The Best Time of Year to Plant Sod: Spring vs. Fall by Climate Zone

When it comes to creating a lush, green lawn, many homeowners wonder: When is the best time to lay sod? The truth is that with proper care, sod can be installed almost any time of year. However, certain seasons give new sod the best chance to root deeply and thrive long-term. In fact, fall is often just as good—if not better—than spring for sod establishment. Here’s a breakdown by climate zone and turfgrass type.

Cool-Season Climate Zones (Northern U.S.)

Best planting times: Early fall and spring

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass grow most actively in cooler temperatures (60–75°F). According to Purdue University Extension, fall is often the optimal time for sod installation because soil is still warm, temperatures are mild, and rainfall is more consistent. These conditions allow sod roots to establish before winter dormancy and prepare for vigorous growth in spring.

Spring is also a good choice, but competition with weeds and the stress of summer heat can challenge young sod. As the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension notes, sod planted in fall develops a stronger root system and requires less irrigation than sod installed in summer.

Recommended sod types for cool-season zones:

• Kentucky bluegrass

• Tall fescue

• Perennial ryegrass

Transition Zone (Midwest, Upper South, Mid-Atlantic)

Best planting times: Fall and late spring

The “transition zone” is home to both cool- and warm-season grasses, making sod selection and timing more flexible. Tall fescue is often the most reliable option here, and Virginia Cooperative Extension recommends fall as the preferred season for establishing it due to cooler nights and reduced weed pressure.

Warm-season grasses (like zoysia and bermudagrass) can also be laid successfully in late spring to early summer when soil temperatures are warm enough for rapid rooting, according to the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. However, even in these cases, fall planting of fescue sod often leads to better long-term lawn performance.

Recommended sod types for the transition zone:

• Tall fescue (fall)

• Zoysia and bermudagrass (late spring to early summer)

Warm-Season Climate Zones (Southern U.S.)

Best planting times: Late spring through late fall

Warm-season grasses thrive in hotter climates where soil temperatures reach 65°F and above. Mississippi State University Extension recommends sodding bermudagrass, zoysia, St. Augustinegrass, or centipedegrass in late spring or early summer for best establishment.

That said, fall can still be an excellent time—especially early fall in the South. Mild temperatures reduce transplant stress and allow roots to develop before winter dormancy. With proper watering and care, fall-installed sod in warm-season regions can green up beautifully the following spring.

Recommended sod types for warm-season zones:

• Bermudagrass

• Zoysia

• St. Augustinegrass

• Centipedegrass

Bottom Line: Anytime is Sod Time

While spring and fall are generally the best seasons, sod can be successfully installed year-round with the right care. Even in summer, with consistent irrigation, sod can establish well (MSU Sod Installation and Maintenance). And in milder climates, winter installations are possible during warm spells when the ground isn’t frozen, according to Oregon State University Extension.

For long-term success, consider your climate, choose the right sod variety, and take advantage of the favorable rooting conditions that fall provides. A strong fall establishment means a healthier, greener lawn next spring—and beyond.

The team at USA Sod is waiting for your call to discuss when to lay sod.