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Laying sodgrass in the winter in North Carolina
Believe it or not, you can lay new sod in your yard in the winter throughout North Carolina. In the winter, the sodgrass roots slowly because they are dormant, but they will take off once the temperature warms up again. The biggest advantage of laying sod in the winter is that you can do the work and establish your lawn and use less water in the process. Sod can be layed when the ground is frozen as long of you do the prep the ground and the grade is set. *If the sod is frozen, you will need to lay wait until it thaws or put in inside a building or garage until it thaws enough to unroll it.
Preparing the site for laying sod in winter:
If you decide to sod in the winter, you will follow the same basic steps to laying sodgrass.:
- Clear the site of any rocks, wood, stumps, etc.
- Ensure the area is properly sloped away from any foundations and low-lying areas are leveled for proper water drainage.
- Till the site to eliminate the soil from being too compact. This step will make it easier for the sod to take root and improve water penetration.
- Add quality topsoil to the site.
- Test the pH of the soil to see if it is acidic or alkaline. Depending on your finding, lime or sulfur may need to be added.
- Rake the area or use a lawn roller to level the site. This process ensures the site is level and settles the soil.
- Your site is now prepared and you are ready for the next step, installing the sod.
Laying the sodgrass in winter
To lay the sodgrass you will follow these basic steps:
- Measure your lawn with a tape measure and draw a rough outline of the lawn with the measurements.
- Call or visit Southern Sodgrass and we will help you determine how much sod you need for your lawn.
- Schedule a delivery time. It is important that the site preparation be complete so the sod can be laid the day of delivery.
- Turfgrass sod should be laid along side the longest straight line, like a sidewalk. Edges of the sod should be laid tightly against each other and do not overlap the sod. Sod should be staggered like a brick pattern. Do not leave small pieces on the ends as they will dry out quickly.
- Roll the sod to ensure that it contacts the soil and remove any air pockets that have formed.
- Water the turfgrass sod within the first 20-30 minutes after installation.
- Keep the sod wet for at least 2-3 weeks, but never over water.
What sort of lawn prep should I do before winter?
To get a jump start on next year’s growing season? With summer’s heat and dryness at an end, September is the best month to lay the groundwork for next year’s lush lawn. That means aerating the turf to reduce compaction and make it easier for fertilizer and water to reach the roots—and reinvigorating thin areas with compost and seed. Before you start, get a soil test so that you know the type and amount of amendments to add. (Repeat the test in three to five years.) Just remember: When aerating, fertilizing, or seeding, always go over the turf twice, with criss-crossing paths. You don’t want stripes in your revitalized lawn.
