Sodding projects needing immediate erosion control from late fall to spring can go forward by installing dormant sod. Zoysia, Bermuda and Centipede grass all are successfully transplanted in brown or dormant condition.

Dormant sod is simply sleeping until weather warms - when it turns green. There is some risk in installing dormant sod but it is minimal in most winters. Proper soil preparation, sod installation and maintenance can further assure a successful spring recovery. Rooting is the true definition of successful sod establishment and though some rooting may occur in warm winters, real root and leaf growth begin in the spring.

To give your dormant sod the best opportunity to green-up in the spring follow these simple steps ...

• Soil Preparation. Create a seedbed as you would in the warmer months of the year. Soil surface should be smooth and free of sticks and stones greater than 1 inch in diameter. Apply lime at the rate of 25 pounds per 1000 sq ft or at the rate recommended based on soil test. The use of a fertilizer high in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) like a 5-10-15 in the seedbed puts nutrients in the soil for quick spring growth.


• Lay sod perpendicular to any slope as sod will probably not root extensively in dormancy, therefore the weight of the unrolled sod will provide the erosion control needed through the winter months. Remember to lay sod pieces like stacked cement blocks.



• Roll sod to insure good soil/sod contact. Eliminating air pockets below the sod will also help prevent excessive drying and possible winter damage from desiccation.

• Water sod if temperatures and use restrictions allow. One watering at installation and spot watering areas prone to wind desiccation as needed if temperatures allow should be practiced. Though little growth occurs in the winter months where temperatures stay cool or cold the turf root can be damaged by dry winter winds. In colder climates make certain in-ground automatic systems are properly drained to avoid winter damage.


• Avoid use of weed control chemicals until the sod is well rooted in the spring. The one exception to this rule is the use of broadleaf weed control chemicals with 2,4-D. Apply only in accordance with label instructions. Winter weeds commonly occur even in newly sodded lawns that are properly fertilized and watered – if this should occur, mow and discard clippings. Application of the appropriate weed and feed material approved specifically for your lawn grass is recommended once sod is rooted (can’t be easily pulled free of soil).


• Once turf begins to green-up in the spring follow instructions on Super-Sods maintenance guide card for the specific kind of turfgrass you have installed. Maintenance guides are available from your local Super-Sod outlet or farm or here online.

Sodding with dormant sod can be rewarding and beneficial by putting an erosion control blanket in your lawn and stopping those muddy tracks into the house.

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