When to Lay Sod in Austin, Texas

Freshly laid sod gives your home fast curb appeal.

Laying sod gives you an instant mature lawn. It's much faster than planting seeds or placing plugs. Most Texas lawns are planted with centipede, zoysiagrass, tall fescue, St. Augustine, Bermuda or Buffalo. In Austin, avoid planting sod during the hot Texas summer.

When to Plant

The best times to lay sod in Austin, Texas, are early spring or late fall. Planting at these times lets your sod become established before facing the high humidity and extreme temperatures of summer. The Dallas Morning News website suggests planting tall fescue in the fall.

Planting in the Fall

If you lay sod in the fall, the grass will be dormant. You will not immediately see the leaf blades growing or new blades appearing. But beneath the soil, the roots will be taking hold.

Planting in the Spring

The average last frost date for Austin, Texas, is March 21. You can plant any time after danger of frost has passed.

Planting Sod

Before you lay your sod, test your soil and add any necessary amendments. Remove any grass or weeds, then till the soil to loosen it. Sod should be laid the same day it is delivered.

References

• The Grass Patch/Landscaping for Austin, Texas: Frequently Asked Questions
• Dallas Morning News: There's Hope for Your Lawn
• Texas A&M University Extension: Home Lawns

Resources

• Victory Seeds: Average First and Last Frost Dates for Texas