When Is the Best Time to Lay Sod in Waco?

Why spring and early fall win

St. Augustine, Bermuda and Zoysia are all warm-season grasses. They grow roots when the soil is warm. In April and May the ground has warmed up, but you're not yet fighting 100-degree afternoons, so new sod roots in without needing water three times a day. Early fall is similar: warm soil, cooler air, and a couple of months to establish before winter.

Can you lay sod in a Waco summer?

Yes, and plenty of people do, especially with new builds that close in July. It roots fast in the heat. The catch is water. In July and August plan on watering once or twice a day for the first week or so, then tapering off. Miss a few days in the heat and the edges brown fast.

What about winter?

You can lay sod from November to February, but it'll go in dormant and brown. It won't really root until spring warms the ground. It needs less water, but it's more vulnerable to washing out in a hard rain and takes longer to settle in. If you can wait until April, wait.

A simple watering plan for new sod

• Week 1: Keep it wet. Water enough to soak through the sod into the dirt, once or twice a day depending on heat.
• Week 2: Once a day, deeper.
• Weeks 3–4: Every other day, then back to a normal schedule.

Lift a corner of the sod after watering. If the dirt underneath is dry, you're not watering enough. Check your city's watering rules too, since some allow extra watering for new sod.

Need sod in Waco?

Tap through the quote form or call (254) 269-6843. More posts on the blog.