The Best Time of the Year to Plant Grass Sod

Choices

• It is best to plant sod in the spring or fall if you live in the North and the spring if you're in the South. For best results, it should be cool and humid as the moisture will keep the sod green and healthy. Dry, warm weather can burn the grass. Make sure to plant sod at least one month before the first expected frost, or the roots won't have time to become established before winter.

Warning

• Plant sod as soon as you get it, or it may dry out and die. If you absolutely cannot lay it down immediately, store it in the shade and water several times a day.

Care

• Water new sod every day for six weeks to make sure the roots get the moisture they need to thrive. You want the soil saturated to the depth of 6 to 8 inches. Don't mow the sod until the roots are growing into the soil tightly. If you easily pull up a piece of sod, it's too soon to mow.