When you are ready to turn your home or business lawn into the envy of the neighborhood, determining the best time to plant sod is essential. Plant your sod during the wrong time in the season and extreme temperatures can wreak havoc on your dream lawn. So how can you know when the time is right?


Spring and fall are typically the best times to plant sod. Planting during the beginning of spring or late fall allow the sod to become established before the stress of the extremely hot temperatures present during summertime in most parts of the country. Fall temps are especially conducive to healthy growth and well established sod for your lawn.


What to Do Before Planting the Sod


Once you have determined the best time to plant sod, you will want to make sure you have the right type for your particular soil and the right type to achieve your desired grass outcome. Because soil is literally the foundation for what you hope will become a healthy, vibrant lawn, it is vital to establish the right base of soil prior to planting sod. In other words, the best time to plan sod is in the spring or fall after you’ve identified and prepared the soil.  


It is important to determine the composition of your soil. It is likely a combination of two of the following: sand, clay or loam. Ideally, you will send a sample of your soil away for testing or obtain a home test kit to better understand the specific contents of your soil. You are testing the pH balance of the soil. The results will help you to know what amendments you should add in order to best prepare your lawn for sod planting.


Adding amendments such as nitrogen, phosphorus, humus or others help your soil to have the best possible texture and composition to make for close to ideal sod growing circumstances. By giving the best care to your soil, you are setting your sod up for success.


What Does Grading Have to Do with It?


Properly grading your lawn is another important step to take before hammering down the best time to plant sod. There are two grades necessary to run through your lawn before planting. These grades are known as: 1) Rough and 2) Final. You will want to be certain you understand how to do these grades, or you can hire landscape professionals to do the dirty work.


Each state and even many cities and counties have specific guidelines and rules when it comes to planting sod for your lawn, so be sure and check with the building departments in your area before you begin the process.


The right time in the season must be part of the consideration when determining the best time to plant sod, but making sure you have completed other important steps mentioned including identifying, testing, treating, and grading the soil will make all the difference. If achieving a beautiful lawn is your goal, it is wise to follow the right steps to give your lawn the best chance for growth and health.


About Modern Turf

To learn more about the high quality sod grass that Modern Turf grows in South Carolina visit their website at www.modernturf.com. Schedule a consultation today to end your search for the perfect high-quality sod- the most durable grass you have ever worked with, guaranteed.