Is It Safe to Lay St. Augustine Sod in October?

Sodding in October

• St. Augustine sod may be installed year-round in areas such as southern Florida that receive moderate winters, according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension. However, regions that experience cold winters should not install the grass when temperatures plummet. The best time to plant a warm-season grass type such as St. Augustine sod is when the grass will actively grow or in mid-spring through midsummer, according to the Virginia Cooperative Extension. Because St. Augustine sod doesn't perform well in cold temperatures, October may be too late to sod the grass.

Winter Injury

• St. Augustine sod planted in October is at a high risk of receiving winter injury. Temperatures below 19 degrees Fahrenheit cause winter injury to St. Augustine lawns, especially if sod has recently been laid. It takes 2 to 3 weeks for sod to properly establish its root system in the soil. Gardeners throwing caution to the wind and sodding during October may wind up with grass discoloration, thinning or dead patches. Because sod is one of the most expensive ways of establishing a lawn, it is important to choose a time to plant that is safe.

When to Plant

• Plant St. Augustine sod sometime between March through July, as suggested by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. By waiting for soil temperatures to warm up and enough time for roots to develop before winter, you reduce the chance of an unsuccessful establishment. In addition, gardeners must prepare their lawns before laying sod. Soil tests must be taken to ensure the soil pH is between 5.0 to 8.5, according to Texas A&M University. Add lime to or spread sulfur on soil outside of this range based on soil tests.

Other Factors

• Install sod as soon as it is delivered. Sodding in the morning reduces the possibility of the sod's root systems drying out under the afternoon sun. St. Augustine sod must be sodded within 24 hours after being harvested. Dried-out root systems prevent sod from establishing. When sodding your lawn, lay out pieces under a tree. Piled up sod generates enough heat to dry out the grass. Keep the sod moist by spraying it with a water hose.