White-glove sod installation services
At Floridist, we combine precision, care, and science-backed methods to ensure your yard not only looks incredible but thrives for years to come. From detailed soil analysis to seamless sod installation, we tailor every step to your property’s unique needs. Whether you’re refreshing a tired lawn or starting from scratch, our team is here to create the foundation for a healthy, beautiful landscape you’ll love.
What makes Floridist unique?
Seamless, full-service lawn renovations, including removal, delivery, installation, and post-installation care
Comprehensive soil testing, analysis and amendments
Portable automated irrigation systems to ensure that sod establishes quickly
Locally sourced sod from the most highly trusted and reputable sod farms
Insured, and licensed and certified by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)
Eco-friendly lawn treatments and ongoing care regimens to keep weeds and pest out, and your family safe
At Floridist, our science-backed installation process helps to ensure that your new lawn establishes quickly, and that it’s ready to face whatever mother nature throws its way.
Keep reading to learn more about our process, or call or text 561-941-GROW today to schedule your free estimate!
It all starts with a 7-point inspection
Project Area Measurement
We start by measuring the project area to determine how much sod, topsoil, compost, fertilizer, and other materials will be needed. Please note that depending on the project size, we will budget in a 5% margin to account for breakage, spillage, oddly shaped areas, etc. i.e. for a 5000 square foot project, we would budget for 5250 square feet.
Baseline Soil Testing
For new warm-season sod in South Florida, we recommend aiming for a soil pH between 6 and 7, along with maintaining a well-balanced nutrient profile. We prioritize macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to promote strong growth, healthy root development, and stress tolerance. Ensuring adequate levels of calcium and magnesium is also important for supporting root health and efficient photosynthesis. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of micronutrients such as iron, manganese, zinc, and copper, which are vital for chlorophyll production, enzyme activity, and overall plant health.
Irrigation
We simply will not begin a sod installation project, without a functioning and optimized irrigation system in place. Warm season lawns require a lot of water to stay healthy. This is especially true for new sod, which usually needs to remain moist for at least one week following installation. For smaller lawns, in-ground irrigation can be substituted with hose-end sprinkler setups, but this can be more difficult for larger lawns. While we don’t install new irrigation systems, we can usually handle most repairs and additions to existing systems. We also partner with local irrigation experts for new installations.
Utility Lines
Even though we generally won’t be digging very deep into the soil, the Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act (Chapter 556, Florida Statutes) mandates that anyone planning to dig or disturb the ground must contact 811 to have underground utilities marked at least two full business days before breaking ground. We handle this, so that you don’t have to.
Existing Lawn/Vegetation
We use a variety of different methods for removing existing grass, weeds and vegetation. Our first step is determining which methods would be safest and most effective, based on the vegetation that needs to be killed off.
Lawn Level/Grade
Steep inclines and low spots can create pooling, which can drown young sod roots. We mark off areas that will need to be leveled, filled or graded, and determine what materials will be needed to prepare the dirt for installation.
Obstructions
Obstructions are common and to be expected. This includes patio structures, walkways, hardscapes, tree roots, rocks and yard debris. Anything that will potentially interfere with or augment our process. We’ll work together to remedy or account for these accordingly.
How long does the sod installation process take?
It takes our team anywhere from 2-3 weeks on average to complete a “typical” lawn renovation project. Timelines vary depending on the weather, the size and condition of the lawn, and how easy (or difficult) it is to access the project area.
Measurement, Assessment & Quote
1 hour
We’ll schedule a time that’s convenient for you, for us to come out to your property so we can measure and assess the project area. Based on our thorough 6-point inspection, we’ll provide you with a quote and schedule a date to begin the vegetation removal process.
Removing Existing Vegetation
1-2 Weeks
New sod requires root to soil contact in order to survive. Before installing new sod, we first need to remove all existing vegetation. This sod removal process can take anywhere from 7-14 days. We start by applying systemic herbicides to kill off the existing lawn. The main benefit of using systemic herbicides is that they will reduce the likelihood of dormant weed seeds germinating and competing with your new lawn. Once the vegetation is dead, we’ll scalp the lawn and bag the clippings, leaving mostly bare soil.
Soil Prep
1-2 Days
Once the existing vegetation has been killed off and removed, we will begin our soil prep. During this phase, we scarify and rototill the existing soil, and then we put down a fresh a layer of organic topsoil and compost, and make a second pass with the rototiller, so that the new soil blends in with the native soil. Next we will add in some nutrients according to our baseline soil analysis, apply some organic fertilizer and root growth stimulant, and then we are ready to install your new sod.
Sod Delivery, Installation & Fertilization
1-2 Days
We will schedule your sod delivery in advance (usually 1-2 weeks out) to ensure that it arrives within a day of completing the soil prep. All pallets of sod are installed the same day of delivery, to ensure that they don’t dry out and create gaps and spaces where weeds can move in. Once the sod is laid, we’ll water it heavily and make a second application of organic fertilizer, root growth stimulant and bionutrients, like sea kelp, amino, fulvic, and humic acids.
Learn more about fertilization
Concierge Sod Care
4-6 Weeks
It usually takes about 6-8 weeks for new sod to establish itself. In South Florida, we can see big swings in temperature and rainfall, and that means that your watering regimen needs to be adjusted accordingly. Underwatering can make the lawn more vulnerable to pests like chinch bugs and sod web worms, while overwatering can increase the likelihood of fungal diseases. Both can wreak havoc on new lawn that hasn’t had enough time to establish. We offer concierge sod care to take the guesswork out of watering and caring for your newly laid sod. This one-of-a-kind service includes a custom irrigation setup to keep the new sod properly watered, preventative fungicide and insecticide applications to keep invasive pests and diseases from moving in, as well as weekly service calls to check on root development and adjust watering and care regimens as needed.
Learn more about concierge sod care
How much does sod installation cost in South Florida?
On average, South Florida homeowners are spending anywhere from $3.20 to $5.90 per square foot, depending on the type of sod selected and the specific project requirements. For sod types, St. Augustine costs between $0.40 and $0.70 per square foot, Bermuda between $0.35 and $0.65, Zoysia between $0.50 and $0.85, Centipede between $0.40 and $0.70, and Bahia between $0.30 and $0.55. You can check out our delivery page to learn more about the different types of sod.
In addition to the material costs, there is the cost of installation, tilling, leveling, adding topsoil, and fertilization.
- Installation labor costs range from $1.00 to $2.00 per square foot
- Sod removal from $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot
- Tilling from $0.30 to $0.50 per square foot
- Leveling from $0.25 to $0.45 per square foot
- Adding topsoil typically costs $30 to $50 per cubic yard, translating roughly to $0.30 to $0.50 per square foot
- Fertilization costs between $0.05 and $0.10 per square foot
Lawn Renovation Cost Calculator
When should you install sod in South Florida?
In South Florida, the best time to lay sod is during the spring and summer months, typically from March to September. During these months, the warmer temperatures and consistent rainfall create optimal conditions for sod to establish and root effectively. The warmer climate encourages faster growth and helps the sod adapt to its new environment more quickly.
Is it still possible to successfully lay sod during the winter months in South Florida? If so, what precautions should someone take?
Yes, it is possible to lay sod during the winter months in South Florida, although it requires extra care and attention. The mild winters in South Florida make it feasible to install sod year-round, but there are some important precautions to consider:
- Choose the Right Type of Sod: Select a sod variety that is more tolerant to cooler temperatures, such as St. Augustine or Zoysia grass. These types of sod can handle the slight temperature fluctuations better than others.
- Watering: Ensure the sod receives adequate moisture. While the cooler temperatures reduce evaporation, the sod still needs regular watering to establish roots. Be cautious not to overwater, as the cooler weather can slow down the drying process, leading to potential root rot.
- Fertilization: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide essential nutrients to the sod. This helps support root development and overall health during the cooler months.
- Soil Preparation: Properly prepare the soil before laying the sod. Ensure it is well-drained and free of debris. Adding a layer of topsoil can improve root establishment.
- Monitoring: Keep an eye on the weather forecast. While South Florida winters are generally mild, unexpected cold snaps can occur. Be prepared to cover the sod with frost blankets if temperatures are expected to drop significantly.
- Pest Control: Winter can bring different pests that might affect sod. Monitor for any signs of pest activity and take appropriate action if needed.
In fact, there are several advantages to laying sod during the winter months that can benefit both the homeowner and the health of the lawn. Here are some reasons why winter installation can be preferable:
- Reduced Heat Stress: Cooler winter temperatures mean less stress on the newly laid sod, which can help prevent it from drying out or becoming scorched by the intense summer heat.
- Lower Weed Competition: Many weeds are less active or dormant during the winter months, which means the newly installed sod has less competition for nutrients and water, allowing it to establish more effectively.
- Easier Maintenance: With lower temperatures, the sod requires less frequent watering compared to the hotter summer months. This can reduce the time and effort needed for maintenance.
- Sod Availability: Sod farms often have an abundant supply of fresh sod during the winter months, ensuring that you can get high-quality sod when you need it.
- Optimal Soil Conditions: In South Florida, winter often brings more consistent and moderate weather conditions. The soil can be more manageable, making it easier to prepare and lay the sod.
- Labor Availability: Landscaping professionals may have more availability during the winter months, making it easier to schedule installation and receive expert guidance.
Is sod a better option compared to seed in South Florida?
Sod offers several advantages over seed when establishing a new lawn. Unlike seeding, which takes months to grow, sod provides an instant, fully-grown lawn that immediately enhances curb appeal and helps prevent soil erosion.
While seed requires extensive watering and maintenance, sod can be walked on and used within a few weeks, making it a faster and more convenient option. Sod’s dense growth pattern also helps prevent weed seeds from germinating, leading to a cleaner, weed-free lawn from the start.
Additionally, sod generally requires less initial watering compared to seeding and ensures a uniform lawn with even color and texture. It’s also important to note that some popular warm season turf grasses, like St. Augustine, can only be grown using sod, sprigs or plugs.
| Sod | Seed | |
|---|---|---|
| Time Until Established | ✅ Nearly instant, fully-grown lawn | ❌ Takes months to grow |
| How Long to See Results | ✅ Immediate curb appeal, uniform color and texture | ❌ Patchy and uneven during initial growth |
| Erosion Control | ✅ Prevents soil erosion immediately | ❌ Higher risk of soil erosion during germination |
| Maintenance | ✅ Less initial watering and maintenance | ❌ Extensive watering and maintenance required |
| Traffic Tolerance | ✅ Can be walked on and used within a few weeks | ❌ Takes months before the lawn can be fully used |
| Weed Resistance | ✅ Dense growth helps prevent weed seeds from germinating | ❌ More susceptible to weeds during establishment |
| Water Requirements | ✅ Generally requires less initial watering | ❌ Requires more frequent and extensive watering |
| Grass Variety | ✅ Can use varieties like St. Augustine, which are only available as sod, sprigs, or plugs | ❌ Limited to seed varieties, excluding some popular warm-season grasses |
| Cost | ❌ Higher initial cost | ✅ Lower initial cost, but potentially higher long-term care costs |
| Installation Requirements | ❌ Professional installation often recommended | ✅ Can be done DIY, but requires careful attention |
| Uniformity & Consistency | ✅ Ensures a uniform lawn with even color and texture | ❌ Can result in an uneven lawn with variations in growth |
Sod installation services in Palm Beach County
At Floridist, our sod installation services in Palm Beach County go beyond the typical lawn care routine. We use a science-backed approach to ensure your new lawn establishes quickly and thrives in South Florida’s unique environment. Call 561-941-GROW to get started today!