Laying sod in the winter is possible. You just have to know what you’re working with.
Every winter, people begin to wonder whether or not they can lay turf. This is mostly because so much new home construction is completed this time of year and people move into bare landscapes that don’t look the greatest. That said, sometimes it’s even a condition for a certificate of occupancy to show that plants are growing on the ground, stabilizing the soil and preventing erosion. Plus, sod looks better than nothing.
Laying sod in the winter is possible. You just have to know what you’re working with. Here are a few tips to get you started with laying sod this winter.
Choose the Right Kind
It’s ideal to lay cool season grasses like Tall Fescue during the winter or fall in some climates, so if you’ve been getting warm enough weather, that might be a good pick for you. On the other hand, warm-season sod like Zoysia, Centipede, and Bermudagrass may all be dormant and look brown during this colder weather, you can still lay this sod on the bare soil of an empty lawn. This can still help stop erosion and prevent muddy areas from building up, plus it’ll look great the moment spring rolls around.
If you’re unsure, call your local sod expert and ask! They can give you details depending on the shade, water, and texture conditions surrounding your landscape. They can also help you find turf that is available right now and will work for your needs.
Prep Your Soil
To prepare your soil for sod, kill off any existing grass if you have any. Then you can till your lawn to a depth of between 4 to 6 inches. Remove any vegetation from your landscape. Once it’s leveled out, you can add any soil additions, like fertilizer if you plan on using any.
Lay Your Sod
Ensure you measure your lawn properly and get the right amount of sod. From there, lay your sod perpendicular to any slopes, otherwise, it’s straightforward to lay on flat surfaces. The reason to do this on slopes is that it helps keep your turf in place and can also help prevent erosion before the grass actually takes root. After this, you can roll that sod with a sod roller. Fill it with water, then start rolling! Go back and forth in a grid pattern to remove air pockets and stop roots from dying out. Provided your sod has been rolled and watered the right way, even the freezing temperatures brought about by winter won’t end up hurting it.
Have More Questions? Stay in Touch!
Order early and order often to ensure the best service possible. Contact us through our online page. Please find us at 27616 Little Lane, Salisbury, Maryland 21801. Our phone number is 410-726-6103, and our fax number is 410-742-6550. Speak to Jason Anderson for Turf Grass Sales. Reach him by email at jason@quanticocreeksod.com. Finally, follow us on social media on Facebook, LinkedIn, and our blog!