When to Lay Sod in Zone 5

Conditions

• Although sod can be laid anytime during the growing season except the hottest days of July in USDA zone 5, it requires more water and sunlight to "take" in spring. Spring soil temperature lags behind air temperature, especially when it's covered with a blanket of sod.

Considerations

• Most zone 5 sod contains Kentucky bluegrass and other cool-season grasses that slow their growth in the fall and concentrate on growing roots and rhizomes to establish crowns for next year's grass. Laying sod in fall takes advantage of fall weather and requires less water because evaporation is limited.

Timing

• Sod should establish good root structure in 10 to 14 days with regular watering, according to Purdue University's Turf Science program. It should grow enough to mow before temperatures cool. In zone 5, this occurs in late August or early September. The first average freeze dates comes between October 1 and October 15, making August prime time for zone 5 sod success.