Main points (next to black bars) written by Clint Waltz, Turfgrass Specialist.
For turfgrass sod where the roots originate at the soil surface, dormant sodding is a more risky endeavor. Soil temperatures at or near the soil surface are more likely to fluctuate, closely mimicking the ambient air temperatures. Therefore, if the air temperature is at or below freezing temperatures there is a risk that roots of newly laid sod will freeze. Cooler climates may adversely influence some species. Increased winter injury has been observed on zoysiagrass and centipedegrass compared to bermudagrass sodded late in the year.
Clint Waltz
For various reasons, however, dormant sodding of warm-season grasses is not an uncommon practice. If grasses, like bermudagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and zoysiagrass, are going to be established while dormant there are management practices that can improve the chances of success.
Extension Turfgrass Specialist
The University of Georgia
Turf Grass Biology
Each of these types are perennials, meaning they will keep coming back each year. There may be some bare spots that need to be filled in for a uniform coverage. They enter dormancy when temperatures drop in later fall and begin actively growing again when temperatures warm up in spring. Each of these perform best when installed in the summer months of May-August.
Installation Requirements
Rootzone preparation is critical for success. During site preparation and prior to turfgrass establishment is the best time to take a soil sample for determining pH and nutrient needs.
There is inconsistent information on Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) needs during establishment and winter. Some studies report decreased winterkill and disease occurrence with the addition of P and K, while other researchers have reported no differences in cold hardiness or pathogen resistance due to increased rates of P and K
Install turf 24-48 hours after harvest to have the best chance of success. If this can’t be done, remove sod from the pallet, lay tightly together, and roll to protect the roots from cold temperature exposure.
In as little as a day, turfgrass that has an undeveloped root system can desiccate [dry out and die]
Dormancy Installation Steps
- Add nutrient amendments (fertilizer based on your soil’s needs)
- Till the soil 3-4in
- Level, smooth, and moisten soil (not excessively wet)
- Dormant grass still needs water. Keep 1-2in of soil moist
- no more than 0.75-1inch of water applied with combined rain and irrigation
- Topdress with sand
- smooths shallow depressions
- fills seams
- conserves moisture
- retain heat
Maintaining Your New Lawn
Because soluble nitrogen is mobile in the soil and the grass’s root system is incapable of acquiring this nutrient, little nitrogen is needed when sodding with dormant grass. The first nitrogen application should be made in the spring
once soil temperatures at the 4 inch depth are consistently 65° F or higher.
Apply pre-emergent pesticides (before the weed seeds germinate) especially for difficult to control weeds like crabgrass. READ THE LABEL of your herbicide for help with timing and amount. Wait at least a month before applying.
Lawns in Georgia: Establishment – UGA Extension
Centipede Care:
- Mowing height of 1-2in
- Water 1in/week if no rainfall. Remember to keep your soil moist during cold temperatures!
- Fertilizer for best recommendations, soil tests will determine what YOUR lawn needs. 1-2lbs of Nitrogen (N)/1000sqft/yr
- pH 5.0-6.0
- Aerate during growing season
- Dethatch with vertical mower, blades 1in apart, if thatch exceeds 0.5in
- It is NOT recommended to overseed with Ryegrass as Rye will outcompete the Centipede in spring
St. Augustine Care:
- Mowing height of 2-3in
- Water 1in/week if no rainfall. Remember to keep your soil moist during cold temperatures!
- Fertilizer for best recommendations, soil tests will determine what YOUR lawn needs. 2-5lbs of Nitrogen (N)/1000sqft/yr
- pH 5.5-6.5
- Aerate during growing season
- Dethatch with vertical mower, blades 1in apart, if thatch exceeds 0.5in
- It is NOT recommended to overseed with Ryegrass as Rye will outcompete the Centipede in spring
For more lawn care tips for other species of warm grasses and a Calendar to help keep you on track, visit our GeorgiaTurf webpage.