Spring is the time to welcome new growth and watch the flowers bloom. Grass wakes up from its winter slumber, and the landscaping appears fresh and revived.
So, it would make sense to lay new sod in the spring, right? In fact, you get better results and stronger grass for the following season if you lay new sod in the fall.
Seasonal Planting
Sod can actually be planted all year round, but your results will vary. In the spring, everything starts to grow again. Planting new grass and flowers gives them a chance to settle and flourish alongside everything else, thus preventing gaps in the overall look.
Summertime brings the heat. If you are not careful, the new sod can burn and die instead of becoming a lush green oasis. As sod is laid quickly, and you can see the results immediately, this is a good option if your lawn doesn’t recover in the spring, or if you have moved to a new property and the grass is in poor condition.
The winter may seem like a bizarre time to lay sod. However, as long as it’s done when the soil is not 100% frozen, then the roots do stand a chance to take hold and be ready to spring into action in the warmer seasons.
The Lifecycle of Grass
Grass has a recognizable lifecycle that you can work with. In the winter, grass becomes dormant, so it essentially goes to sleep and hibernates in certain conditions.
This allows for seasonal planting almost throughout the year. However, when we plant in the fall, it’s done at a certain time of the lifecycle that will work to your advantage, and is thus a healthy option for the sod.
The lifecycle of grass is as follows:
- Winter: During this time, the grass lies dormant. The roots slow down in their intake of nutrients and store what they need, so they can be ready for the spring.
- Spring: Up to 60% of all top growth happens in the springtime. Here, especially after the rain as the roots absorb the moisture, we see that the growth is accelerated.
- Summer: At this time, growth slows down and we no longer see the tall grass. Instead, after the sudden burst in spring, we have thick and luxurious grass that can be enjoyed all summer with the proper care. This is also referred to as “summer stress time” for the grass.
- Fall: In autumn, the grass starts to prepare for winter dormancy again. The top growth slows down, but the roots grow deeper to protect themselves from the harshness of winter and the ground freezing.
This fall preparation gives you the perfect opportunity to plant sod and have it grow in the spring just as healthy and strong as the day it was laid.
Easy Installation
Sod is fast and easy to install, with the results visible immediately. By installing it in the fall, you can extend the summer parties and outdoor family time.
Fall also requires less maintenance, as you won’t need to mow the lawn often. You can enjoy it while it settles and forms those deep roots to help feed itself in the winter and anchor itself in the perfect position.
Minimal watering is required, as it will get what it needs from the natural moisture in the cooler temperatures. Landscaping in Toronto understands that this quick and easy fix to any lawn is a valuable asset. Therefore, the installation is professionally and expertly done.
Grass Growth During Cooler Temperatures
The cooler weather also brings a little extra moisture and creates the perfect growing conditions.
The summer heat can be so intense that you risk stressing out your lawn, which will subsequently become weaker and unhealthy before the fall. Overwatering or watering at the wrong times can drown the roots or cause the grass to burn.
The cooler temperatures provide time for the grass and roots to relax, allowing them to take in the morning dew, benefit more from the sunshine, and begin to heal and prepare for winter.
Spring promotes new growth, whereas the cooler temperatures in the fall promote deeper root growth. This deeper root system can effectively absorb the moisture from dew and moisture pockets in the soil itself. You don’t need to water the lawn as vigorously during the cooler temperatures (or as often, either).
Time Management
Spring and summer are busy periods due to work schedules and family vacations. Thus, there isn’t always the time dedicated and set aside for landscaping. Fall sodding, though, opens up your time in two ways.
First, doing it in the fall means you don’t have to worry about it in the spring. It’s already there, ready to wake up and bring colour back to the space. With a little mowing, your lawn is ready for all the fun, games, backyard BBQs, and relaxing by the fire pit.
Second, it’s easier to book a time in the fall, as the majority of people will be rushing to have the sodding laid in the spring and summer for immediate use.
Contact the Landscaping Experts in Toronto
Greenfield Lawn Care & Landscaping was founded in 1997 and holds dear the core values of being a family-run business, with honest work, reliability, and expert craftsmanship.
Mr. Mansoor Reihani, the company’s owner, has a Master’s Degree in agriculture from Arizona State University, which he implements daily with his landscape designs.
This training and education allow him and his team to perfect your landscaping. Whether it is using sod or flowers, seeds or planters, your backyard oasis will have the greenest grass and colourful designs that you have ever seen.
Choose our services and you can experience quality landscaping services in Toronto that will bring your unique vision to life. Call us at 833-709-1732 or go online to get your free quote. Remember, plant during this fall season for next year’s success.