A lush, green lawn enhances curb appeal and makes your yard an ideal space for entertaining. However, waiting for grass seeds to sprout can take months, which is why many homeowners rely on sod. This option delivers the same results within a matter of hours, but there are some risks to keep in mind, especially during the summer. Specifically, overheating is a common threat if you don’t work efficiently. Here’s what you should know about this phenomenon to keep your new turf in top shape. 

Why Does Sod Overheat? 

When sod is delivered, it’s rolled up and placed on a pallet for easy transport. However, when the rolls are stacked side by side, there is little airflow available to give the grass oxygen and keep it healthy. When the stacks are exposed to the sun, they absorb heat and essentially act as insulators. This “oven-like” effect is especially detrimental to the sod rolls in the middle of the stack, as they’re exposed to heat on all sides. If sod gets too hot, it will rot and won’t be viable once you roll it out.

How to Keep Your Sod Healthy

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure your sod is green and healthy when you roll it out. Before it’s delivered, find a shady spot in your yard and instruct your sod supplier to drop it off there. Then, unstack the rolls so there is more room for air to flow between them. In addition to oxygenating the grass, this prevents the rolls from trapping heat. 

Once you’ve taken the necessary preventative measures, you’ll want to work quickly and install the sod as soon as you can after delivery. The less time your product spends tightly rolled, the less time it has to overheat and rot. Once you lay the sod, you can start watering. This will cool the grass down and enhance its ability to root. However, never water sod that’s still rolled up, as this will speed up the growth process, and therefore accelerate overheating.

If you’re ready to improve the appearance of your yard, turn to Arkansas Sod & Turf Farm in Little Rock. For almost 40 years, the family-owned and -operated company has provided a variety of products, including Bermudagrass, St. Augustine, and Zoysia, all at competitive prices. Once their team delivers your sod, they’ll ensure you know how to install it efficiently to prevent overheating. Visit them online to learn about pricing or call (501) 753-5377 to schedule a delivery today.