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Yes, sod can be laid in winter. Cool-season tall fescue stays green, while warm-season sod such as Centipede, Zoysia and Bermudagrass goes down dormant and brown, then roots and greens up when soil warms in spring. Winter sod is common on new construction because it covers bare soil and prevents erosion. Prepare by removing existing grass, tilling 4 to 6 inches deep and adding amendments after a soil test. Lay sod perpendicular to slopes, pin it with sod staples, roll it, and water right after installation, but not during freezing temperatures.
Many of you wonder whether sod can grow in winter. The fact is that sod thrives and grows well during the colder months. In this context, we will discuss installing cool season tall Fescue (green in winter) and dormant warm-season grasses (brown in winter) during the winter.
Many people lay turf in winter during new home construction, where there is abundant bare dirt and move-in typically coincides with the end of winter. Various kinds of plants are grown to stabilize the exposed soil and prevent erosion. If you lay sod quickly in winter, there will be no need to plant trees, and the issue of soil erosion can be easily resolved. Laying dormant sod on the lawn of a new construction also facilitates quicker move-in.
There are two main sod types suitable for installation in winter:
If you live in the South, the ideal time to lay cool-season Tall Fescue grass is during the fall and winter. As temperatures rise in spring, it’s best to wait until autumn to install new Tall Fescue sod.
Warm-season turf like Centipede, Zoysia, and Bermudagrass goes dormant and turns brown during the winter and fall. However, these turfs can still be laid on bare soil. Despite being dormant, these sod types help prevent erosion and muddy patches during winter.
You can use the following formula to calculate the amount of sod needed:
Length x width = square foot of sod required
While calculating, subtract the space occupied by driveways or buildings. For irregularly shaped areas, you can use a Lawn Area Calculator.
To lay sod in winter, you must first prepare the soil thoroughly. If there is existing grass, remove or kill it. Then, till the lawn to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. You may need to rent a sod cutter to remove vegetation during winter. At other times, an herbicide may suffice. Level the ground and apply soil amendments like fertilizer or Soil3 compost after conducting a soil test.
Once you’ve followed general instructions, here are important pointers to consider for laying green Tall Fescue and dormant warm-season sod in winter.
If properly rolled and watered until rooting, freezing temperatures will not significantly affect the sod.
Even in winter, sod must be watered immediately after installation, this applies to both dormant warm-season and Tall Fescue sod. While dormant, the sod still needs moisture to prepare for spring rooting.
Check weather conditions and inspect the sod daily. Watering sod in winter requires careful balance. Dormant sod typically requires less water than warm-season grass in summer. Do not water during freezing temperatures, as sod doesn’t absorb water in such conditions.
However, cold, dry winds can dry out the roots and desiccate the sod, so you may need to water more regularly under such conditions.
When soil temperatures rise, warm-season sod will root and turn green. Be sure to follow proper lawn maintenance instructions for lush growth.
Installing sod in winter has advantages: delivery schedules are less crowded than in spring. Ideally, order sod 2 to 5 days before installation.
As spring approaches, delivery delays become more common, so plan ahead for optimal results.
Winter is a workable time to install sod, especially on new construction, as long as it is rolled and watered properly until it roots.
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