure that the roots become established quickly. In general, spring and fall are ideal times for laying down sod. At lower temperatures, the ground might freeze, preventing the roots from becoming established. There are a few things to consider when deciding when to lay sod. The bigger the lawn youre laying, the more people you should have to help. Lastly, ensure your new lawn is properly maintained and watered. To make the process easier, you can mix one pound of grass seed with one gallon of sand and use a spreader. Water thoroughly one or two days before the sod is delivered so that the top several inches of soil are wetted. These include protecting the ground from erosion, using less water, and having the sod take root and grow as soon as spring hits. You should never lay sod on frozen ground: The roots need room to grow, and if the soil is frozen, they cant get established. Sod rolls can heat up and quickly deteriorate during transport, or while its still stacked on a pallet waiting to be installed. Make sure the water soaks right through the turf and into the top 15cm of soil. At lower temperatures, the ground might freeze, preventing the roots from becoming established. While it may make sense to wait, sometimes you dont have a choice. Before rolling out the soil, make sure it has thawed. 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. If its too cold, too hot or both, your sod wont root into the ground. Thinking about installing new sod? It's also good to plant it during fall or spring. The links above are pointed to a sponsors website. The best time of day to lay sod is in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. Water lightly several times each day over the next two weeks so that the soil remains moist to a depth of 4 inches. Many people ask, What temperature is too cold to lay sod? What temperature is suitable for sodding? The best time of year to lay sod is in the spring or fall, when the temperatures are cooler and the rainfall is plentiful. When prepping your lawn for sod, make sure you: When installing sod, its crucial that you pay close attention to detail. Use grass plugs to test a grasss shade tolerance or to determine how well a certain grass type performs in your home landscape. New sod must be carefully watered during its first summer, but it could be easier than nurturing seeds in hot and dry weather. Even though the British Climate is unpredictable, we usually know that June, July, August and sometimes September bring spells of hot weather. Growing St. Augustine from seed is quite difficult, so using plugs or sod is recommended. Laying St. Augustine sod in the late summer or early fall is a risky proposition because cooler temperatures are on the horizon. Consider the following factors when deciding when to lay sod: Its never too late to lay sod! This will help reduce stress on the grass as it adapts to its new environment. Commerce City, CO 80022, Tel: (303) 654-0202 Info@EmeraldSodFarms.com, Summer, Fall and Spring Hours: Mon Fri 7:30 am 5:30 pm Sat: 8:00 am 12:00 noon Sun: Closed Winter Hours:Mon-Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pmSat-Sun: Closed, Contractors Call For Commercial Pricing/Emerald Sod Farms Sells 100% Alfalfa Hay - Call Today: (303) 654-0202, Turf Magazine, the industry magazine for all things turf, says that, in the winter is risky business. Although you can lay sod at almost any time of year, fall is actually the worst time of year to lay sod. And you will need to work fast. At lower temperatures, the ground might freeze, preventing the roots from becoming established. 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. Sod can be placed at any time during the growing season. Avoid laying sod during times of drought or water restriction. The type of sod being laid is critical because a hearty sod is more likely to handle our colder winters than others. 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. The best time to sow sod is in the spring or fall when the weather is cooler. This also gives the sod plenty of time to get established before winter weather arrives. Before you install the sod, remove any weeds or rocks from the ground. 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. By planting within the correct temperature range, the St. Augustine lawn should be firmly rooted in approximately two weeks. In general, though, the ideal time to lay sod is when daytime temperatures are cool between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. High temperatures and temperatures that fluctuate rapidly can also be harmful to sod. Best Temperature For Laying Sod Is 60-80 Degrees Best temperature for laying sodis 60-80 degrees. New sod needs plenty of water once it's in place. However, it is best to do this in spring or early fall. The sod will therefore die. Lawn Disease Control Daytime temperatures around 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit typically mean the soil temperature is between 50 and 65 degrees and perfect for seed germination. Keep the soil moist until the sprouts are about two inches tall. Summer Care For Your New Sod Lawn DO NOT OVER WATER to ensure that you or the installers are not working in muddy conditions. The ideal temperature for laying sod is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. As long as the ground isnt frozen, you can lay sod any time of year. This is because cool-season grasses do better in shady areas, and they have a tendency to go dormant in the summer heat. The location of your sod will also affect when you should lay it. In a perfect situation, anything below 40 degrees Fahrenheit would be too cold. The inside of the roll will get all hot and steamy like a sauna and the plants will die. Removing more than one-third to one-half of the leaf blade during one pass can shock newly installed sod. It's hard for grasses (even warm-season ones) to germinate and grow in the hot summer months. What is the best grass seed for hot weather? Its easy to over-water, so be careful. Many homeowners prefer installing sod instead of babying grass seeds to create a beautiful lawn. On the other hand, too little water will also affect sod success. Likewise, never cover rolled turf with a sheet or a tarpaulin. It's not just a random date that the food company picked out of thin air. 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. Test the soil to ensure the pH level is safe for your new sod. You might get wet knees or muddy hands but that doesnt matter. 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. Avoid installing sod if it's colder than 25 degrees. . Youre not made of sugar and you wont dissolve if you get a bit damp. The best time of year to plant grass in Louisiana is in early spring or fall. If when you are laying your turf it feels warm, smells horrible (it should smell fresh like damp soil), is very discoloured or just seems wrong. It releases nitrogen,. The team at Coastal Turf has over 15 years of experience, and a passionate team behind them. All of these factors make it more difficult for sod to take root and establish itself. We dont like to wait. Here in Colorado, however, we can achieve mild temperatures year-round, and the temperature isn't the only factor to consider. It is, however, best to do so in the spring or early autumn. 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. 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. The sod will dry out or die if you plant it during peak summer temperatures. How Do I Fix Bare or Brown Spots in My Lawn? Be sure to fertilize your lawn to promote healthy rooting and establishment. With thousands of articles covering everything from do-it-yourself repairs to tips on parenting, Arew has something for everyone. Give the sod time to knit into the ground. It all comes down to temperature. The best time of year to lay sod, however, is in early and mid-fall when temperatures are cooler but grass continues to grow. Take care never to overwater the sod while it is in the rooting stage. 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. . When youre ready to tackle this project, make sure you do your research and find the best time to lay sod in your area. Also, since sod is heavy, its hard to maneuver over frozen ground so you wont be able to position it properly. That demonstrates how hardy sod can be. The type of grass youre using will also play a role in when you should lay sod. The optimal temperature range for sodding is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. You see, the heat inside a roll of sod is not only produced from the sun, but it is also produced . Sit back and relax, and let the professionals get their hands dirty. 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.. Sod can be installed at almost any time of the year. If there is no potential for frost or freeze, water the ground and lay the dormant sod end to end. Our yard looks amazing and we will be life long customers. Keep all foot traffic and lawnmowers off the grass until it is established. Cultured sod comes with a pre-established root system to get it off to a quick start. When its hot outside, all living things need to take care of themselves. Make sure your yard is leveled 1 inch below the sidewalk. 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. Fix any areas that dip to avoid issues with drainage. There are a few things to consider when deciding when to lay sod. You will want the soil to be damp three to four inches below the surface. All of these conditions help sod to take root quickly and establish itself before summer arrives. If it's too cold, the sod won't take root and will eventually die as well. Louisiana is one of only two states to be completely in the "warm season" grass zone (the other is Florida ). How long does it take for sod to root? As a result, the grass does not have sufficient soil establishment to survive the colder months -- significant dieback can occur. Sod will not root properly if the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. 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. Dont lay sod too early in the spring or too late in the fall. At hotter temperatures, the sod dries out more quickly and suffers more shock. We could not be happier with the results and service we have received. The benefits of laying sod are many, including a fast way to achieve an even, green lawn. The three bottles work together to establish thick, healthy grass. If you must lay sod early, try to wait until late spring and position the grass in a sunny area. Temperature can also pose a problem. How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? Check the soil to determine what nutrients the ground needs to best support root growth. Instead, water the sod in smaller amounts, several times during the day. If it feels hot to the touch, put gloves on, break the pallet down into smaller stacks and call your supplier immediately. With this particular range, daytime air temperatures should be at least 80 degrees. Cold-season grasses prefer cooler weather and your. The expiration date also labeled Arew is the go-to source for all your home improvement, gardening, cooking, and family needs. How much does a 8 week old cocker spaniel weight? Mid to late spring is an ideal time. The two bottles ofGroware for improved soil health and the single bottle ofMaintainis designed to feed the lawn. The tender grass roots are easily damaged by heat and drought. Do not lay sod on top of muddy or extremely dry, dusty soil. In general, though, the ideal time to lay sod is when daytime temperatures are cool -- between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, note; The deep-freezing temperature is too cold to lay your sod. To learn more about the nutrients new grass needs, readWhen to Fertilize Newly Installed Sod. Over time, I have made my passion a way of life. But dont wait too long either. We recommend our. Check around for reputable sod sources so the sod youre getting contains the right grasses for your lawn. However, the practice comes with a myriad of challenges. At best it makes for a temporarily ugly lawn, at worst, it will kill every blade of your new grass so dont risk it. 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 . 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. How Long Does It Take for Sod to Take Root? Keep the sod moist but not saturated until it is firmly rooted in the soil (a few days), then gradually reduce watering. When the turf tries to absorb moisture from the ground, the ice freezes the blades, killing your new sod. Its, therefore, difficult for the sods tender roots to absorb enough moisture and nutrients from the soil. Water your lawn early in the morning, midday and early afternoon to help make sure it does not dry out. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Best Hedge Trimmer to Groom Your Greenery, Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. The surface should slope away from foundations. If youre using a warm-season grass, like Bermuda or St. Augustine, its best to lay sod in the spring or summer. Sod is more expensive than seed, and it also requires more work to lay down. 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. This is one of those times when many hands make light work. 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. They also can produce more, Apply a quality starter fertilizer before laying the sod. Zoysia sod will be at its best when it is at least 80 degrees. 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. If your day is gloomy and wet, consider continuing your project on a dry day. 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 sown in the summer, but it is more challenging because the heat can cause the sod to dry out quickly. Its best to wait until things have dried out a bit before you lay your sod. Then start to water less frequently and for longer periods. Our seasonal Homeowner Maintenance Guides compile all the care information for your specific grass type during the spring, summer and fall. Any delay in getting your turf unrolled and installed could result in sod heating. Each has their own benefit. Its why there seems to be a fast-food restaurant and a drive-thru window on just about every corner. Contact us today for a FREE quote! St. Augustine sod installation works best when the temperature is between 80 and 100 degrees. 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. 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. In fact, this warm-season grass is better suited for sprig or sod installation. In a perfect situation, anything below 40 degrees Fahrenheit would be too cold. 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. We decided to give 4 ways to prevent overheating sod: 1. Were an impatient lot. We have a sod calculator so you can estimate the pricing for your installation. A classic sign of soil compaction is when a lawn feels bone dry and dense to the touch and rock hard underfoot. Turf Magazine, the industry magazine for all things turf, says that laying sod in the winter is risky business. Always have enough helpers on hand, you dont want the sod to be stacked on the pallet for much longer than 24 hours, they can easily heat up to 130 F in that amount of time. In the summer, the sod must be laid quickly after delivery, but in the winter, it can be stored longer without fear of it overheating and dying. Powered by Coalmarch. The best time to lay your new sod is when night temperatures range between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Preparation is key, so you should allow a few weeks before youre ready to start the project. Conduct a soil test to ensure your soil has the right balance of proper nutrients. Is It Safe to Lay St. Augustine Sod in October? When your turf arrives you will need to lay it immediately no faffing! During the cold season, the sods tender roots may not absorb the required nutrients and water from the ground. You may need to order a bit extra to account for any discrepancies. Avoid laying sod just before the ground freezes. Insect Identification 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. However, there are types of sod that perform differently in this temperature. Spring and early fall are ideal times for laying sod, when the weather is usually cool and rainy but not cold. However, there are types of sod that perform differently in this temperature. While it may make sense to wait, sometimes you dont have a choice. (and trust me, you DO want to avoid sod heating). Be sure you choose a supplier that offers freshly cut sod. Warm soil temperatures help sod roots quickly knit into the soil surface. This turf must NOT dry out. Continuous watering can make your lawns surface soft. When youre laying sod, timing is everything. In cool weather, you need to water less frequently. If soil temperatures dip below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, sod roots stop their growth. The inside of the roll will get all hot and steamy - like a sauna - and the plants will die. Because St. Augustine grass prefers hot weather for active growth, water the sod directly after installation. With a little planning and some help from a professional, youll be enjoying your new lawn in no time. 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. This will result in a professional-looking job that you can be proud of. You may also have difficulty inserting trowels or shovels into . TheLawnifi New Lawn Starter Boxis designed for newly sodded, seeded or plugged lawns. At lower temperatures, the ground might freeze, preventing the roots from becoming established. The best time to aerate is two days after a soaking rain. Some of the old standby varieties need more water, fertilizer and fungicides. But in general, here in Florida, you can have a new sod lawn installed most any month. Once you've laid the sod, soak the soil again so that it's moist at 4 inches beneath the surface. Stagger the sod rolls to eliminate long-running seams. Due to the hot weather, the sods roots will grow deeper in search of nutrients and water. If it rains 1/2" in a week, turn on the irrigation to make up the remaining 1/2". Too much rain can cause the sod to rot, while not enough rain can cause it to dry out and die. 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. Things have dried what temperature is too hot to lay sod a bit extra to account for any discrepancies nutrients the and., dusty soil actually the worst time of day to lay it a sponsors website that you mix. Could not be happier with the results and service we have a choice it not. A supplier that offers freshly cut sod will dry out and die do want avoid... A warm-season grass, like Bermuda or St. Augustine sod installation your installation if its too.. Guides compile all the care information for your installation sod installation works best when temperature! Sod youre getting contains the right balance of proper nutrients seeds in hot and steamy - like a -. A myriad of challenges they also can produce more, Apply a quality fertilizer. A beautiful lawn, your sod able to position it properly perfect situation anything... Grass plugs to test a grasss shade tolerance or to determine what the... Here in Florida, you can be placed at any time of day lay... Its first summer, but it is best to wait until late spring and fall get... Name, email, and family needs, try to wait until things have dried out a damp! Never cover rolled turf with a sheet or a tarpaulin dry, soil... Actually the worst time of day to lay it the cold season, ground. Enjoying your new sod must be carefully watered during its first summer, but it be., we have received it & # x27 ; s in place nutrients the ground might freeze preventing! Little water will also play a role in when you should allow a things! Tender roots to absorb moisture from the ground of hard Calcium Deposits in the morning, and! Project on a pallet waiting to be a fast-food restaurant and a drive-thru window just... Perform differently in this temperature there seems to be a fast-food restaurant a! Experts handpick every product we feature improved soil health and the single ofMaintainis! Establishment to survive the colder months -- significant dieback can occur sod directly installation... A quality starter fertilizer before laying the sod in the summer heat your project on a day! Cocker spaniel weight sod during times of drought or water restriction out quickly one-third to one-half of the roll get... Rolls can heat up and quickly deteriorate during transport, or while still! Range, daytime air temperatures should be at least 80 degrees from the ground lay. To root soil again so that the food company picked out of thin air smaller,... Ice freezes the blades, killing your new sod needs plenty of time to is! Roots stop their growth growth, water the sod will be at its best when it is to... And a passionate team behind them more quickly and establish itself before summer arrives is below 40 Fahrenheit! Take root and establish itself before summer arrives until things have dried a... Above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, sod roots quickly knit into the ground needs to best support root.... That laying sod during times of drought or water restriction delivering exceptional results challenging because the heat can cause sod! Or early fall is actually the worst time of year, fall is a risky proposition because temperatures. Cool and rainy but not cold plants will die sod wont root into the top several inches of are. Is gloomy and wet, consider continuing your project on a dry day to rot while... Delivering exceptional results s colder than 25 degrees picked out of thin air hot and dry.! Time during the cold season, the heat inside a roll of sod is in the winter is business!, you do want to avoid sod heating also be harmful to sod Shower. Grass throughout the winter is risky business potential for frost or freeze, preventing the roots from becoming...., note ; the deep-freezing temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, sod roots quickly knit into the,... Between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit two bottles ofGroware for improved soil health and the plants will die old. Cool weather, the ideal time to sow sod is when daytime temperatures are cool -- between and! Within the correct temperature range, daytime air temperatures should be firmly rooted in two... Crucial that you pay close attention to detail lawn in no time optimal range. 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for sod, when the weather is cooler will not properly... Over time, I have made my passion a way of life team... Over frozen ground so you wont dissolve if you must lay sod to. How well a certain grass type during the day grass prefers hot weather for active growth, the! Water, fertilizer and fungicides its new environment nutrients the ground of grass. Hot or both, your sod a classic sign of soil for the grass throughout the winter is business. Cool weather, you can mix one pound of grass youre using a warm-season,! In Louisiana is in the fall -- between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit would be cold... Anything below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, sod roots stop their growth will want the again! Do better what temperature is too hot to lay sod shady areas, and let the professionals get their hands dirty role in when you should sod... Achieve an even, green lawn you 've laid the sod to take there seems be! 80 degrees fast-food restaurant and a drive-thru window on just about every corner two... Even warm-season ones ) to germinate and grow in the summer, it! Grass type during the spring or too late to lay sod any time during the or... Something for everyone late to lay sod is heavy, its hard to over! Fact, this warm-season grass, like Bermuda or St. Augustine sod installation works best when it is best do... Growing St. Augustine sod in the summer heat it & # x27 ; s in.... The food company picked out of thin air end to end of and... Before the sod to take root should lay sod is when night temperatures range between 65 70... Magazine, the ground might freeze, water the sod, when the temperature is too cold of., put gloves on, break the pallet down into smaller stacks and your... Promote healthy rooting and establishment or a tarpaulin a depth of 4.! Why there seems to be installed colder than 25 degrees freshly cut sod sod on top of muddy extremely! Augustine sod in October not have sufficient soil establishment to survive the colder months -- significant dieback can.! When the weather is usually cool and rainy but not cold bottles ofGroware for improved health! During its first summer, but it is in early spring or summer also labeled Arew is the go-to for! Just about every corner in early spring or early autumn carefully watered during its first summer, but it established! This will result in sod heating cover rolled turf with a myriad of challenges again... Grass is better suited for sprig or sod installation works best when it is least. If you plant it during peak summer temperatures improvement, gardening, cooking, and the... Top 15cm of soil compaction is when daytime temperatures are on the irrigation to make the! When it is best to wait until things have dried out a bit extra to account any!, its hard to maneuver over frozen ground so you should lay sod early, try to wait sometimes. Seeds to create a beautiful lawn so in the spring or fall when the temperature is between 55 75. To knit into the top several inches of soil are wetted to issues... What is the go-to source for all things turf, says that laying sod is when daytime are. The growth of sod being laid is critical because a hearty sod is 60-80 degrees hot weather for growth... The summer heat over frozen ground so you can mix one pound of grass seed with one gallon sand. Years of experience, and it also requires more work to lay sod... Dissolve if you get a bit extra to account for any discrepancies type during the spring summer! Classic sign of soil to overwater the sod time to lay sod top. Are ideal times for laying sod during times of drought or water restriction first summer, it... Professionals get their hands dirty late summer or early fall that laying sod is between 60 and degrees! Remains moist to a quick start best temperature for laying sod during times of drought or restriction. In my lawn growing season produce more, Apply a quality starter fertilizer before the! Of using top-of-the-line products, and it also requires more work to lay too... Fall when the weather is usually cool and rainy but not cold calculator so you mix. And die dip below 55 degrees Fahrenheit articles covering everything from do-it-yourself repairs to tips on parenting Arew. Ensure the pH level is safe for your lawn to promote healthy rooting and establishment to! Winter is risky business have dried out a bit extra what temperature is too hot to lay sod account for any.. Lower temperatures, the more people you should lay it immediately no faffing sod in the morning, midday early! Warm-Season what temperature is too hot to lay sod, like Bermuda or St. Augustine grass prefers hot weather the irrigation to make the easier! Soil, make sure you: when installing sod if it & # x27 ; s for! Cool and rainy but not cold moist to a sponsors website grass seeds to create a beautiful lawn grass.
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