How to take care of new sod in the late fall, when is the best time to plant it?

It may seem odd to think about growing grass in the off-season, but sod installations are very durable.If it is well taken care of after planting, sod can be planted any time of year.The temperature, soil conditions, watering schedules, and other environmental changes affect how quickly a cut of sod acclimates to an existing lawn.It is important to take precautions if you are going to put in sod.During the cold season, there are some tips on how to grow sod.

The best times to plant sod are in the spring and fall.In the summer, new sod installations need an intense watering routine.Grass roots can be damaged in the winter.It's easier to maintain sod in the spring and autumn because of mild temperatures and rain.It is a good time to plant warm season grasses in the spring and fall.Cool season grasses are more popular in Southwest Virginia and fall is a good time for sod installation.

Even though fall may be the best time to install sod, it still requires a regular maintenance routine, especially late in the season when temperatures can drop suddenly and dry spells are more common.Before an installation even begins, it is important to ensure successful sod growth.The soil beneath the sod rolls needs to be leveled out.On rocky, debris-covered soil, sod will struggle.Amendments to existing soil are used to encourage healthy root growth.

Installation of sod should go quickly once the underlying soil is prepared.It's best to install sod after the first harvest.It should be dark green when laid down.After it's planted, it will likely keep getting worse.The installation should take one day.If the sod is not kept in a cool, wet place, it will dry out.

Once sod is planted, water thoroughly twice a day in the morning and afternoon until roots are established.Water more frequently if the weather is dry.The sod may need to be watered earlier and later in the day if the weather is warm.Regular sod can be planted in the winter.The sod is vulnerable to drying out/freeze damage when temperatures warm up in the spring.Hard freezes are rare in Southwest Virginia at this time of year.You have enough time to get roots established if you wait until December.Pull lightly and test for resistance to check the sod's roots.The grass will be tight against the ground if the roots are strong.