The Best Time to Plant Bermuda Sod

Spring

• Because Bermuda grass goes dormant in the late fall to early winter, it's best to sod sometime in the spring. Also, gardeners should plant their Bermuda grass in time for the root systems to establish before the heat of summer. In fact, one of the greatest difficulties in sodding lawns is keeping the roots and grass moist enough. Dried-out root systems prevent development. It 's easier for gardeners to install their Bermuda grass lawns before hot temperatures dry up the soil and sod.

Soil Temperatures

• Bermuda sod must be planted when soil temperatures are between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Texas A&M University. Gardeners can use a soil thermometer in spring to measure their soil temperature. Push a screwdriver into the first 6 inches of topsoil. Place the soil thermometer in the hole. Measure the soil temperature in the morning and afternoon. Cover the soil thermometer from the afternoon sun to prevent skewing the results. Take an average of both temperatures to obtain an accurate reading.

Preparing the Soil

• Laying Bermuda sod before the soil has been prepared results in an unsuccessful lawn. All weeds must be removed two weeks before sodding with a herbicide that contains glyphosate. Distribute a starter fertilizer that has an NPK amount of 5-10-5 at a rate of 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet to contribute enough phosphorus to the soil, as recommended by the University of California. Phosphorus aids in root development. Water the lawn area right before laying Bermuda sod.

Sodding

• Plant your Bermuda sod in the morning, right after it has been delivered, to prevent root systems from drying out. If you are experiencing an early summer, choose an overcast day to help you maintain soil moisture. Avoid stacking up Bermuda sod pieces. Stacked pieces generate heat. Lay out your Bermuda sod pieces under shade if you need to wait a few hours. Water the soil side of each piece as you lay sod down on moist soil to keep Bermuda grass from drying out.