The Best Time to Lay Sod in the Year
A beautiful lawn enhances the appearance of any home and one of the crucial aspects of creating that lawn is knowing the best time to lay sod. This will make a significant difference in the success, longevity, and appearance of your new grass.
Keep reading to learn more about the best time to lay sod, how to lay sod over existing lawns, and more.
Choosing the Best Time
Laying your sod at the right time can provide you with a lush, healthy lawn, but laying it at the wrong time could mean it will struggle to establish itself. Several factors help determine when you should lay your sod, such as the climate, grass type, and the local growing season.
Generally speaking, spring and fall are the two best times to consider. Here are some of the pros and cons for each:
Spring
- Mild temperatures lead to rapid root growth and quick establishment.
- Good rainfall in several regions, requiring less watering.
- Grass has a chance to establish before the dry, hot conditions of summer.
- Weeds are typically more of an issue in spring.
- Increased demand for sod may drive the prices up.
Early Fall
- Temperatures are cooling, making it a good time for roots to establish.
- Weeds are less of a problem in fall.
- Fall sod has a good head start for the next year.
- May require more watering due to less rainfall.
- Sod may be harder to come by, depending on the region.
How to Lay Sod
Before you can lay your sod, you need to choose the right type for your climate and the condition of your soil. At Western Turf Farms, we can help you choose the right type for your area. Be aware that the cost will vary according to the type of grass and the size of your lawn. When making your budget, be sure to account for not just the sod, but also soil preparation, which may include fertilizer, topsoil, and tools.
- Start by preparing the soil: remove debris such as rocks and weeds. Level the soil and if necessary, add topsoil.
- Lay the sod, starting at one edge of the lawn and laying the sod in a staggered pattern, similar to how bricks are laid. Ensure that the pieces have no gaps between them.
- Water the soil immediately upon installation and then roll the sod with a sod-roller. This will help roots come into better contact with the soil while also removing air pockets.
Here are some tips and techniques that can help ensure a successful installation:
- Create a moist base by watering the soil before laying the sod.
- Be sure to avoid gaps by keeping the edges of the sod tightly together.
- Pieces may need to be trimmed to fit around obstacles, so keep a sod cutter or knife on hand.
- Once the sod has been laid, water it thoroughly and keep it moist for the first few weeks.
- Avoid heavy foot traffic for a few weeks to allow it to establish.
The Beauty of Well-timed Sod Installation
The choice of when to install your new sod is influenced by the local growing conditions and climate, but taking the time to plan for a spring or early fall can lead to a beautiful, vibrant, lush lawn that will make you the envy of your neighbours.
If you would like to learn more about the best time to lay your sod, contact us today for free expert advice. We are here to help!
