The Best Time of Year to Lay St. Augustine Sod

Sod Preparation

• Remove any existing grass, weeds and rocks from your lawn. If you use a herbicide, select one that will not leave a harmful residue. Till and rake the existing soil smooth and flat. Immediately before laying sod, soak the soil.

Sod Establishment

• Provide frequent, short irrigation cycles, a few times a day for the first week after laying new sod. Gradually lessen the frequency while increasing the duration of watering for the next three weeks. The sod will be fully established after about a month.

Time of Year

• The time of year you decide to lay sod will affect the ease of planting as well as the grass's long-term chance of survival. During summer months, the odds of the sod drying up are much greater during planting. Sudden frosts during cold winter months can easily damage new sod. Cold weather extremes and a lack of consistent rain make winter the least desirable time of year to lay St. Augustine sod. Spring, on the other hand, which is followed by summer rain and an extended period of warm weather, is the best time of year to plant St. Augustine sod.