Best time to plant grass or sod?

Question

I live in Central NJ and I would like to plant grass or sod in my backyard. Which is better?

Also, when is the best time to do this? I would like to do it soon if possible. It is a very small area that we would like to cover with grass.

Before I do this, do I need to treat the soil or can I just plant? We have pretty crazy weed that grow back there that I plan on removing and then tilling the soil.

Ideas?

Answer 1

Sod can be  expensive if it's a large area, but for a small area sod is the way to go for instant gratification. Just remember to water (moist) especially for the first two weeks. Don't mow until you can tug on it and it doesn't pull up. The best time to plant new grass is in the Spring (after last frost) or in Mid August to Mid Sept. You don't necessarily have to treat the soil but you should cover the seed (with no more than 3/8" of top soil, it will have enough nutrients to start your grass growing). Keep soil moist but not overly wet until grass is around 2" tall.  Do not mow it until it's at least 4" to 6" tall and mow as high as possible the first time to avoid taking too much off. Drop height until reaching your normal cutting length. Don't put down too much seed it will naturally fill by itself. When getting rid of the weeds spray with Round-up to make sure you kill the roots. Remove the carcasses with a trimmer or you can till them under.

Answer 2

I live in CT and i plant seed in the fall come spring the new grass will come up with the rest of the grass,  been doing and recommending that way for 15 yrs

Answer 3

I live in PA and whenever we plant grass it's usually in spring...good amount of water and sunlight and it isn't too hot or cold.  I recommend tilling the soil and removing the weed before you plant.

Answer 4

I live on the northwest coast and we seed grass in the early spring and fall.