Cooler fall weather has finally arrived in Utah, and you might be wondering if you can install sod now if you’ve got a bare patch of ground.
Autumn isn’t the time most people think of when it comes to planting things, so you might be wondering if you’ve missed the boat and have to wait till spring to add grass to your yard. Contrary to what you might think, fall is one of the best times to put in sod. Read on to find out why.
Myth: Summer is the Best Time to Lay Sod
The warm summer months when things are green and thriving might seem like the best time to lay sod, but that’s not necessarily the case. Technically, sod can be installed in any season, but there are advantages and disadvantages to each. Sod installed during the summer, for example, is up against the highest temperatures of the year and is constantly in danger of drying out. Winter in colder climates like Utah often means snow and frozen soil. Spring is milder and is a good time to lay sod, but early to mid Fall is one of the best times. The ground is not yet frozen, and while temperatures are cooler than summer, there are still plenty of sunny, warm days to help young grass get growing.
Moreover, fall is also a time that Utah is likely to receive more rain than the preceding summer months, which helps sod to stay moist and not dry out. Add to that the fact that grass naturally exerts more energy into growing roots than leaves in the fall, and you’ve got an ideal time.
Moisture is Critical
The main goal when you install sod is to ensure the grass takes root quickly. This guarantees that the young plants are able to get the nutrients they need from the soil. A key factor in sod taking root is to prevent the grass from drying out. Cooler temperatures, like those typical of fall weather, mean that less water evaporates when you water. That means less work for you in keeping the soil moist and less water overall. Nature helps you save more on your water bill due to increased rainfall in the autumn.
Make Sure You’ve Got Enough Time
In colder climates, it’s important to make sure the sod has time to take root and get established before the ground freezes. If you’re laying sod in the fall, check to see when soil is expected to freeze. You can easily find this information from your local county extension or from online weather sources. Grass needs about two weeks to take root and 4-6 weeks to fully develop a strong root system. Allow enough time from installation to the expected freeze date to give the grass the boost it needs.
Established grass goes dormant during the winter, storing nutrients until the spring. You want your new sod to have a chance to gather these essential nutrients in order to overwinter.
Planting sod in the fall gives you a leg up on a green, established lawn in the spring. Rather than having to wait until the ground warms up enough in the spring to be able to plant, your new sod will already be in place and ready to start greening up as soon as the warmer weather arrives.
Contact Monarch Sod
If now is the time for you to install sod in your Utah yard, get in touch with the pros at Monarch Sod. We serve Utah and Salt Lake counties and can help you install our premiere quality sod this fall for a gorgeous green lawn in the spring. For a quick quote, contact us today.
