Troubleshooting New Sod That Turns Yellow After Winter

Is It Dead or Dormant?

New sod installed in late 2006 looked great going into winter but is now brown/yellow with some green. Iowa State University notes that sod may not fully establish before winter, leading to winter kill in spots.

Diagnostic Checklist

• Uniformity: Is the discoloration patchy or overall?
• Root test: Tug gently—if clumps pull easily, roots are dead. Check root color and length.
• Late fertilization: Did the lawn company apply "winterizer" or starter fertilizer late in fall? Late nitrogen can prevent hardening off.
• Grass type: What species/varieties are in the sod?
• Sun exposure: North-side lawns green up later than south-side.
• Installation date: When exactly was sod laid? Did it have time to root?

Neighbor Comparison

Check nearby lawns—are they greening up? This helps separate site-specific issues from regional weather effects.

Next Steps

Answer the above questions for a precise diagnosis. In many cases, patience and proper spring care (deep watering, mowing high) will resolve the issue if roots are alive.