Homes are built even in the worst winter conditions. Contractors who build homes in the winter months know that nice green lawn will be a major selling point in the spring. Hoping for green grass in the spring they hurry to lay sod in the winter but this can really backfire. Sometimes you just have to lay the sod so use the following advice when you do…
Sod Roots Can Freeze at Temperatures Near or Below Freezing
If you absolutely, positively have to lay sod in the winter then it’s best to use zoysia or bermuda grasses. Picking the right kind of Sod can give you a fighting chance.
Take Soil Samples Before Laying Sod – Don’t Add Nitrogen
Find out how much the soil needs lime and fertilizer before preparing the soil for sod. You may need add and till lime, phosphorus, potassium, and maybe even sulfur into the soil before laying the sod.
Prepare the Soil Before Laying the Sod
Till to a minimum depth of 3-4 inches but go deeper if you can. The level, smooth, and moisten the soil. Make sure to remove large rocks, stones, weeks and other debris. Over watered soil can leave ruts and footprints, so just moisten the soil and don’t saturate it.
Lay Sod Quickly After It Is Harvested
Sod can dry out, get injured in the cold, or have it’s roots die if it isn’t laid 24-48 hours after it’s harvested. Sod that is laid and in place will stay warmer than sod on the pallet, so even if you have a cold snap, don’t leave the sod on the pallets.
Lay the Sod Tight and Roll It
If you lay the sod tight it won’t move and can establish roots better. Also to insure there aren’t gaps between sod roots and the soil, make sure to roll the sod after it’s laid.
Water the Sod if Necessary Even in the Cold
You need to keep 1 to 2 inches of soil moist so .25 inches of water is necessary each week for the new sod. Sometimes in winter, you will get enough snow and rain to give the sod .25 inches of water a week. Make sure to keep track of how much water it’s getting and don’t go over.
Topdressing Your Dormant Sod Can Prevent It from Drying Out or Getting Injured in the Cold
Top dressing can smooth out depressions and fill in seams while it conserves moisture and retain heat.
Pull Weeds and Don’t Use Herbicides While the Sod is Dormant
Herbicides can injure the dormant sod so pull weeds the old fashioned way while the sod is dormant.
Add Nitrogen in the Spring
Dormant grass root systems can’t use the nitrogen when the soil is less than 65 degrees 4 inches in. Once soil temperatures get to 65+ 4 inches deep, then add the nitrogen. These temperatures usually happen in Mid April and Early May in the Midwest.
You could try to lay the sod yourself
-or-
You could call the pros at A & A Lawn Care & Landscaping to help you do it right the first time! We help our residential and commercial clients with their sod and lawns all year ’round!
Contact Us (859-384-0266) for a Free Consultation!
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About A & A Lawn Care & Landscaping
A & A Lawn Care & Landscaping can beautify your lawn and landscaping using our vast experience in turf grass management. Our complete lawn service is designed for both residential and commercial lawns and we keep your lawn healthy without harming your family, staff, or pets.