How to Lay St. Augustine Sod on an Established Lawn

St. Augustine grass is a warm season grass meaning it does go dormant in the winter. It is highly shade tolerant and is tough like Bermuda for it regenerates quickly like Bermuda sending off shoots in all directions. This type of sod is good for high traffic areas and people who have dogs. St. Augustine grass needs to be planted in the early springtime for the best results.

Rototiller
Garden rake
Wheelbarrow
Soil tester
Landscape rake
Water roller
Knife

Instructions

- 1
  Kill the established lawn first with a rototiller. You do not need to use an herbicide since St. Augustine sod will suffocate any lawn trying to come back.
- 2
  Rake out the soil with a garden rake all the dead grass and debris.
- 3
  Test your soil for nutrients for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and pH.
- 4
  Add the soil amendment with a wheelbarrow according to your test results. Till the amendment in with a rototiller.
- 5
  Grade the soil with a landscape rake till the appropriate grade is reached.
- 6
  Water roll the soil till firm with a water roller, which you can rent from the hardware store for about $10 per day. If one is not available you can water the soil down to the depth of 2 to 3 inches; then let it settle for a week.
- 7
  Lay the St. Augustine sod strip. The first course will all be whole pieces.
- 8
  Cut in half the first piece of the second course or row with a sod knife. Sod should be laid staggered for strength. The third row will start with a whole piece. Continue in this manner until you're done.

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