Installing sod in summer is possible, despite common advice to wait for cooler seasons. While summer brings challenges like intense heat and high water needs, it also delivers an instantly beautiful lawn when you want it most.
Quick Answer: Yes, you can install sod in summer by following these key steps:
The biggest challenges are heat stress and rapid moisture loss. Sod can overheat on pallets, dry out quickly, and require significant daily watering. However, summer also brings active grass growth, immediate erosion control, and the satisfaction of enjoying your new lawn during peak outdoor season.
For many, summer is the only practical window for installation due to construction schedules or property sales. The key is understanding that summer installation requires more attention and water, but it’s achievable with the right technique.
I’m Scott McLeod of McLeod Landscaping. With over 30 years of experience in the Merrimack Valley, I can confirm that the secret to installing sod in summer is meticulous preparation, swift execution, and consistent aftercare.
Simple installing sod in summer glossary:
While fall and spring are often called the “perfect” times for laying sod, life doesn’t always wait. You might need an instant lawn for a graduation party, a home sale, or to control erosion that can’t wait until fall. Summer sod installation is not just possible; it’s often necessary. The key is to understand the pros and cons.
The bottom line is that summer installation requires more work, water, and attention. However, when you need a beautiful lawn now, it’s achievable with the right approach.
Proper preparation is the difference between a beautiful summer lawn and a patchy disaster. When installing sod in summer, a solid foundation is essential for your new sod’s survival in the heat. Don’t rush these critical steps.
Accurate measurements prevent wasting money or scrambling for more sod mid-project. Sketch your lawn, break it into simple shapes (rectangles, triangles), and measure each section. For help, you can use a simple online area calculator.
Order 5-10% extra sod to account for cuts around beds, walkways, and any mistakes. Running short in 90-degree heat is a costly error. Time your delivery for the day you plan to install. Sod is a living product and can overheat on the pallet, especially in summer.
New sod cannot compete with existing grass and weeds. Kill existing vegetation with a nonselective herbicide 10-14 days before installation. Once the old lawn is dead, remove it using a rented sod cutter for large areas or a spade for smaller ones. Finally, clear all rocks, roots, and debris from the top 2-3 inches of soil to ensure a smooth surface for the new roots.
Don’t skip soil testing. It reveals your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. Sod thrives in a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Your test results will recommend amendments like lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower it).
Improve soil structure by adding a 2-inch layer of high-quality compost or 4-6 inches of fresh topsoil. This creates a loose, well-draining environment for roots. Till the amendments 4-6 inches deep to mix them thoroughly and break up compacted soil. For complex projects, consider professional soil amendment services to ensure a perfect foundation.
Proper grading prevents water issues. Ensure the grade slopes away from your home’s foundation by at least 1 inch every 10 feet. Use a metal rake to break up large soil clods and create a smooth, even surface.
Next, use a lawn roller (partially filled with water) to gently settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Finally, lightly water the prepared area the day before installation. The soil should be damp like a wrung-out sponge, not muddy, to welcome the new sod.
With your yard prepared, it’s time to lay the sod. When installing sod in summer, speed and technique are critical. The sod on your pallet is under stress and needs to be laid quickly to prevent it from drying out or overheating.
This step is non-negotiable for summer success. Begin watering within one hour of installation—sooner is better. Don’t wait until the entire lawn is finished; water each section as you complete it.
Before the deep watering, lightly roll the new sod with a lawn roller or walk on it to ensure good contact between the sod roots and the soil. This eliminates air pockets, which are silent killers that prevent roots from establishing. For large areas, having an automatic sprinkler system ready is a huge advantage for installing sod in summer, ensuring consistent and adequate coverage.
Congratulations on laying your sod! The next few weeks are critical for its survival, especially when installing sod in summer. Your new lawn is completely dependent on you for water and care to establish a strong root system.
Water is the most important factor for your new lawn’s success.
Proper nutrition helps your sod develop a strong root system to withstand summer stress.
Patience is essential before the first mow to avoid damaging the new roots.
Over 30 years in business, we’ve answered many questions about installing sod in summer. Here are the most common ones we hear from homeowners in the Merrimack Valley.
For the first 10-14 days, water 2-3 times daily (morning, late afternoon, and midday during extreme heat) to keep the soil consistently moist 3-4 inches deep. This can require up to 1.5 inches of water per day. The soil should feel damp, not soggy. After roots begin to establish, you can gradually water less frequently but more deeply to encourage a strong root system.
Early morning is the ideal time. Starting at sunrise allows you to work in cooler temperatures, which reduces heat stress on both you and the sod. This gives the new grass a better chance to acclimate before the intense midday sun.
With proper care, you should see shallow roots forming within 10 days. A strong root system typically develops in 2 to 3 weeks. You can test this by gently tugging a corner of the sod; if it holds firm, the roots are establishing. Full establishment, where the lawn becomes resilient, can take 30 to 45 days. Warm soil temperatures in summer can actually speed up this process, provided moisture is consistent.
Installing sod in summer is achievable, but it’s a demanding project. Success depends on thorough preparation, fast installation, and vigilant aftercare. It requires significant time, physical effort, and a commitment to a strict watering schedule for several weeks.
A DIY installation can be rewarding, but a single misstep—like improper soil prep or a missed watering—can turn your investment into a costly problem. Based on internet data, professional sod installation for a 1,000-square-foot area can range from approximately $1,400 to $4,200 or more, depending on site conditions and grass type. Material costs average $0.40 to $1.20 per square foot, with labor adding $1 to $3.00 per square foot. Please note these are industry averages and not a quote from McLeod Landscaping.
That’s where our team at McLeod Landscaping shines. With over 30 years serving communities like Andover, Billerica, Burlington, and throughout the Merrimack Valley, we have the expertise to beat the summer heat. Our professional crew uses specialized equipment and proven techniques to ensure your sod is installed efficiently and correctly, keeping it cool from transport to final placement.
We handle everything from soil testing and amendment to setting up a proper irrigation schedule, giving you peace of mind. While you relax, we do the heavy lifting to ensure every piece of sod is perfectly laid and watered within the critical window.
For a perfect lawn without the summer stress, consider our Residential Sod Installation services. We’ll help you get the gorgeous green lawn you’ve been dreaming of, no matter the season.
Contact McLeod Landscaping today at (978) 640-0957 or click here to schedule a consultation for retaining wall installation. Let our experienced team design and install a functional and visually appealing retaining wall that enhances your landscape.
1881 Main St Unit 1, Tewksbury, MA 01876