The easy months
March through June is the sweet spot. The ground is warm, roots grow fast, and the summer rains arrive right when the new sod needs them. Sod laid in spring is usually rooted and ready to mow in three weeks.
Summer works too
July through September is fine if you can keep up with watering on the dry days between storms. The heat pushes growth, and the rain does much of the work. Just do not let a new pallet sit on the driveway more than a day in that heat.
Fall and winter
Sod still roots in the cooler months, just slower. Plan on four to six weeks before it is established, and water carefully because there is little rain. Avoid laying it right before a forecast freeze.
Prep is most of the job
Whatever the month, the ground makes or breaks it. Dead turf removed, soil loosened, low spots graded, and the sod laid tight with no gaps. Sod dropped on hard, weedy ground fails in any season.
Watering a new lawn, week by week
New sod needs short, frequent watering, not one long soak. Days 1 to 10, water two or three times a day for 5 to 10 minutes each time, so the soil under the sod never dries out. Days 11 to 20, once a day, about a quarter inch. Days 21 to 30, once a day, about half an inch. Days 31 to 60, three days a week on your odd or even address days. After day 60 the lawn is established and goes on the one-day-a-week county schedule. Hernando County allows daily watering for the first 30 days after installation, before 8 am or after 6 pm, when new sod or plants cover at least half the lawn. The full rules, including which day your address waters, are in Hernando County watering days and rules.
Ready to fix the bare spots?
Supreme Landscape does sod installation in Spring Hill and across Hernando County, St. Augustine, Bahia, or zoysia, by the pallet or by the piece. Not sure which grass? See St. Augustine vs Bahia vs zoysia, and how long new sod takes to root. Call or text 727-809-8150 for a free quote.
Sources: UF/IFAS Extension: Establishing Your Florida Lawn; Hernando County Utilities: Watering Restrictions
