Times to Plant Sod in the Mid-Atlantic

Site Preparation

• Regardless of time of year that the sod is planted, the appropriate preparations need be made to ensure that the rolls of sod successfully and quickly root into the soil. Sod needs to be laid onto fine, loose soil. This can be accomplished with the addition of a layer of topsoil of up to 6 inches, or by tilling and raking the existing soil. Once the loose soil is in place, any drainage or grading issues should be addressed prior to the installation of the sod.

Spring and Fall Installation

• During the spring and fall, cooler temperatures allow for a quicker installation. Lay the sod strips so that there are no gaps or spaces between pieces. When installing on a slope, start at the bottom and work your way up the incline. After the sod is in place, thoroughly water the sod. After the sod has dried, use a light weight roller, a tamper or if the lawn area is small enough, tamp by foot to make sure that the sod is making sufficient contact with the soil.

Summer Installation

• The procedure for summer installation of sod is the same as spring or fall with two exceptions. If sod is being installed during warm periods, it should be laid in smaller sections and watered before continuing. For example, install as much sod as can be laid in 1/2 an hour, and give the newly laid sod a thorough watering before continuing. Repeat throughout the course of the installation. The sod should also be installed within 12 hours of receiving it. In cooler periods, it can sit for several days before installation.

Post-Installation Care

• Sod needs to receive at least 1 inch of irrigation per week after installation. It should not be mowed for the first time until it has fully taken root. Test to see if has established itself by tugging upward gently in several areas. This should be done once the top growth has reached a height of 3 to 4 inches. The new lawn area should not require additional fertilization until at least six weeks after installation.