Sod Installation & Care FAQ

Complete sod installation in Bradenton typically costs $1.50–$3.00 per square foot, including removal of old grass, soil preparation, grading, sod material, and installation labor. A standard quarter-acre lawn (approximately 2,500 sq ft of turf) averages $3,750–$7,500 fully installed. Pricing varies based on grass variety, site conditions, accessibility, and whether drainage improvements are needed. We provide free on-site assessments with detailed, all-inclusive quotes—no hidden fees.

The best grass depends on your specific conditions. St. Augustine Floratam is the most popular choice for Bradenton and Sarasota—it thrives in full sun to partial shade with excellent salt tolerance. For shady yards, St. Augustine Palmetto performs well with as little as 4 hours of sunlight. Zoysia Empire is ideal for homeowners wanting a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant lawn. Bahia Argentine works great for larger properties on a budget. We assess your sun exposure, soil, traffic patterns, and maintenance preferences to recommend the perfect variety.

New sod requires a specific watering schedule for successful establishment. During the first 2 weeks, water 2–3 times daily for 15–20 minutes per irrigation zone to keep the sod and soil consistently moist. During weeks 3–4, reduce to once daily watering. After 4 weeks, transition to a normal schedule of 2–3 times per week with deeper soaking. We program your irrigation system at installation and provide a printed watering calendar specific to your grass type and season.

Florida’s warm climate allows year-round sod installation, but certain periods are optimal. The rainy season (June–September) provides natural rainfall that helps establish roots and reduces irrigation costs. Fall (October–November) offers moderate temperatures with less heat stress. Spring (March–May) is excellent as warming soil promotes rapid root growth. Winter installations are possible but may require extra watering and slower establishment. Our team monitors weather patterns to recommend the best timing for your project.

Avoid walking on new sod for the first 2–3 weeks to allow roots to anchor into the soil. Light foot traffic (walking across it occasionally) is acceptable after 3 weeks. Full use including children playing, pets running, and outdoor activities is safe after 4–6 weeks when roots are firmly established. You can test readiness by gently tugging a corner—if it resists lifting, roots are taking hold. We provide a detailed timeline based on your specific grass type and installation season.

Yes, proper removal of existing turf is essential for successful sod installation. We use professional sod cutters to remove old grass, roots, and thatch down to bare soil. Then we grade the surface for proper drainage, amend the soil as needed based on testing, and create a smooth, level bed for the new sod. Laying new sod over old grass creates an air gap that prevents root contact with soil, leading to poor establishment and eventual failure.

Florida’s sandy soil actually works well for sod installation with proper preparation. Sand provides excellent drainage, which most grass varieties appreciate. However, sandy soil has poor water and nutrient retention, so we amend it with organic matter like composted material to improve its ability to hold moisture and fertilizer. We also adjust irrigation schedules to account for faster drainage. Proper soil preparation is the single most important factor in sod success.

St. Augustine has wider, coarser blades and grows aggressively, filling in quickly. It handles shade well (especially Palmetto variety) and is the most common lawn grass in coastal Florida. Zoysia has finer, softer blades creating a carpet-like texture. It grows more slowly (meaning less mowing), has superior drought tolerance once established, and requires less fertilizer. Zoysia costs slightly more upfront but saves on long-term maintenance. St. Augustine is better for shade; Zoysia is better for full-sun, low-maintenance properties.

Brown patches on new sod usually indicate a watering issue. First, check soil moisture 2 inches deep—it should be moist but not waterlogged. Underwatering causes dry, crispy patches while overwatering leads to yellowing and root rot. Other causes include chinch bug damage (look for tiny black and white insects at patch edges), fungal disease from evening watering, or dull mower blades tearing grass. Increase watering frequency for dry patches, reduce for soggy areas, and contact us for a free assessment if patches persist beyond 2 weeks.

Sod edges curl when they dry out faster than the center of each piece. This commonly happens during hot weather, at seams between pieces, and along sidewalk or driveway edges where heat radiates. The fix is to increase watering frequency immediately and hand-water edges and seams between scheduled irrigation cycles. Fill any gaps between pieces with a thin layer of topsoil. Also check that your sprinkler heads are providing full coverage to all edges of the sodded area.

Wait until your new sod has rooted firmly before the first mow—typically 2–3 weeks after installation. Test by gently tugging a corner; if it resists lifting, it’s ready. For the first mow, set your mower to the highest setting and never remove more than one-third of the blade height. Use a sharp blade to make clean cuts (dull blades tear grass and invite disease). Mow when the grass is dry, and leave clippings on the lawn as natural fertilizer.

Wait 30–45 days after installation before applying the first fertilizer. New sod needs time to establish roots before being pushed to grow top growth. Use a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus (the middle number, like 16-20-0) to promote root development. After the initial application, follow a regular Florida fertilization schedule: apply in March, May, July, and September. Avoid fertilizing during winter months or right before heavy rain to prevent nutrient runoff.

Professional preparation includes several steps: First, we remove all existing grass, weeds, and debris using sod cutters. Next, we test and amend the soil based on pH and composition results. We then grade the entire area to ensure proper drainage away from your home’s foundation, typically creating a 1–2% slope. Finally, we rake the surface smooth and lightly compact it to create an even bed. The prepared soil level should be about 1 inch below sidewalks and driveways so the finished sod sits flush.

Mushrooms on new sod are very common and usually harmless. They appear when organic matter in the soil (like old roots or wood debris) decomposes in moist conditions. Overwatering accelerates their growth. To reduce mushrooms: decrease watering frequency once sod is established, water in the morning so grass dries by evening, improve air circulation by trimming overhanging branches, and simply remove mushrooms by hand or with a mower. They typically disappear on their own as the organic matter fully decomposes.

Yes, we provide a 30-day establishment warranty on all sod installations. If any areas fail to take root despite proper watering following our care instructions, we replace them at no additional charge. We also conduct a complimentary 2-week follow-up visit to check establishment progress and adjust irrigation settings. For ongoing protection, we offer optional maintenance plans that include regular mowing, fertilization, pest control, and irrigation management to keep your new lawn healthy long-term.

During the first 2 weeks, new sod needs approximately 1 inch of water per day, split across 2–3 watering sessions. Each session should run 15–20 minutes per irrigation zone. The goal is to keep the sod and the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist without creating standing water. In hot summer months, you may need to add a brief midday watering to prevent stress. Use the “tug test”—lift a corner to check that soil underneath is dark and moist, not dry or waterlogged.

While DIY sod installation is possible, professional installation significantly improves success rates. Proper soil preparation (grading, amending, compacting) requires specialized equipment most homeowners don’t have. Incorrect grading leads to drainage problems and dead spots. Professionals also source sod fresh from farms and install it the same day—delays cause sod to deteriorate rapidly. Our crews can install a typical residential lawn in 1–2 days, whereas DIY projects often stretch over a weekend or longer, risking sod quality.

St. Augustine Palmetto is the top choice for shaded areas in Bradenton and Sarasota. It maintains rich green color with as little as 4 hours of direct sunlight daily. Seville St. Augustine is another excellent shade performer. For moderate shade (4–6 hours of sun), Zoysia varieties like Empire also work well. Bermuda grass is not recommended for shade as it requires full sun. We evaluate your yard’s specific shade patterns throughout the day and recommend the best variety for each zone.

New sod typically takes 4–6 weeks to establish initial root anchoring and 3–6 months to develop a deep, mature root system. During the first 2 weeks, roots begin penetrating the soil. By week 4, sod should resist gentle tugging. Full establishment with deep roots occurs by month 3–6 depending on grass type, season, and care. Warm-season installations establish faster than cool-season ones. Proper watering, timely fertilization, and avoiding heavy traffic during establishment are key to success.

If sod isn’t rooting after 3 weeks, check these common causes: Poor soil contact (air gaps beneath sod prevent roots from reaching soil)—use a lawn roller to press sod firmly. Compacted soil that roots can’t penetrate—this usually means old grass wasn’t fully removed. Inconsistent watering—ensure all areas receive adequate moisture. Excessive thatch layer under the new sod blocking root growth. Maintain consistent daily watering for another 1–2 weeks and contact us for a free follow-up assessment.

After sod installation, reprogram your irrigation controller to run 2–3 cycles per day (early morning, midday, and late afternoon) for 15–20 minutes per zone. Check that all sprinkler heads provide uniform coverage with no dry spots or excessive overlap. Adjust head positions if needed to cover newly sodded areas. After 2 weeks, reduce to once daily. After 4 weeks, transition to 2–3 times per week with longer run times for deeper watering. We program your system at installation and adjust it during our 2-week follow-up.

Bermuda grass (especially Celebration variety) is excellent for Florida properties with full sun and heavy foot traffic. It’s the grass of choice for sports fields, play areas, and active family yards due to its exceptional durability and fast recovery from damage. However, Bermuda requires full sun (8+ hours daily) and goes dormant (turns brown) in winter. It also spreads aggressively into flower beds. For most Bradenton residential lawns, St. Augustine or Zoysia are better all-around choices.

New sod is naturally weed-resistant when properly installed with no gaps between pieces. Avoid applying pre-emergent herbicides for the first 60 days as they can inhibit sod root development. Hand-pull any weeds that appear during establishment. After 60 days, apply a pre-emergent herbicide appropriate for your grass type to prevent future weed seeds from germinating. Maintaining a thick, healthy lawn through proper mowing height, fertilization, and watering is the best long-term weed prevention strategy.

Rain after sod installation is actually beneficial! Natural rainfall helps settle the sod against the soil and provides gentle, even moisture. However, heavy downpours on freshly graded soil can cause washouts or shift sod pieces. If heavy rain is forecast, we may adjust installation timing. After rain, check that no sod pieces have shifted or floated, and ensure drainage is working properly with no standing water. Reduce irrigation cycles on rainy days to prevent overwatering.

A full lawn replacement in Sarasota typically ranges from $3,500 to $8,500 for an average residential property (2,000–3,500 sq ft of turf area). This includes old lawn removal, soil testing, grading, soil amendments, premium sod material, professional installation, initial watering setup, and a 30-day warranty. Factors affecting price include grass variety chosen, amount of grading needed, accessibility for equipment, and whether irrigation repairs are required. We provide free on-site estimates with transparent, itemized pricing.

Yes, overwatering is one of the most common mistakes with new sod. Signs of overwatering include spongy or mushy soil, yellowing grass blades, a sour smell from the soil, and mushroom growth. Overwatered sod develops shallow roots because roots don’t need to grow deep to find moisture. It also creates conditions for fungal diseases like Brown Patch and root rot. The soil should be consistently moist but never waterlogged. If you can squeeze water from a handful of soil, you’re watering too much.

Yes, we handle large-scale commercial sod installations for office parks, retail centers, HOA common areas, apartment complexes, and new construction developments throughout Bradenton, Sarasota, and the Gulf Coast. Commercial projects benefit from our fleet of professional equipment for efficient grading and installation. We coordinate with property managers, builders, and HOA boards to minimize disruption and can phase installations around business operations. Contact us for commercial pricing and project timelines.

Proper mowing height varies by grass type. St. Augustine: 3.5–4 inches (never below 3 inches). Zoysia: 2–3 inches. Bermuda: 1–2 inches. Bahia: 3–4 inches. The golden rule is never remove more than one-third of the blade height in a single mowing. Cutting too short (“scalping”) stresses the grass, exposes soil to sunlight encouraging weeds, and weakens the root system. During summer, raise your mowing height by half an inch to help grass handle heat stress.

Chinch bugs are the most destructive lawn pest in Florida, especially in St. Augustine grass. Signs include irregular yellow-brown patches that expand outward, typically starting in sunny, dry areas near driveways or sidewalks. To confirm, push a bottomless coffee can into the soil at the edge of a damaged area, fill with water, and watch for tiny black bugs with white wings floating to the surface. Chinch bugs suck plant juices and inject toxins. Early treatment with appropriate insecticide is critical to prevent spread.

Yes, our sod installation service is all-inclusive. Every project includes: removal of existing grass and debris, soil testing for pH and composition, grading for proper drainage, soil amendments as needed (organic matter, lime, or sulfur), surface smoothing and light compaction, fresh sod installation, initial deep watering, irrigation programming, a printed 30-day care guide, and a complimentary 2-week follow-up visit. The only thing not included is irrigation system repairs or new sprinkler installation, which we quote separately if needed.