After a burial occurs, we wait 1 full year for the grave to settle before sod is installed on the grave. We do this so the ground has time to settle, which will give the sod the best opportunity to take root and grow on the gravesite. This means if the grave was opened on June 1st, 2022, sod would not be installed on the grave until after June 1st, 2023. This is the same for casket burials or urn burials.
If a grave was opened in the spring or summer, we still have to wait one full year for the ground to settle. For example, a grave opened in June of 2022 will not have sod installed until after June 2023 has passed, and will be placed in the late summer installation period (ie: September of 2023).
Sod work is not done in winter or when the weather could conceivably interfere with the survival of the sod. For example, if the grave was opened on April 30, 2022, the sod would not be installed until the summer of 2023 (in order to meet the one-year requirement and to make sure the risk of frost kill has passed), making it slightly longer than a year for sod to be installed.
Additionally, sod work is typically done twice per year when the weather is advantageous for sod survival (typically June and September), and when sod is able to be purchased (typically June). Sod installation is also dependent on crew scheduling and availability.
Our crews do their very best to install sod and keep it healthy. You may experience high levels of irrigation on newly-sodded areas to allow for the grass to establish itself. In difficult weather conditions (extreme heat or cold), the sod may become damaged or may not survive. In these instances, our crews will determine the best way forward for establishing new sod.
If you have questions about sod work in the cemetery, you are always welcome to contact us at 403-223-5500 or email us.