There’s nothing like stepping onto a fresh, green lawn in the Okanagan. If you’re ready to transform your yard, you’re probably asking: when is the best time to lay sod? The short answer is that timing is everything. Laying sod at the right moment gives your turf the best chance to establish roots, grow strong, and stay healthy for years. Whether you’re hiring professionals or taking on a DIY sod installation, knowing when to lay sod and how to do it makes all the difference.
When is the Best Time to Lay Sod in the Okanagan
The Okanagan climate is unique, with hot summers, cool nights, and mild winters. To give sod the best chance at survival, choose times of year when conditions support root growth rather than stress.
- Spring: This is one of the best windows to lay sod. The soil is warming up, rain is more frequent, and grass grows quickly. Spring sod establishes well before the summer heat kicks in.
- Early Fall: Another excellent time, as long as you’re having a warm season. The soil is still warm, but cooler air temperatures reduce stress on newly installed sod. Fall is perfect for root development and ensures a strong start before winter.
- Summer: You can lay sod in the summer, but it requires extra care. You’ll need a strict watering schedule to prevent the sod from drying out in the heat. This is doable, but not always ideal.
- Winter: In the Okanagan, laying sod in winter isn’t recommended. Cold soil prevents roots from taking hold, leaving the sod vulnerable.
Be Sure You Prepare the Soil Properly
Before you buy sod from a sod farm, make sure your yard is ready. To do this, start with the following.
Clear the area, and remove rocks, weeds, and old grass. Next, grade the soil. Aim for about 4–6 inches of quality topsoil. This depth gives sod enough room for root growth, and then you can level and smooth. Use a rake to create a flat, even surface. A smooth grade helps new sod sit firmly against the soil. From there, apply a starter fertilizer before laying sod. This gives the newly laid sod a boost of nutrients and helps roots take hold quickly.
Think of soil preparation as the most important step. Skipping it often leads to problems like uneven surfaces, poor growth, or areas where sod won’t thrive.
Lay the Sod Carefully
Once your soil is ready, it’s time to lay the sod.
When laying sod, always start with a straight edge along a driveway, sidewalk, or another fixed line to keep your rows neat. Stagger seams in a brick-like pattern so they don’t line up, which prevents weak spots in your newly laid sod. Use a sharp knife to cut sod to fit around corners, flower beds, or pathways, trimming pieces carefully so they fit snugly together without gaps. Once the sod is in place, gently press or roll it into the soil to ensure good contact and remove air pockets, helping roots stay moist and healthy as they begin to grow.
As you work, handle sod with care. Avoid stretching or tearing pieces. Think of each roll as a puzzle piece. You want it to lock in tight.
Water the Newly Installed Sod for the First Few Weeks
The first few weeks are critical. Proper watering is the difference between a thriving lawn and one that struggles.
Right after installation, always water the newly laid sod within 30 minutes to prevent it from drying out. Make sure the soil is saturated at least 6 inches deep so moisture reaches the roots.
For the first two weeks, keep the sod consistently moist by watering daily, and sometimes even twice a day during hot Okanagan weather, to help the turf establish roots in your soil.
After about two weeks, you can taper off to a more regular watering schedule, about every two to three days, always adjusting based on rainfall and temperature to keep your newly installed sod healthy and thriving.
Do not overwater. Sod that stays soggy can develop disease or rot. On the other hand, underwatering leaves grass blades dry and brittle. Balance is key.
Engage in Early Care and Maintenance for Sod
Once your sod starts to root, you are done with the initial stages, and it’s time to care for it like a regular lawn.
For the first mowing, wait until the grass blades reach about three inches in height before cutting. Always use sharp mower blades to avoid tearing the new turf. About four to six weeks after installation, it can prove extremely helpful to apply a starter fertilizer again to support strong root growth and long-term health.
For the first thirty days after installing your sod, try to limit heavy traffic. Avoid dragging furniture, playing sports, or moving equipment across the newly installed sod until it has fully established.
FAQ
How Much Sod Do You Need?
Before you buy sod, measure your yard carefully. Sod is typically sold in square feet. Multiply the length by the width of each area to get the total coverage. Always order a little extra (about 5% more) so you have enough to cut sod to fit corners and odd shapes without running short.
Why Buy from a Local Sod Farm?
Buying locally grown sod makes a big difference. At Lavington Turf Farms, sod is grown specifically for the Okanagan climate. That means your turf is already adapted to local weather and soil conditions. Plus, local sod arrives fresh, often cut the same day you install it. Fresh sod establishes faster and grows stronger than sod that’s been shipped long distances.
When to Lay Sod for Success Starts with Buying from Lavington Turf Farms
Knowing when to lay sod is just as important as how you install it. In the Okanagan, as mentioned, spring and early fall are the best times, giving your sod the chance to establish roots in mild conditions.
By preparing the soil well, laying sod carefully, following a solid watering schedule, and giving your lawn time to adjust, you’ll set yourself up to have the sort of lush, green lawn that may last for potentially years.
Ready to get started? Contact Lavington Turf Farms today to buy sod that’s fresh, local, and ready to go for your yard transformation. We’re here to help you grow the lawn you’ve always wanted.
