How to Set St. Augustine Grass Squares

St. Augustine is a coarse-textured warm-season grass. Homeowners with somewhat shady areas choose this turf for its ability to handle less-than-full-sun conditions. St. Augustine sod comes in two forms: small squares or rolls. The squares are easier for the home gardener to handle and install. Before setting the St. Augustine squares, ensure that the soil is prepared by tilling, weeding, fertilizing and grading. Then put in the irrigation system. This way, when the sod arrives, you can begin installing it immediately so it doesn't dry out.

Rake
Knife
Lawn roller

Instructions

- 1
  Water the planting area the day before setting the St. Augustine grass squares. Don't soak the soil, but moisten the top 4 inches.
- 2
  Rake the bed to smooth out any peaks and valleys.
- 3
  Choose a straight edge to lay the first squares. The edge of a driveway or sidewalk is ideal.
- 4
  Set the first strip of squares along the straight edge, butting them up against one another so that there are no spaces between them. Lay subsequent rows in a staggered pattern so that the joints between them do not align.
- 5
  Use a knife to cut the squares into smaller pieces to fit around curves, such as flower beds and other oddly shaped features.
- 6
  Install the St. Augustine grass over sprinkler heads by laying the square on top of the head and lightly pressing on it. This creates an impression of the sprinkler head on the back of the sod square. Cut around the impression with the knife, discarding the middle portion, and lay the square over the sprinkler head.
- 7
  Run the lawn roller over the St. Augustine lawn so that the sod is firmly in contact with the soil.
- 8
  Water the lawn to a depth of 6 inches and keep it moist for the first week.

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