The Installation of Bahia Sod

Soil pH

• Gardeners should conduct a soil test on their lawn at least six months before installing bahia sod. It takes that long to alter the pH range if it is not within bahia's preferred range of 4.0 to 6.5, which is rather acidic. To alter the pH range, you can spread lime over soil that is too acidic or under 4.0. Alternatively, spreading sulfur over alkaline areas that are over 6.5 will make the soil more acidic. Retest after three months to ensure that the soil is within the correct range.

Site Preparation

• Remove all weeds and other vegetation from the lawn area by spraying a herbicide that contains glyphosate. Reapply in a few days if there are still some weeds standing. Till the first 6 inches of top soil to help the sod establish its root system. Apply a starter fertilizer for the soil to provide enough nutrients for the bahia grass to establish. Use 20 pounds of fertilizer that has a NPK amount of 5-15-5 over a 1,000-square-foot area and water.

Installing Sod

• Install the bahia sod as soon as it is delivered in the spring or early summer to prevent the roots drying out. Water the lawn to moisten the soil. Start with the perimeters and work your way into the yard. Butt the edges of the bahia grass together. If there are any cracks, apply top soil within the crevices. Stagger the rows much like you would if you were laying bricks on the ground. You can cut through the sod for small areas with a masonry trowel.

After Care

• Fertilize your bahia sod again in six to eight weeks. The University of Florida recommends that you use a complete fertilizer with a NPK amount of 16-4-8. Stop fertilizing in the fall to allow the grass to go dormant. Mow your bahia lawn when it reaches heights over 3 to 4 inches. Avoid causing harm to the root system by taking off less than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time. Keep the grass clippings on the lawn to provide extra nitrogen to the bahia grass.