How to Prep Soil to Lay Floratam Sod in Central Florida

Floratam sod is a type of St. Augustine grass well suited to residential lawns in central Florida. It is a hardy grass with a coarse texture. Floratam's tolerance for hot, sunny weather makes it an ideal choice for planting in the sandy soil of central Florida. It is less tolerant of the cold and may turn brown in very cold winters. The soil preparation for laying sod in your lawn with the Floratam variety of St. Augustine grass is the same as for other varieties of St. Augustine grass.

Things You'll Need

• Flat-bladed shovel
• Rake
• Wheelbarrow
• Rototiller
• Floratam sod

Show More

Instructions

1. • 1

     Remove the weeds from the existing soil. Use a flat-bladed shovel to remove the weeds and the roots of the weeds.

   • 2

     Turn the soil with a rototiller or manually with a shovel. If a sprinkler system was previously installed, be careful not to damage the system. Use a shovel in the areas where the sprinkler lines exist.

   • 3

     Spread 2 to 3 inches of fertilizer or compost over the area to you will cover with the Floratam. Spread the fertilized soil evenly with a rake.

   • 4

     Turn the soil again to mix the fertilizer or compost to a depth of approximately 1 inch.

   • 5

     Water the soil well just before you begin laying the sod.

   • 6

     Place the sod squares in a brick-like pattern to avoid all the edges from forming a line in the lawn. This will allow the new sod to grow evenly and attractively.