Laying sod in the fall can be one of the best times to install a new turfgrass lawn. Early and mid fall are cooler and wetter, which gives sod time to root before dormancy, and a lawn installed in fall greens up easily in spring.
Steps for laying sod in the fall
Test the soil
"My Soil" test kits are available at our Mobile and Baton Rouge stores and at Gulf Kist Sod of Pensacola.
Choose a grass
Balance looks, maintenance, traffic and climate. Compare our sod varieties or try the grass finder.
Measure your planting area
Use our sod calculator.
Kill and remove any existing grass
Apply Roundup 10 to 14 days before installation and a second application 3 to 4 days later. Then remove the old grass with a sod cutter or tiller.
Prep and level the soil
Break up compacted soil and smooth it. Let rain or a sprinkler settle it, then smooth it again.
Lay the new sod
- Get the sod off the pallet within 48 hours.
- Plan where the pallets will be dropped.
- Move sod with wagons or wheelbarrows.
- Cut curves with a utility knife.
- Lay it in a brick pattern with offset seams.
- Trim edges with an edger or machete.
- Fit the pieces tight together.
Water
Soak the sod to 3 inches deep for 2 weeks. Then reduce the amount, but keep watering daily for 2 more weeks.
Fertilize
Use the TURFection Fall-Winter Kit. Read the TURFection label (PDF).
