How to Plant New St. Augustine Sod

Preparation

• 1

  Test the soil. Soil test kits are available at home and garden centers, but it's better to hire a professional do it for a reasonable fee. Soil consists of minerals, organic matter, water and air. The aim is to achieve a balance among all four.

• 2

  Clean up the yard. Remove all debris, such as stones, leaves and wood.

• 3

  Turn over the soil thoroughly with a rotary tiller or spade. Make sure to dig at least 4 inches into the ground. If you have added any additional soil, mix up the new soil with the old.

• 4

  Add ingredients to the lawn that are needed based on the results of the soil test.

• 5

  Grade the yard. Flatten and smooth as much as possible the area where the sod will be installed with a rake.

Growing the Sod

• 6

  Lay the sod in the ground. Make sure there are no seams between the pieces of sod.

• 7

  Fertilize the St. Augustine sod several times a year. A fertilizer that has three parts nitrogen, one part phosphorus and two parts potassium is recommended.

• 8

  Water the sod several times a day for the first 10 days. Water the sod once a day for a week after that. Cut back watering to a few times a week once the roots of the sod are established. Water as needed from there.

• 9

  Mow the sod two weeks after installation. Cut the grass once a week during warm weather to maintain grass at a 2 1/2-inch height. Mow once every 10 days if grass is 3 inches or above. Let St. Augustine grass grow to 3 inches if it's in a heavily shaded area.

• 10

  Remove any weeds as quickly as possible. If weed growth is extensive, consult an expert to find a herbicide that will kill weeds but won't kill St. Augustine grass.