How Long Does Sod Take to Root? The Interesting Answer!
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Ed Malaker
- Last updated:
Installing sod can help you get a great yard in a fraction of the time that it takes to grow seed, but it can take a significant amount of maintenance until it takes root. If you are thinking of laying sod on your property and want to know how long before it takes root, you will be glad to know that it should only take 10–14 days. However, this time frame can vary significantly due to several factors. Keep reading as we look into how you can maintain the sod to help it take root quickly so you can enjoy healthy green grass as soon as possible.
How Long Will It Take Sod to Root?
If conditions are ideal, sod will usually begin to take root in 10–14 days and fully take hold in less than 6 weeks. However, several factors can slow growth.
Weather
One factor that can affect how long your sod takes to root is the weather. If the temperature is too high or too low, the grass will experience slow growth. Most experts recommend laying the sod when it will be 60–80 degrees Fahrenheit for several days.
Water
You will need to ensure that your sod gets plenty of water, especially at first, as it may have dried out during transportation. However, you don’t want to lay the sod in an area experiencing a large amount of rain because that can lead to root rot.
Type of Grass
Lay warm-season grass in the spring or summer for the best results and fastest rooting. Cold-season grass will perform best when you lay it in the fall, so the hot summer temperatures won’t damage it, and it will have time to root throughout the fall and spring before the high temperatures return.
Location
If you are placing the sod in a sunny area of your property, you can lay it at any time as long as the temperature remains between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are placing the sod in a shady area of the yard, you are most likely using a cool-weather sod that will grow better if you lay it in the fall or spring.
Other Tips and Tricks for Helping Your Sod Take Root
- Never try to place sod over frozen ground.
- When laying cool-weather sod in the springtime, do it as soon as temperatures start to reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit, to give it time to take root before it has to deal with higher temperatures.
- Ask a professional turf builder in your area for the best time to lay your sod.
- Water your sod frequently, especially in the beginning, but don’t let the ground become soggy or waterlogged, or it can lead to root rot.
- Prepare your soil by tilling it before laying the sod. You can till in nutrients that will help the grass grow, and lime will help balance the pH.
- Avoid walking on or mowing your new grass for the first 2–3 weeks.
- Slow your watering after about 2 weeks to encourage deep root growth.
- Fertilize your sod to encourage faster root growth.
Summary
Your sod should start taking root 10–14 days after you lay it down, and it should achieve a firm hold and deep roots within 6 weeks. Using the right kind of grass for your environment, planting it at the right time so it is not affected by high temperatures, and keeping your eye on the weather will help it root faster. Give the grass plenty of water, especially at first, and use an appropriate fertilizer to help your new sod take root as quickly as possible.
Featured Image Credit: Anna Shvets, Pexels
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