How to Lay St. Augustine Sod

St. Augustine grass is a warm-weather turf that thrives only in exceptionally mild climates. Many homeowners choose St. Augustine grass for their lawns because of its lush, dark green turf. This grass does not tolerate excessive foot traffic. It also needs a full day of sun. St Augustine grass can tolerate almost any soil pH. According to Richard L. Duble–a turfgrass specialist–St Augustine grass can flourish in a pH range from 5.0 to 8.5. Most soils fall well within this range, so there is no need to test before planting St. Augustine sod.

Rototiller Garden rake Starter fertilizer Organic matter Utility knife Garden hose Garden roller

Instructions

- 1
  Till the area you plan to plant the grass with a rototiller. This will loosen up the soil, old turf and weeds.
- 2
  Rake out the old grass or weeds. Throw the old grass and weeds into a compost pile or burn them. Weeds left on the soil could grow through your new St. Augustine sod.
- 3
  Add a starter fertilizer to the bare soil. Follow the manufacturer's instruction for the correct amount to add.
- 4
  Work a 1- to 2-inch layer of organic matter into the soil using the garden rake. The organic matter may come from peat or well-rotted manure. The addition of organic matter will add valuable nutrients to your soil.
- 5
  Lay a piece of St. Augustine sod in one corner of the area you plan to cover with sod. Lay the second piece flush to the first piece. Continue to do this for an entire row across the area. Use a utility knife to cut away extra sod at the end of a row.
- 6
  Lay a second row of sod under the first row. Continue to do this until you have the entire area covered.
- 7
  Water the newly sodded area with a water hose. Soak the area with water, but do not create puddles in the grass.
- 8
  Roll over the grass with a garden roller. This will ensure that there is good contact between the soil and the sod.
- 9
  Water the grass with a hose everyday until the young grass establishes itself. Once the grass is growing, you can cut back on watering except during droughts.

How to Lay Sod in Texas

Centipede Vs. St Augustine Grass

Lawn Planting