How Late in the Year Can You Put Sod Down?

You can install sod in any season, as long as good-quality sod is available and the new sod has a chance to establish roots before the ground freezes. For areas that stay above freezing year-round, any time is a good time to put down sod. Those living in colder climates should try to sod at least a few weeks before the soil freezes hard.

Although sod can be installed anytime when the ground is not frozen solid, late summer and early fall provide the ideal growing conditions for fast root development. Avoid putting in sod during the hottest days of summer; the heavy watering needed to establish the new sod during high heat and humidity can encourage Pythium blight, a fungal disease that attacks turf grasses.

Many times, sod can simply be installed on top of existing soil. For best results, get your soil tested for pH --- which should fall between 6.0 and 7.0 --- and nutrient levels. You can add limestone to increase soil pH and mix fertilizer into the top 6 inches of soil to offset nutrient deficiencies. Adding organic matter is another way to improve your soil. Mix in peat, well-rotted manure or the contents of your compost pile. Before installing your sod, rake the soil surface fairly smooth. This is also an opportune time to make any grade changes to your lawn to ensure that water flows away from your house foundation.

Only install sod that is freshly cut, healthy and at least an inch thick. Once your sod is delivered, lay it as soon as possible --- certainly no later than 36 hours after it is cut. If you cannot lay it immediately, lay the pieces in a shady location. Also, do not leave the sod stacked in piles. Before laying the sod, make sure the soil is moist. Lightly water it, if necessary. Lay the sod tightly together, edge to edge, using a brick-wall pattern. Fill any cracks with soil, and immediately give the newly installed sod a good soaking.

Sod should be kept consistently moist, not soggy, to promote rapid establishment. Applying 1 inch of water every two to three days is usually sufficient. You can check on the moisture conditions by lifting a corner of sod; the soil underneath should be damp, but not soggy. If the sod seems soaked, lay off watering for a couple of days, as over watering can cause root rot.

Sod installed in the late days of fall must be watered during the winter to prevent drying and keep the roots healthy until they can establish themselves in spring. Water only when the turf is not frozen solid and the water can penetrate the sod. During a dry winter, you may need to water every two to three weeks.