How to Lay Sod in Late Fall

Laying sod is a quick and easy way to repair an already beautiful lawn or start a new one. Sod is pre-established grass seed, which gives it an advantage over regular grass seed because it can be laid with success later in the season. In fact, sod can be laid from early spring to late fall in most climates. However, laying sod in the late fall should be done in a way that helps the sod establish with the native soil before consistent freezes have a chance to decimate it.

Soil amendments

Starter fertilizer (1-2-1 or 3-4-1)

Metal rake

Rototiller

Sod cutter or shovel with sharp blade

Prepare the area you want to cover with sod by completely removing any existing turf or weeds down to the soil. Use your sod cutter or the blade of your shovel to aid you in removing existing plant material.

Use your Rototiller to loosen the top six to eight inches of the soil. Sod grows best when it has an aerated level of topsoil to root into, and this is especially important in the late fall where proper rooting is crucial to success.

Add soil amendments to correct any pH or nutrient deficiencies. Prudent installers should consider getting their soil tested to determine which nutrients are lacking. However, if soil testing is not an option, the sod installer can use certain rules of thumb for adding soil amendments to the topsoil. The University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension suggests adding 50 pounds of dolomitic limestone for every 1,000 square feet to raise the pH of the soil to an acceptable level. Additionally, This Old House suggests adding two or three inches of finished compost to the soil to increase nutrient levels. Sand can also be useful for giving heavy clay soils the proper amount of drainage.

Spread starter fertilizer on the area. Starter fertilizer is a vital part of the process because it will help the sod establish in the native soil, thus improving the chance that it survives any periods of consistent freezing that are sure to come as the days pass. Unless your soil test indicates differently, mix one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of soil.

Use your metal rake to level the surface of topsoil. Be vigilant, and remove any rocks or stones in the topsoil as these can hinder the sod's ability to establish. Also, be conscious of drainage concerns and consider whether you should take corrective measures to establish better drainage for the area.

Moisten the topsoil using a hose or watering can. Sod establishes better when applied to a moist soil environment. This step is especially important if the late fall day is unusually warm or dry.

Carefully lay the sod onto the prepared soil and lightly water it. When the soil and sod have had a chance to dry out, lightly tamp or walk on it to ensure good contact between the sod and the topsoil.

Water the sod only as frequently as needed to keep the soil moist. Over-watering can cause problems, including frost damage if the temperature drops significantly.

Follow all package directions when handling fertilizer.