How to Lay Sod Before Winter

The weather before winter offers ideal growing conditions for sod.

When you want a beautiful, lush lawn in a short time, laying sod is the way to go. Although sod may be installed at any point in the year, it is best done during warmer months so the lawn sets up properly in the soil before going dormant. Laying sod in the fall, before it gets too cold in the winter months, is possible once you prepare the soil and properly install the sod. Laying sod before winter has benefits, as it reduces the risk of your new lawn being dried out or burnt by harsh summer sun.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Rototill
• Weed killer
• 2-by-4 lumber
• Fertilizer
• Hose
• Tamper
• Compactor
• Tuna can

Instructions

1. Remove the old lawn and prepare the soil for the new sod. Dig up at least 6 inches of the topsoil with a shovel or rototill and mix with new soil to improve soil quality for the new lawn. After excavating the site, leave the soil exposed for about two weeks to allow any weeds to sprout, then spray them with a weed killer and remove.

2. Grade the soil, if needed, so it drains away from the home and into a designated runoff area. Grade the soil away from the home about 1 foot for every 50 feet of the yard. Remove excess soil with a shovel and smooth out with a 2-by-4 piece of lumber.

3. Add any fertilizer or compost to the soil and rake into existing soil before installing the sod. If desired, submit a sample of your soil to a testing laboratory to examine the existing level of nutrients. Soil samples are best done in the early to late fall, according to the University of Rhode Island Landscape Horticulture Program.

4. Lay the sod down on the prepared soil as soon as it arrives to the home. If the soil is dry, mist it gently before installing the sod. Place each section of sod down on the soil tightly together so there are no gaps between each section. Complete the entire lawn before sod starts to dry out.

5. Tamp the sod or rent a compactor from a utility rental to press the new sod gently into the soil. Pressing the sod into the soil after installation will encourage the roots to take hold in the soil properly.

6. Water the lawn thoroughly so the sod thrives and the soil stays moist. The first watering should give the new lawn at least 6 inches of water, according to the University of Arkansas Division Of Agriculture. After the first watering, move to an every-other-day schedule, giving the lawn and soil at least 1 inch of water. Place tuna or cat food cans around the lawn when watering to serve as a guideline for one inch of water.

References

• University of Rhode Island: Installing a Sod Lawn
• University of Rhode Island: Soil Testing
• University of Arkansas Extension: Establishing a Lawn From Sod
• Landscape USA: Installing Sod For an Instant Lawn
• All About Lawns: Preparing your Soil, Grading, and Edging