If you’re a homeowner in North Texas, knowing when to plant sod is the single most important factor for success. Getting the timing right gives your new lawn the best chance to establish strong roots before facing our region’s extreme weather. This guide will walk you through the optimal windows, preparation steps, and aftercare to ensure your investment grows into a beautiful, durable turf.
Planting at the wrong time can lead to a lot of problems. Sod that struggles to root can die off quickly in a heatwave or freeze, wasting your money and effort. By aligning your project with nature’s schedule, you work with the climate, not against it.
When To Plant Sod In North Texas
For North Texas, the ideal times to lay sod are during the moderate temperatures of spring and fall. These seasons provide the perfect balance of warm soil and milder air, which encourages root growth without excessive stress.
The Two Best Planting Seasons
Spring Planting: Aim for mid-April through early June. The soil has warmed up enough for roots to grow actively, and there’s typically more consistent rainfall. The key is to get the sod down early enough that it’s well-established before the intense July and August heat arrives.
Fall Planting: This is often considered the absolute best time. Target late September through mid-October. The summer heat has broken, but the soil is still warm from the summer sun. This warm soil/cool air combination is excellent for root development. The sod will have weeks of growing time before the first frost, and then will continue to establish in early spring.
Seasons to Avoid
Summer: Laying sod from late June through August is risky. The extreme heat and intense sun can scorch the sod and evaporate moisture faster than you can apply it. New roots struggle in hot soil, leading to failure.
Winter: Dormant sod (like Bermuda grass) can be installed in winter, but it won’t root until spring. There’s a high risk of erosion and the sod drying out if not kept moist. It’s generally not recommended for warm-season grasses unless you’re an experienced landscaper.
Checking Your Soil Temperature
A great way to confirm your timing is right is to check soil temperature. Warm-season grasses (the types we use in North Texas) need soil temperatures consistently above 65°F for root growth. You can use a simple soil thermometer from a garden center.
Choosing Your Grass Type
The “when” is also influenced by the “what.” North Texas lawns primarily use warm-season grasses. Here’s how they match with planting times:
- Bermuda Grass: Very drought and heat tolerant. Best planted in late spring or early summer when soil is very warm.
- St. Augustine Grass: Prefers heat but needs more water. Plant in spring or early summer to ensure establishment before peak heat.
- Zoysia Grass: Slower to establish but very hardy. Spring planting is ideal to give it the longest possible growing season.
- Buffalo Grass: A native, low-water option. Plant in late spring after the last frost has definitely passed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Sod
Once you’ve picked your time, proper installation is next. Follow these steps for the best results.
Step 1: Prepare the Soil (The Most Important Step)
Don’t skip soil prep! Sod needs contact with soil to root. Start by removing all old grass, weeds, and debris. Till the soil to a depth of about 6 inches to loosen it. This allows roots to penetrate easily.
Next, grade your soil. The final grade should slope slightly away from your house’s foundation for drainage. Use a rake to level the surface, removing any large rocks or clods. A firm, smooth seedbed is the goal.
Step 2: Amend and Fertilize
North Texas soil is often heavy clay. Adding 2-3 inches of quality compost can improve drainage and nutrient content. Then, apply a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus (the middle number on the bag, like 5-10-5). This promotes strong root growth. Work both into the top few inches of soil.
Step 3: Order and Lay the Sod
Order your sod for delivery the day you plan to install it. Begin laying it along the longest straight edge, like a driveway or sidewalk. Stagger the seams in a brick-like pattern, ensuring pieces are snug but not overlapping. Use a sharp knife to cut pieces around curves and obstacles.
Avoid walking on the prepared soil or newly laid sod as much as possible. Work from boards placed over the newly laid sections.
Step 4: Water Immediately and Deeply
This is critical. Start watering within 30 minutes of laying the first piece. The goal is to soak the sod and the soil beneath it to a depth of 6 inches. This initial watering prevents shrinkage and helps the sod make contact with the soil.
Caring for Your New Sod
The first few weeks are crucial. Your main jobs are watering, avoiding traffic, and then mowing at the right time.
Watering Schedule for New Sod
- First Two Weeks: Water daily, and possibly twice daily if temperatures exceed 85°F. Keep the sod and soil beneath consistently moist. Lift a corner to check that water is penetrating the soil.
- Weeks 3-4: Begin to reduce frequency. Water every other day, applying enough water to soak deeper into the soil. This encourages roots to grow down in search of moisture.
- After Root Establishment: Once the sod is firmly rooted (it resists when you gently tug), transition to a deep, infrequent watering schedule typical for North Texas—about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.
When to Mow for the First Time
Wait until the sod is firmly rooted to the soil, usually about 2-3 weeks. Set your mower blade high for the first cut. Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade height at one time. Ensure your mower blades are sharp to avoid tearing the young grass.
When to Fertilize Again
Apply your next round of fertilizer about 4-6 weeks after installation. Use a balanced fertilizer recommended for your specific grass type. Avoid weed control products until the sod has been mowed at least 3-4 times, as they can harm tender new grass.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with perfect timing, issues can arise. Here’s how to spot and fix them.
- Sod Turning Brown: This is often due to lack of water. Increase your watering frequency immediately. It can also be from to much water, which suffocates roots. Check for soggy soil.
- Seams Not Knitting Together: The edges may be drying out. Pay extra attention to watering along seams. Ensure pieces were laid tightly together during installation.
- Uneven Settling: Low spots can appear. You can top-dress these areas with a thin layer of a sand/soil mix after the sod is rooted to level them.
FAQ: Planting Sod in North Texas
Can I lay sod in North Texas in March?
Early March can be too early due to late frost risks. Mid-to-late March is possible if soil temperatures are warm enough, but April is generally safer for spring planting.
Is October too late to plant sod?
Early to mid-October is usually fine for fall sodding in North Texas. The key is to get it done at least 4-6 weeks before the first average frost date to allow for some root establishment.
How long does it take for sod to root in Texas heat?
In optimal spring or fall conditions, sod can start rooting in 7-14 days. Full establishment, where it can’t be easily lifted, takes 2-3 weeks. In summer, rooting is slower and more difficult due to stress.
Can you walk on new sod?
Minimize all traffic for the first two weeks. After that, limit walking on it until after the first mow, when the roots have anchored it more securely.
What is the best sod for North Texas?
The “best” depends on your sun exposure and maintenance preferences. Bermuda is top for full sun and durability. St. Augustine handles some shade better. Zoysia offers a nice compromise but is slower to establish.
By choosing the right time—either the sweet spot of spring or the prime window of fall—and following through with careful preparation and aftercare, you’ll give your North Texas lawn the strongest possible start. Your reward will be a lush, established turf ready to thrive for seasons to come.