In most areas in Utah, discussing laying sod in the winter would be ridiculous. The majority of the state is either covered in snow for several months of the year or the ground is frozen. You can’t lay sod in either of those conditions, but things are a little different in St. George. The city in Utah’s southernmost tip rarely sees snowfall, and most of its winter days are a tolerable climate. Therefore, laying sod in the winter to complete your landscape design is not out of line.
Ideal Temperatures for Sod
Most landscapers will recommend laying sod in the spring or late fall when temperatures are in the 60s. It’s also best if there’s natural rainfall to help keep the sod damp and encourage root growth.
St. George’s winter months yield good temperatures for laying sod. The average snowfall is just one inch, which is well below the national average of 25 inches per year. At night in December and January, St. George will occasionally see temperatures at 25 degrees, but during the day, it’s a balmy 54 degrees, which is a good start for laying sod.
Laying Dormant Sod
One concern that arises with laying sod in the winter in St. George is the below freezing temperatures at night. When frost hits grass that hasn’t yet taken root, it can kill it. For that reason, we recommend laying dormant sod in the winter, even in warmer climates like St. George.
Laying dormant sod is much like laying live sod. You put down the sod, and once it’s warm enough, it will begin to take root. Like fully rooted grass, the sod will remain dormant under the frost. When the temperatures rise and it begins to rain during the spring, the sod will root and you’ll be able to enjoy fresh grass in the spring and summer.
Watering Sod in Winter
Sod must remain moist to survive. When temperatures dip below freezing, it’s not wise to set up a sprinkler to run through the night. It will cause a layer of ice over the grass, which is a safety hazard.
During the colder winter months, limit watering to two to three times per week to keep the sod healthy. Once the temperatures warm again, you can water it more often. The warmer it is outside, the more you’ll need to water the grass to keep it alive.
Laying sod in the winter is best done with the help of an experienced landscaper. For a free sod estimate, contact Stonetree Landscaping today!
