Tips for Sodding in Colder Months
Installing sod in the late fall is one of the best ways to achieve a lush, healthy lawn with minimal wait time. As temperatures drop and winter approaches, however, it’s important to adjust your lawn care routine to give your new sod the best chance to establish strong roots before the cold weather sets in. With the right care, your freshly sodded lawn will not only survive the winter months but will thrive when spring arrives!
In this blog, we’ll cover how to maintain your newly sodded lawn during the fall and winter months, including how to prepare it for the colder weather, reduce the risk of snow mold, and make sure it stays healthy through the dormant season.
Special Considerations for Newly Sodded Lawns in Cold Weather
When you sod your lawn in the fall, you're taking advantage of cool-season grass types, such as our Durablend Tall Fescue, HGT or HD2000 Kentucky Bluegrasses, which are designed to thrive in cooler temperatures. However, newly laid sod still requires specific care to ensure that it establishes strong roots before freezing weather arrives.
WATERING ADJUSTMENTS
When your sod is newly installed, consistent watering is crucial for root establishment. However, as temperatures drop in the fall, you’ll need to adjust your watering schedule to prevent over-watering and other complications.
First 2-3 weeks: Water your sod frequently after installation to keep it moist, but not soaking. During this time, your sod is actively rooting into the soil, so it's essential to keep it consistently hydrated. Watering each day may be necessary, depending on the weather.
After 3 weeks: Once the sod has rooted (which you can test by gently tugging on a corner of the sod), reduce watering frequency. Water deeply but less often to encourage deeper root growth. As it gets cooler, the grass will require less water, and you’ll need to reduce watering further.
In winter…
Once the temperatures dip consistently below freezing, your cool season sod will go dormant, but remain green. At this point, you should stop watering altogether unless there’s an unseasonably warm period. Frozen ground doesn’t absorb water, and excessive moisture can promote fungal growth or lead to root rot. Only water during a warm spell, and make sure the sod is not covered in snow or ice when doing so.
PREVENTING SNOW MOLD AND OTHER FUNGAL ISSUES
One common issue with newly sodded lawns during the winter is the development of snow mold, a fungal disease that thrives in cool, damp conditions. Snow mold can create unsightly patches of dead grass, and it’s more likely to occur on sod that hasn’t fully rooted or has excessive moisture.
Here’s how to reduce the risk of snow mold:
Rake up leaves and debris regularly: Falling leaves or debris can trap moisture against your sod, creating the perfect environment for snow mold. Be sure to clear your lawn regularly, especially before snow falls.
Avoid over-watering: As mentioned earlier, over-watering newly sodded lawns is one of the main contributors to fungal growth. Reduce watering frequency as temperatures cool, and avoid watering when frost or snow is expected.
Avoid walking on the lawn during winter: Walking on wet sod can compact the soil and damage young grass, especially if it's not fully rooted. Try to stay off your sod during the winter months, as the risk of fungal infections increases with foot traffic.
Allow the sod to breathe: If snow does accumulate on your lawn, be mindful of areas where snow piles up or where there's prolonged shade. Try to avoid heavy snow piling in the same spots each time, as this can create a damp, humid microclimate that’s favorable for mold growth.
ADJUSTING FERTILIZATION FOR FALL AND WINTER
Fertilization during the fall months is important to help your sod develop strong roots before going dormant in the winter. However, the type of fertilizer you use and when you apply it will depend on the stage of growth your grass is in.
Before winter: Apply a fall fertilizer with a higher level of potassium and phosphorus. Potassium helps the grass resist cold temperatures, while phosphorus encourages deep root development. Make sure to fertilize your newly sodded lawn 4-6 weeks before the first frost to allow time for the fertilizer to be absorbed into the soil.
After winter: Once temperatures warm in the spring, you can apply a balanced fertilizer to encourage green growth. Be careful not to fertilize too early, as this can encourage premature growth that may be damaged by frost or a late cold snap.
MOWING TIPS FOR NEWLY SODDED LAWNS IN THE FALL/WINTER
One of the unique challenges of maintaining a newly sodded lawn in the fall is determining when and how often to mow.
Don’t mow too soon: After sodding, wait until the grass has rooted into the soil before mowing. This typically takes 2-3 weeks, depending on weather and sod variety. Test by gently tugging on the sod; if it resists, it’s ready for mowing.
Mow before the first frost: Try to get your last mow in before the first hard frost. Keep the mower blade high (about 2.5 to 3 inches) to protect the grass from damage and keep it from being stressed during the colder months.
Avoid mowing during wet conditions: Wet sod is more susceptible to damage, so make sure to wait until the lawn is dry before mowing.
SNOW AND ICE PROTECTION
While new sod can handle winter temperatures, extreme conditions like heavy snow or ice can cause damage if it’s not cared for properly. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Avoid piling snow on the sod: If you're using a snow blower or shovel, try not to pile heavy snow on your newly sodded areas. Thick layers of snow and ice can smother the grass and prevent air from reaching the roots.
Use ice melt carefully: Avoid using rock salt or other harsh de-icing products on newly sodded lawns, as they can damage the grass. Opt for safer alternatives like sand, which provides traction without harming the sod.
CONCLUSION: CARING FOR YOUR SOD DURING THE FALL & WINTER
Sodding in the late fall can give your lawn a head start on the growing season, but proper care is essential to ensure it survives the winter and flourishes come spring. By adjusting your watering schedule, preventing snow mold, and giving your new sod the attention it needs during the colder months, you’ll set the stage for a healthy, vibrant lawn when the warm weather returns.
Remember, your newly sodded lawn won’t need much attention during the winter months, but small steps like proper watering, mowing, and fungal prevention can make a huge difference in how it comes through the cold season.
With a little patience and attention to detail, your lawn will be ready to thrive as soon as the temperatures rise again—green, lush, and full of life!
Ready to sod your lawn? Contact us today to learn more about the best grass types for your area, and how to get your lawn ready for a strong, healthy spring!