If you’re looking to establish a healthy, vibrant lawn, fall is an ideal time to lay sod. While many homeowners might associate spring with planting, laying sod in the late fall comes with unique advantages that can set your lawn up for long-term success. Here’s why fall is the best time to install sod with Edward’s Lawn and Landscaping.
The Lawn is Dormant
One of the amplest benefits of laying sod in the late fall is that it allows you to avoid the harsh summer heat. While you won’t experience the “instant” green lawn that comes with active growth, the dormant winter sod gives your grass more time to establish its roots. By spring, those roots will be stronger and better able to support a lush, green lawn. Applying a slow-release fertilizer during the winter months helps nourish the grass while it lies dormant, ensuring it has the nutrients to thrive in the spring.
Deeper Watering with Less Effort
New sod requires plenty of moisture to help the roots take hold. In the summer, this can mean frequent watering to keep the soil saturated 4-6 inches deep. However, fall sod installation reduces the need for intensive watering. During the cooler fall months, the ground only needs to be kept moist to a depth of 1-2 inches. This not only saves water but also makes maintenance easier while the sod takes root. Fall’s cooler temperatures and increased rainfall naturally keep the soil moist, allowing your sod to establish itself without the risk of over or under-watering.
Creates a Protective Barrier
Laying sod in the fall does more than just help establish a lawn—it creates a protective barrier for your soil during the harsh winter months. The right type of sod, when installed in the fall, is durable enough to handle winter’s challenges. It helps to prevent soil erosion caused by snow, sleet, and freezing conditions. Without sod, the soil in your yard could be washed away, leaving you with uneven ground and barren spots when spring arrives. Installing sod in the fall ensures that your soil stays in place and your lawn is ready to thrive come spring.
Gives Your Lawn a Jump Start
Fall sod installation provides your grass with a head start. It typically takes about six weeks for sod to establish a strong root system. By laying sod in the fall, you give those roots time to anchor themselves into the soil before winter. When spring arrives, your lawn will already have a solid foundation, allowing it to grow thicker and healthier as the weather warms up. In contrast, installing sod in the spring or summer can be riskier. Summer heat can be too intense, and spring may not provide enough time for the grass to root deeply before the growing season.
Start Laying Sod in the Fall
If you want a lush, healthy lawn that’s ready to flourish in the spring, consider laying sod in the fall. From reduced watering needs to stronger root development, the cooler months provide the perfect environment for new sod to thrive. Plus, fall sod installation protects your soil from winter erosion, ensuring a smooth and vibrant lawn in the coming year. Contact Edward’s Lawn and Landscaping today to get started on your fall sod installation and give your lawn the head start it needs!
Choose Edward’s Lawn & Landscaping
Since 2007, Edward’s Lawn and Landscaping has been offering premier residential and commercial services to improve your property all year. The options are endless, from a new patio to a backyard fire pit, let the winners of Angie’s List Super Service Aware serve you! If you’re interested in finding out more about our services or getting a quote, you can contact us online or give us a call at 443-341-6539. For more information about our services or DIY tips and tricks, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Houzz.