How Long Can Sod Sit on a Pallet?

Fresh sod can transform a yard quickly, but timing is everything. Sod is a living product. Once harvested, it begins to break down—fast. Knowing how long sod can sit on a pallet is essential for protecting your investment and ensuring a healthy lawn.

Fresh Sod Starts Dying Immediately

Sod begins to deteriorate the moment it’s cut from the field. While rolled and stacked on a pallet, it has no access to water or soil nutrients. According to turf specialists, sod can start heating up and decomposing in as little as 12 hours if left untreated.

How Long Does Sod Last on a Pallet?

So, how long does sod last on a pallet? Under ideal conditions, sod can survive 24 to 48 hours after harvesting. After that, quality drops fast.

In hot or humid weather, this window shortens. Sod might only last 12–24 hours before becoming unusable. Cooler temperatures extend the sod’s lifespan. In spring or fall, sod may stay viable for up to 48 hours if kept shaded and moist.

Factors That Affect Sod Lifespan

Several conditions determine how long sod lasts once harvested. These include:

• Air temperature
• Humidity levels
• Sun exposure
• Type of grass
• How tightly the sod is stacked

Stacked sod traps heat. Temperatures inside the pallet can rise above 130°F, quickly killing the grass.

What Happens If Sod Sits Too Long?

When sod sits too long, heat and moisture create the perfect conditions for rot. The roots begin to decay, and mold or fungus may develop. Even if it looks green on the outside, the inner layers may be decomposing. You’ll often notice a sour smell or blackened roots.

Trying to install dead sod can lead to patchy results or complete failure. It may not root properly, wasting both time and money.

Tips to Extend Sod Life on a Pallet

If you can’t lay the sod immediately, take steps to extend its viability:

• Store pallets in a shaded, cool area
• Unstack and spread the rolls slightly for airflow
• Lightly mist the sod with water—don’t soak it
• Prioritize installation of the oldest rolls first

Avoid storing pallets on concrete or asphalt, which retain heat. Grass left on hot surfaces deteriorates more quickly.

How Long Does Sod Last Once Installed?

Wondering how long does sod last after it’s laid down? Once installed and properly watered, sod can establish roots within 10–14 days.

If cared for, it can last a lifetime. Regular watering, mowing, and fertilizing will keep your lawn healthy and thriving for years. However, if sod is already dying when installed, it may never take root—no matter how well it’s maintained afterward.

Grass Type Makes a Difference

Some grass varieties hold up better than others on a pallet. For example, Bermuda and Zoysia tend to be more heat-tolerant. Cool-season grasses like Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass are more fragile and break down faster when stacked.

Always check with your sod supplier about the best time to install for your specific grass type and climate.

Why You Should Install Sod Immediately

Experts recommend laying sod within 24 hours of delivery. The longer it sits, the higher the chance of root failure and lawn problems. In warm weather, plan to install sod the same day it arrives. Don’t let logistics or scheduling delays ruin fresh turf.

Sod farms cut it early in the morning to preserve freshness. Be ready to get to work installing your sod as soon as it is delivered to maximize the success of your new lawn.

Signs Your Sod Is Going Bad

Even if it looks fine on the outside, sod can begin dying underneath. Watch for:

• A sour or ammonia-like smell
• Yellowing or browning edges
• Mushy texture or black roots
• Excessive heat when touching the roll

If you notice these signs, install the best pieces first and discard the worst. It’s better to re-order than to fight dead grass later.

Best Time of Day to Install Sod

Mornings or late afternoons are best for sod installation. Cooler temperatures reduce stress on the grass and the installers. Avoid laying sod during the peak of the day. Direct sun and heat speed up decomposition and dry out the root layer.

Plan your delivery and prep work accordingly so that sod can be installed quickly after it arrives.

Timing Is Key

Sod is a perishable product with a short shelf life. The answer to how long does sod last on a pallet depends on your climate and how it’s handled. To get the best results, install sod as soon as possible—ideally within 24 hours. Even a few hours can make a difference in hot weather.

Proper storage, fast installation, and post-install watering are your best tools for lawn success.