If your lawn is covered in bare spots or it just isn’t looking as good as you want it to, you might be thinking about installing new sod. Investing in professional lawn care services is an excellent way to rejuvenate your landscape. If you’re considering sod installation, you may be wondering whether it’s the ideal time to move forward. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the options so you can achieve a healthy, lush, thriving lawn.
When Is the Ideal Time to Sod Your Lawn?
When you’re dealing with large bare spots due to construction or damage from active pets or lawn pests, then sodding is beneficial right now. Sodding helps combat erosion, keeps mud off your sidewalk, and keeps dirt from being tracked into your home. It also reduces the growth of weeds and results in a more attractive landscape. But if you sod in October or November, will it take? Can you be sure that what’s planted now will turn into a lush green lawn in the spring?
How to Successfully Plant Sod in Cooler Months
If you are in need of a new yard in the cooler months, while it will take some extra care and monitoring, sodding in late fall and winter can work just fine. In fact, it can be better for the grass to get its roots established in the fall, then be well-rooted and ready to grow when spring temperatures start warming up.
Two of the more popular turf grasses are Bermuda sod and St. Augustine sod. Both love hot weather, actually thriving in temperatures between 90–100 degrees. The tops of the grass grow slowly in temperatures below 70 degrees (and stop growing around 60 degrees), but the roots can grow in lower temperatures.
Maintaining new sod can be a chore while the roots are getting established – especially during the first few weeks following installation. From proper watering to monitoring growth and addressing potential issues early-on, the team at Green Top Lawn Care specializes in sod maintenance and can provide the guidance needed to ensure your new lawn thrives. You can count on our experts to help you keep your sod healthy and vibrant.
Ensuring Your New Sod Thrives
It’s vital to remember that both Bermuda sod and St. Augustine sod will be dormant in winter, (around December and January), yet they still require water as “dormant” means that the plant’s activities have slowed, similar to a person sleeping—being dormant does not equate to “dead.” Even when dormant, grass can benefit from winter fertilizer services to strengthen the roots and prepare it for spring growth. Your new grass will be susceptible to drying out, so water frequently, but watch out for water puddling in the lawn.
Planting new turf grass late in the season requires less watering, and there’s less chance of the grass drying out and not rooting in. Be sure to follow directions and keep your new yard watered, and when spring comes, your family and guests will be enjoying a lush, beautiful lawn.
Keep Your New Sod Healthy Year-Round With Professional Maintenance
Proper maintenance is essential to ensure your newly installed sod thrives. The team at Green Top Lawn Care provides expert lawn maintenance services to keep your turf healthy throughout every season. Call (817) 684-4044 or request a free lawn care service quote today.
