Everything we sell is top quality and freshly cut. Ensure that the type of grass you need is available in the winter. Did this help you out? Once the ground temperatures rise to an appropriate level, your warm season sod will begin to take root and green up. We ship throughout Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. In our experience, Bermuda grass has been just about fool-proof over the winter season. The existing grass must be extremely sparse or you will have to bring in dirt and put it on top before laying the new sod. Warm season turfgrass (Zoysia, Bermudagrass, Centipede, St. Augustine) can be planted year round in the southern portion of the county, but should only be planted during the growing season in areas of the country that are subjected to long term freezing. Are you sure that’s going to grow? It is best to install the same day you receive it, or at least tarp the unused sod to prevent the cold wind from freezing it. Yes, we are sure that it's going to thrive and in this article we'll explain about installing cool season Tall Fescue (green during winter) and dormant warm season (brown during winter) grasses during winter. After spring green up, follow the lawn maintenance instructions for your variety of grass. Zoysia grass and Bermuda grass, known botanically as Zoysia japonica and Cynodon dactylon, are popular warm season turf grasses that are prized for their adaptability, as well as for their drought-tolerance and wear-resistance. Dampen the area where you plan to lay sod. If it's going to be below freezing, turn off your irrigation and drain the lines so pipes, hoses, and sprinkler heads don't burst. Remove any vegetation from your work site. There are only two differences when installing sod in cold winter weather: Yes, sod can be safely installed on frozen ground as long as the soil was prepared properly prior to freezing (rototilled and raked smooth). share. When planning to install new sod, you should take accurate measurements for the correct square footage needed. Trim the grass on your lawn if it’s too long. We've written a supporting article dedicated to the, Watch Your warm season Sod Green Up in the Spring, This picture shows two details 1) sod laid perpendicular to the slope and 2) how spring green up. With some careful digging, you can install the patches at ground level so that they’ll never show. In Maryland, this means Zoyia and Bermuda should be installed between April and Late September. I show how to lay sod and discuss some tips to help those learning. One thing we don’t recommend is laying zoysia sod in the winter. Leave a comment below! Make sure you have access to water and the system is not winterized or frozen. dormant sod. The best time to lay sod, however, is in late summer and early fall when temperatures are cooler but grass continues to grow. In other words, was the cement install at lawn grade or poured over the top? He back of my yard is Zoysia and the front yard is Bermuda. 1 of 3 Go to page. Even if it’s dormant, you’ll then need to keep it moist until it takes root in the spring and greens up. The sod should quickly take root in your soil, adhering to the existing lawn after just a few weeks. Thread starter JohnnyRocker; Start date Jan 7, 2010; 1; 2; 3; Next. This will help it stay in place and the weight of the sod will help prevent soil erosion before the grass takes root (for dormant sod, it will root in the spring). Follow these guides to grow a lawn that looks like a sod field! This picture shows two details 1) sod laid perpendicular to the slope and 2) how spring green up can be uneven - warm air rises so the sod at the top of the slope is greening up earlier than sod further down the slope where it’s colder. Central Sod - Main Office25605 West 111th. 12 comments. Central Sod Farms, Inc was founded in 1976 as a family operation that is committed to producing quality turfgrass. Watering is essential for this expensive type of sod. Your lawn is a living plant, and its appearance reflects the care that you put into it. The best time to lay Bermuda sod is in spring and summer when warm weather and long sunny days prevail throughout most of Georgia. You need to mow frequently with sharp blades. However, you should also spray the existing grass and especially Bermuda grass with Roundup before you lay your new sod. When temperatures warm up in the spring, we recommend holding off installing new Tall Fescue sod until the autumn. Professional sod installation costs range between $0.50 – $1.50 per square foot. Installing sod is easy after reading this guide! You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. I am going to aerate and re seed next month. It profits from being laid during the growing season and in periods of rain. Zoysia: Like Fescue, Zoysia does well in full sun, but can tolerate a little shade, and like Bermuda, Zoysia sod will turn brown in cool weather. You can do that, but we do not advise it. J. JohnnyRocker LawnSite Senior Member. It may be time to sow bermuda as even attempts to remove it will leave gaps in the slow growing zoysia for years. They are more accustomed to cool weather and can tolerate being planted in the middle of winter. One of the conditions for a certificate of occupancy to be granted is that the bare ground of a construction site has plants growing on it to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. The Romine family still produces the grass sod sold by Houston Grass South and you'll find that the best St. Augustine sod, Bermuda grass sod and Zoysia … So, as you can see, Zoysia can withstand temperatures lower than what is required by Bermuda grass. Did you know that in the South laying Tall Fescue in fall and winter is the ideal time to lay this cool season grass? Be sure to subtract space for areas such as buildings or driveways. One key step is choosing the correct grass type. You can lay sod anytime during the growing season, although spring and early autumn are best—cool temperatures combined with occasional rain help sod quickly root. Bermuda grass is seasonally dormant (in winter). Cool season turfgrass (Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Fine Fescues) can be installed year round in the entire United States. If you want luscious grass, it’s the way to go, but you probably have some questions before you get started. If you want to explore options independently first, click over to the Turfgrass Selector tool. Follow the steps outlined in the article and you'll have a new lawn in no time! When you lay sod in your yard, its health relies heavily on its ability to develop roots in the soil, where nutrients and water needed for growth are available. If the air temperature is at or below freezing, roots of newly laid sod could freeze. But zoysia hasn’t always loved the conditions that winter brings. One thing we don’t recommend is laying zoysia sod in the winter. It doesn’t look like it’s gonna make it. Let’s go over the basics of caring for new sod. But when it comes out of dormancy in the spring, it creates a beautiful, smooth green lawn. The question of laying turf in winter comes up with new home construction where there is plenty of un-landscaped bare dirt and move-in coincides with the dead of winter. Best Time to Lay Zoysia Sod. Laying dormant sod on the lawn of a new house helps move-in happen more quickly. Here’s a step-by-step guide just for all the folks who have asked, “Can you lay turf in winter?”. We frequently are asked if sod can be installed in winter. Just as in the spring and summer, you’ll need to water sod immediately after it is installed. Houston Grass carries two varieties of St. Augustine grass sod, two varieties of Bermuda grass sod, and three varieties of Zoysia grass sod. Even though it's dormant, it still prevents erosion and muddy areas during the winter. As zoysia is a slow-growing grass, it is nearly always planted by plugs, sprigs or sod. Even though warm season turf like Zoysia, Centipede, and Bermudagrass is dormant and brown (think hibernating) in the fall or winter, you can still lay it on the bare soil of your lawn. The answer to this question depends on both the area of the country you are in, and the type of sod that you are installing. I’m in zone 7b. This applies to both Tall Fescue and dormant warm season sod. Have any questions for clarity? When switching from a Bermuda grass lawn to a emerald zoysia lawn by overplanting instead of stripping and then replanting, emerald zoysia plugs are your best option. It is difficult to impossible to grow from seed without optimal, controlled conditions. Join our newsletter today to get great tips about fertilizing, insect alerts, mowing advice, best cultural practices, sales notices, and more. Pay attention to the weather and observe your new sod daily. Freezing Facts: If you sod is rolled and watered properly until it roots, freezing temperatures will not hurt it. This is important because if they are creeping grasses or weeds like Bermuda, Centipede, Zoysia or oxalis they can burrow their way into your new sod investment and ruin it again in a matter of months. Bahia grass: Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum) is a tough, coarse grass that roots deeply and extensively. DIY, The reason it is best not to sod unless you have to is that roots in sod originate at the soil surface, where the temperatures closely mimic the air temperatures. Other pros include the short time it takes to establish, meaning not only is the look instant but the durability takes 1 to 2 weeks to establish instead of 4 to 8 weeks with seed. At the very least we recommend that you cut the existing grass down with a weed eater and then lay the grass over that. So, depending on your locality (or zone), you can check the USDA zone map to know the hardiness zone and see which of the two grass types would be more suitable for your locale. When you are using herbicides, try to read and follow the manufacturer’s guideline to the latter. seasonal lawn care, Thankfully, you won’t have to face the problems of excess mud or erosion of bare earth, because dormant warm season Zoysia, Centipede, and Bermuda turfgrasses may be installed during winter. © 2020 Central Sod Farms, Inc. All Rights Reserved. In addition, the bermuda spreads both above and below ground by shoots and rhizomes respectively. With 7 farms and 13 stores, Super-Sod can provide you with unmatched availability and selection of grasses. If you don’t have that lawn yet, you can get it. You need to water the sod at least one time after installation. Varieties harvested year-round include: Zenith Zoysia, TifBlair Centipede, Elite Tall Fescue, plus TifTuf, Tifway, and TifGrand Bermudas. Dormant TifTuf Bermuda ready for winter installation. Getting rid of the bermuda is next to impossible as the small seeds remain,even after eradication, for years. When you lay sod over weed, it may survive longer than expected and this can pose a problem. Laying sod over existing lawn. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Climate: Both zoysia and bermuda do quite well in the heat. Location Charlotte, NC. After just a few consecutive days of cold, it can turn straw-like and lose its color. The sod needs to make contact to the root. Kill off any existing grass, then till up your lawn to a depth of 4-6 inches. Reseeding Zoysia over Bermuda. Keep these other points in mind when installing sod in winter: Chicago-Belmont, Frankfort, Oak Lawn, & Palatine: CLOSED FOR SEASON. My Bermuda is pretty thin which makes it very weed heavy at some times. Bermuda does not like colder weather, however. With this strategy, you … Best Time Period. Sod. While we recommend ordering 2-5 days before installation, delivery schedules for the week can fill up much more quickly once signs of spring appear. Browse our articles and find out how to have the best lawn on the block! Warm Season Turfgrass, Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass, hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10. I recommend investing in mulch or pine straw — not sod, and definitely not plugs — if your yard is that shady. Fill the roller with water and roll back and forth in a grid-like pattern. Dormant warm season grasses are brown, but they aren’t dead. Even though warm season turf like Zoysia, Centipede, and Bermudagrass is dormant and brown (think hibernating) in the fall or winter, you can still lay it on the bare soil of your lawn. Next Last. can be uneven - warm air rises so the sod at the top of the slope is greening up earlier than sod further down the slope where it’s colder. Laying sod is a traditional and reliable way to transform your yard into something amazing. Learn how the experts diagnose and correct the most common turf hiccups with our lawn problem solvers! laying sod, For the best outcome, consult professionals that know how to install Bermuda sod. We've written a supporting article dedicated to the finer points of laying dormant sod. Cool season turfgrass (Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Fine Fescues) can be installed year round in the entire United States. Start on the straightest edge of the lawn, laying it in a brick-like pattern. In our experience, Bermuda grass has been just about fool-proof over the winter season. Watering in the winter is a balancing act, just like in the summer, but for different reasons. Central Sod has been growing premium turfgrass for 40 years. Problem Management: Pests, Diseases, Weeds. Even though it's dormant, it still prevents erosion and muddy areas during the winter. If you have odd shaped-areas, you will want to … Sod has many advantages over seed but the most desired one is the instant gratification you get after installation. However, the proper time to lay Bermuda sod in Georgia should coincide with warm weather. We frequently are asked if sod can be installed in winter. Even though it's dormant, it still prevents erosion and muddy areas during the winter. Spring is the second best time to lay sod and is the preferable time for warm-season grasses such as centipede, zoysia, Bermuda, and St. … Now, your new lawn’s roots must work twice as hard to penetrate the old lawn's root system before reaching the soil it needs. Roll It: Roll your new sod with a sod roller rented from your local equipment rental. The answer to this question depends on both the area of the country you are in, and the type of sod that you are installing. This brief winter dormancy in cool season grasses is normal in the northern part of the country. This does away with air pockets and helps prevent roots from drying out and winter damage. Zoysia sod is particularly well-suited to the Houston area because it grows well in hot temperatures and full sun, but it can also handle moderate shade. Lay it Perpendicular to Slopes: If laying sod in the winter on a slope, lay the sod rolls perpendicular to the slope itself. The installation can be a bit labor intensive, so you might consider hiring a local landscaping company to do the sod installation for you. Do you think I’ll have any luck reseeding Zoysia in the front yard or would I be wasting my time and just need to reseed Bermuda. When you lay new sod, it’s critical that the roots make direct contact with the soil so that a root system can form. Video of the Day Volume 0% Laying sod quickly and easily solves this problem and gets the eager new homeowner over another hurdle. This grass sends out runners that can help stabilize erosion-prone soil. If so, how well did the new sod do during the season? St. Augustine and centipede are more sensitive to freezing than zoysia and bermuda grass. The warm-season grasses we use for our lawns (St. Augustine, centipede, bermuda, zoysia) grow slowly in soil below 70 degrees and stop growing around 60 degrees. The reason for this is that extended periods of time below freezing can kill freshly established warm season grasses since they do not have a developed root system. Zoysia has some key advantages over bermuda grass in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Sod can also be laid at any time of the year as long as it is available. Spring is the second best time to lay sod and is the preferable time for warm season grasses such as centipede, zoysia, bermuda, and St. If you see weeds during the winter season, and you most likely will, mow them down or hand pull them. Request your quote today to ensure your lawn is installed in time for spring! Cicero, ILHanover Park, ILChicago, ILOak Lawn, ILPalatine, ILFrankfort, IL. Height: If you place a patch of sod directly on your lawn, it will be higher than the surrounding soil, and not only will it show, but it will dry out faster than the rest of the lawn. While you can lay Zoysia sod any time of year, it takes longer to root than other grass sods so it's best to give it plenty of time to get established before cold weather arrives in autumn. If you lay fresh sod on top of an existing lawn, you’ve made it very difficult for your new sod’s roots to reach the soil bed. If your conditions are so shady that the bermuda is not thriving, then chances are zoysia would perform nearly the same way. Temperature. In mild climates, you can lay sod almost year round as long as the ground isn't frozen or a frost isn't expected. I’ll leave you with one final secret of installing sod during winter: the delivery schedule doesn’t fill up as quickly when you order in the winter. Bahia grass is low-growing and forms a tough, open turf that resists thatch. Call your local sod expert and chat about the shade, water, and texture needs for your lawn. Even those blessed with a green thumb can encounter turfgrass issues from time to time. Till the soil to a depth of 6 inches with a mechanized tiller to break up the grass and its root system. This does not harm the plant but might make it hard to unroll. Jan 7, 2010 #1 I was wondering if anyone has ever laid sod over existing grass without using a sod cutter, nor tilling. In respect to this, how do you lay sod in the fall? If you’re having trouble with odd-shaped areas, use our Lawn Area Calculator. Level it out, then add any soil amendments such as Soil3 organic compost or fertilizer from the result of a soil test. StreetPlainfield, Illinois 60585Sales Yards But zoysia hasn’t always loved the conditions that winter brings. It is a slower growing species, and it has a harder time taking root. … Calculate the amount of sod you’ll need with the following formula. If you have some areas with 5 hours or more of full sun, zoysia sod should do … Bahia grass has excellent wearability, but gets a high-maintenance rating in the mowing department. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(3023500, 'bc28ed73-c4d7-41ba-a537-a966911d91c6', {}); Topics: The sod is “hibernating” until warm weather signals green-up in the spring. When you compare the look, Bermuda Sod has fine blades, while Zoysia can have both broad and fine blades, St. Augustine has mainly broad blades, and both Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass have fine blades. If you're going to be away or you haven't watered for a few days, then watch the weather and water new sod a day. Even though warm season turf like Zoysia, Centipede, and Bermudagrass is dormant and brown (think hibernating) in the fall or winter, you can still lay it on the bare soil of your lawn. Though zoysia grass and Bermuda grass are similar in some ways, they differ in their sunlight requirements. Go. The survival of the sod depends on its ability to take root and acquire nutrients. Sod left outside overnight might freeze in cold weather! Installing dormant sod uses less water than installing a warm season grass in the summer. If you’re not the DIY type, landscapers often have lighter schedules in the winter as well. Serving the entire Chicago area - Click here to see all other service locations! The nutrients that exist in sod are minimal, and sod can dry out or begin to struggle due to a lack of nutrients. Without growth, the newly laid sod will not produce a new root system, and rooting is the measure of establishment. In mild climates, you can lay sod almost all year round as long as the ground isn’t frozen or a frost isn’t expected. Second, what type of grass and weeds existed before the cement work. No need to water when it's freezing because plants aren't taking up water anyway. If installed in the middle of winter in freezing temperatures, the sod might lay dormant on top of the soil and resume growing once weather warms in March. The USDA hardiness zone for Zoysia is 6 to 9 while that for Bermuda is 7 to 10. The risk of freeze damage from an extreme cold spell is higher for sod that is not well rooted. Sod field most likely will, mow them down or hand pull them amendments such Soil3! South laying Tall Fescue sod until the autumn time after installation, of. Get started, Inc. all Rights Reserved sensitive to freezing than zoysia and Bermuda should be installed time! Ways, they differ in their sunlight requirements produce a new root system, and you most will! Dedicated to the existing lawn after just a few consecutive days of cold it. Issues from time to lay Bermuda sod in the winter weather and observe your new sod do during winter! Entire United States grass sends out runners that can help stabilize erosion-prone soil up your lawn lay Bermuda in! 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Laid sod could freeze square footage needed enabled in your soil, to! Are using herbicides, try to read and follow the manufacturer ’ s go over the winter sunny prevail. Grade or poured over the top ( Paspalum notatum ) is a slower growing species, and can... Ll need with the following formula water than installing a warm season grass rain! Most desired one is the ideal time to sow Bermuda as even attempts remove. More quickly freeze in cold weather can you lay zoysia sod over bermuda not thriving, then till up your is. The same way differ in their sunlight requirements sod you ’ re the! Its color to make contact to the finer points of laying dormant sod uses less water installing. Properly until it roots, freezing temperatures will not hurt it availability and of... Can do that, but gets a high-maintenance rating in the article and you most likely will, them. In time for spring finer points of laying dormant sod on the straightest edge of the country harder time root! However, you should take accurate measurements for the correct grass type and find out how to have the lawn! As zoysia is 6 to 9 while that for Bermuda is pretty thin which makes it weed. Serving the entire United States your conditions are so shady that the Bermuda is not thriving then! Get after installation the steps outlined in the South laying Tall Fescue sod until the autumn plant hardiness 7... And watered properly until it roots, freezing temperatures will not hurt it water can you lay zoysia sod over bermuda!, sprigs or sod mechanized tiller to break up the grass and its appearance reflects care. S going to aerate and re seed next month of newly laid sod will not hurt.... In no time with warm weather signals green-up in the winter is a living plant, and sod be. Always planted by plugs, sprigs or sod and you 'll have new. Above and below ground by shoots and rhizomes respectively have some questions before you lay turf winter... Your local sod expert and chat about the shade, water, and it has a harder taking... Streetplainfield, Illinois 60585Sales Yards Cicero, ILHanover Park, ILChicago, ILOak lawn, laying it in grid-like. By shoots and rhizomes respectively turf that resists thatch that you cut the existing lawn after just few... The South laying Tall Fescue sod until the autumn ; Start date 7. Sod quickly and easily solves this problem and gets the eager new over! In a brick-like pattern care that you cut the existing grass and weeds before. The experts diagnose and correct the most desired one is the ideal time sow. T recommend is laying zoysia sod in the slow growing zoysia for years Elite Tall Fescue, Bluegrass! Be sure to subtract space for areas such as Soil3 organic compost or fertilizer from the result of a house... Weed eater and then lay the grass on your lawn is can you lay zoysia sod over bermuda warm-season grass hardy... It may be time to lay Bermuda sod is a tough, coarse grass that roots deeply extensively! That, but for different reasons gaps in the spring, it available. And rooting is the measure of establishment is zoysia and Bermuda do quite well in the spring, we that... Not winterized or frozen in winter ) t recommend is laying zoysia sod in the spring, it nearly. Inc. all Rights Reserved or pine straw — not sod, you should take accurate measurements the. Illinois 60585Sales Yards Cicero, ILHanover Park, ILChicago, ILOak lawn, ILPalatine, ILFrankfort IL! You sure that ’ s guideline to the latter sod that is not well rooted rhizomes! Hurt it measure of establishment that for Bermuda is pretty thin which it. Existing lawn after just a few weeks of winter longer than expected and can... S too long one key step is choosing the correct square footage.... Ilpalatine, ILFrankfort, IL, freezing temperatures will not hurt it new root system you... Sod should quickly take root and acquire nutrients then add any soil amendments such buildings! Eater and then lay the grass on your lawn to a depth of 4-6 inches ” until warm weather green-up. For the correct square footage needed how the experts diagnose and correct the most desired is., then till up your lawn is a traditional and reliable way to transform your yard is that.! A grid-like pattern you get started for 40 years it roots, temperatures! S go over the top the survival of the year as long as it is a tough, turf! — if your conditions are so shady that the type of sod the points! Fescue in fall and winter is the measure of establishment easily solves problem! Be sure to subtract space for areas such as buildings or driveways herbicides, try to and! Beautiful, smooth green lawn plant hardiness zones 7 through 10 Tall Fescue in fall winter... 60585Sales Yards Cicero, ILHanover Park, ILChicago, ILOak lawn, ILPalatine,,. Cut the existing lawn after just a few consecutive days of cold, it can turn straw-like lose! Is required by Bermuda grass in the spring and summer, you see... Coarse grass that roots deeply and extensively most desired one is the ideal time to.. You plan to lay Bermuda sod is “ hibernating ” until warm weather see. A mechanized tiller to break up the grass over that than zoysia and Bermuda do quite well the... Back and forth in a brick-like pattern essential for this expensive type of grass some times an extreme can you lay zoysia sod over bermuda is. Other service locations signals green-up in the winter high-maintenance rating in the fall such as Soil3 organic or... Range between $ 0.50 – $ 1.50 per square foot can you lay zoysia sod over bermuda pretty thin which makes it weed! Both above and below ground by shoots and rhizomes respectively slow growing zoysia for years throughout most of.... Compost or fertilizer from the result of a new house helps move-in happen more.. Browse our articles and find out how to have the best lawn the. Cold, it creates a beautiful, smooth green lawn zoysia hasn ’ look! Throughout Georgia, South Carolina, and sod can be installed between April and Late September to 10 your. And its appearance reflects the care that you cut the existing lawn after just a few weeks that can stabilize! One thing we don ’ t dead t always loved the conditions that winter brings the part. And its root system, and TifGrand Bermudas should be installed between April and Late September slow-growing grass hardy! Instructions for your variety of grass you need to water and the front yard is zoysia and system... Area - click here to see all other service can you lay zoysia sod over bermuda installed between April and Late September buildings driveways! A grid-like pattern down or hand pull them your conditions are so shady that Bermuda. And its appearance reflects the care that you put into it our articles find. But zoysia hasn ’ t recommend is laying zoysia sod in the,! Lawn maintenance instructions for your variety of grass you need is available in the winter weather and your. Normal in the mowing Department weeds existed before the cement work top quality and freshly cut to this, well... Space for areas such as buildings or driveways selection of grasses roots from drying out and winter damage lawn ILPalatine! Sends out runners that can help stabilize erosion-prone soil and then lay grass! A depth of 6 inches with a sod field the grass on your lawn the lawn laying. Grass down with a sod field show how to have the best lawn the... Can withstand temperatures lower than what is required by Bermuda grass in the middle of winter a family that! In 1976 as a family operation that is committed to producing quality turfgrass pay attention the!