Is May a Good Time to Lay Sod?

Warm Season Sod

• The best time to lay warm season sod is in the late spring, according to the University of California. Therefore, gardeners growing warm season grass can sod in May as long as the ground isn't dry or hot. Dry hot soil will prevent sod from establishing a strong root system, according to the University of Vermont. Despite the fact the sod can be laid in May, it takes time to prepare your lawn for new sod. Start your soil preparation in early spring, as soon as the last frost for the season passes.

Cool Season Sod

• Cool season sod should be laid in the early spring or late fall, as suggested by the University of California. Laying cool season sod in May puts your grass at risk for drying out in the heat. In addition, cool season grass goes dormant during the heat of the summer. Therefore, laying sod in early spring will give you a short growing season until the grass starts growing again in the fall. As with warm season sod, the planting site must be prepared in advance.

Site Preparation

• Avoid laying sod before preparing the planting site, according to the University of Rhode Island.Check the pH range of the soil before planting. Most grass types prefer to grow in a pH range between 6.0 to 7.0. Test your soil's pH with a soil testing kit. Lime soil that is too acidic. For example, soil that has a pH range between 5.0 to 5.5 should be given 50 lbs. of lime per 1,000 square feet of lawn area in the spring and again in the fall, as suggested by Cornell University. It takes at least three months for the soil pH to change from the limestone application.

Other Factors

• Sod must be planted on moist soil. Morning is a good time to sod, because the soil is still moist and cool from nighttime temperatures. When sodding, avoid stacking up sod pieces. Piles of sod generates heat, which will dry out the root systems. Also, plan to sod as soon as the grass is delivered. Sod will dry out in 48 hours after being cut. Keep the sod moist for a month after installation to help the grass establish roots.