When is the best time to install sod in North Texas?

People ask us this every week, and the honest answer is: sod can go down almost any month in North Texas if the prep and the watering are right. But some windows are easier than others.

The easy windows: spring and early fall

From March to May and again from September to early November the soil is warm enough for Bermuda and zoysia roots to grow, but the air is cool enough that new sod is not losing water faster than the roots can pull it in. Fall is our favourite: the grass roots all winter with very little attention and comes out of dormancy in spring already established.

Summer installs

We install in June, July and August too — it is when a lot of people notice their lawn has died. The difference is water: new sod needs to stay damp (not soaked) for about two weeks, which in a 100°F week means short, frequent cycles rather than one long soak. If your irrigation cannot cover the whole area evenly, fix that first. We check every head before sod goes down for exactly this reason.

Winter installs

Dormant Bermuda sod can be laid in winter; it will sit brown until spring, then green up as the soil warms. It is a perfectly good option if you need coverage for a sale or an HOA deadline, and it is often cheaper. Zoysia and St. Augustine are better left until the soil warms.

What matters more than the month

• The ground under it. Compacted clay, builder debris and low spots kill more sod than heat does. We grade and amend before laying.
• Irrigation coverage. Every square foot needs water. Reroute lines and add heads now, not after the sod is down.
• The right variety. Tahoma 31 Bermuda for full sun and drought tolerance, Zeon or Palisades zoysia for part shade and softer feel, St. Augustine for heavier shade.
• Fresh cut. Sod that has sat on a pallet for days struggles. We schedule delivery for the morning of the install.

Not sure what your yard needs? Send us a couple of photos and we will tell you what we would do and when.