In the Treasure Valley, the ideal times for sod installation and seeding are early spring (March to May) or early fall (September to October). These periods offer moderate temperatures and optimal growing conditions that help grass establish strong root systems. While summer installation is possible with proper irrigation, the intense Idaho heat can stress new lawns and require significantly more water. We generally avoid winter installation when the ground may be frozen or too cold for proper root development.

We recommend staying off your newly installed sod for at least 2-3 weeks to allow proper root establishment. During this crucial period, the sod is developing its root system and bonding with the soil beneath. Light foot traffic can begin after 2-3 weeks, but you should wait 4-6 weeks before resuming regular lawn activities or placing furniture on the grass. For athletic or high-traffic areas, we recommend waiting 6-8 weeks to ensure the lawn is fully established.

For newly installed sod, water deeply 2-3 times per day for the first 2 weeks, ensuring the sod and underlying soil stay consistently moist but not waterlogged. After 2 weeks, reduce watering to once daily for another week, then transition to deeper, less frequent watering as the lawn establishes. For seeded lawns, maintain consistent moisture with light, frequent watering 2-3 times daily for the first 3 weeks until germination is complete. The key is keeping the top layer of soil consistently moist without creating puddles or runoff.