Installing Sod – when is best time in Ohio?

[scottie]

So we moved into a new home last summer and the front lawn is a mess. I have decided to tear it out and lay new sod. This will be my first experience with laying sod so want to make sure I get timing right. We live in central Ohio and I am not sure when is a safe time to start installing.

Also, how long should I wait for the local sod farms to have quality sod to offer?

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

So we moved into a new home last summer and the front lawn is a mess. I have decided to tear it out and lay new sod. This will be my first experience with laying sod so want to make sure I get timing right. We live in central Ohio and I am not sure when is a safe time to start installing.
Also, how long should I wait for the local sod farms to have quality sod to offer?

Well the beauty of sod is you don't have to worry too much about laying it at the wrong time of year. Spring and fall are best, but Summer is ok. You'll just have to water it more. Just make sure it is green and healthy and the soil prepared properly.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

So we moved into a new home last summer and the front lawn is a mess. I have decided to tear it out and lay new sod. This will be my first experience with laying sod so want to make sure I get timing right. We live in central Ohio and I am not sure when is a safe time to start installing.

Also, how long should I wait for the local sod farms to have quality sod to offer?

Timing is everything when redoing your lawn.

For starters, you have to prep the ground. This may include getting rid of rocks, low spots, etc, and adding soil if you need it.

During spring you have to contend with the rain and this will effect when they will cut the sod and your ability to put it down.

So step one would be to call your local places and ask when they plan on selling the sod. That will give you a estimate of when your lawn needs to be prepped for sod. Make sure you ask the type of sod grass they have and do your homework there. I would be picky on my choice of sod. Some are better than others.

Key is that you do not want your prepped lawn to get washed out by heavy rain before you put your sod down.

Ideally you would want your sod laid before summer. Fall is a better time to do this just because of the cooler temps and sod supply is higher. So do not despair if you are unable to do it this spring. Sometimes the weather just does not cooperate with us and our plans.

Technically you can do sod anytime but I would not do it in summer. Plus getting quality sod during that time may be an issue.

 

[scottie]

During spring you have to contend with the rain and this will effect when they will cut the sod and your ability to put it down.

So step one would be to call your local places and ask when they plan on selling the sod. That will give you a estimate of when your lawn needs to be prepped for sod. Make sure you ask the type of sod grass they have and do your homework there. I would be picky on my choice of sod. Some are better than others.

Thanks! Is there a certain type or mix of grass that you might suggest trying to get a hold of for this area of the country or certain type to avoid that they may sell around here?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Thanks! Is there a certain type or mix of grass that you might suggest trying to get a hold of for this area of the country or certain type to avoid that they may sell around here?

Really depends on how much you are able to care for it, your soil conditions, and light requirements. Basically it is Bluegrass vs Fescue or a mix of that.

A Fine Fescue will have a more "clean" appearance over a Tall Fescue and tolerates shade.

A Bluegrass lawn will look the best but is more needy and needs full sun.

A bluegrass & fine fescue is a nice mix. That is what I have however the bluegrass is very picky with watering requirements.

To keep your yard going and remaining healthy I would recommend aerating and overseeding every fall with a HIGH quality seed. Not something you get at WalMart or Home Depot.

Look over the seed choices, get familiar with them and when you call about the sod, ask them WHAT SEED they used and brand. They will know and then you can do your homework based on what they tell you.

This is what I use when I buy seed.

http://earthcarpet.com/earth-carpet/


Here is a link for you to look over for your area that will explain the differences.

http://ohioline.osu.edu/b546/b546_9.html

 

[Patch'sD]

I put down sod many years ago, within two years a fungus set in and wiped it out. As suggested by many watering is key. As long as you have no grass down, put in a In Ground Sprinkler System, You can do it yourself for a few hundred Dollars. Forget the Sod and Seed, Seed, and Seed. Spring Seed will come in and when you fall seed the lawn will come in Great.