What to expect

Your Installation Timeline

Full-scale renovations typically wrap in 1–2 weeks (weather/access dependent). Smaller projects often turn faster. For local deliveries, sod is cut and installed the same day to maximize freshness.

1. Consult & quote ~1 hr

   On-site walk-through, measurements, and a clear scope with options. We flag anything that could affect outcomes or budget.

2. Vegetation control & removal 7–10 days

   We start with a systemic vegetation treatment—a product that moves from the leaves down into the roots and underground runners to stop regrowth. We allow 7–10 days for full translocation and die-back, then scalp and bag the dead material so your new sod meets clean, weed-free soil.

3. Soil preparation 1–2 days

   We prepare the base by deep tilling and scarifying to relieve compaction and open pathways for air and water. Where needed, we blend in fresh topsoil to correct low spots and improve drainage, then use soil testing to guide micronutrient and tailored amendment applications that balance the profile and build structure. This is where we shine—prep that’s calibrated to your specific soil chemistry and conditions for faster rooting and long-lasting, even color.

4. Sod delivery & install 1–2 days

   Same-day harvest and installation (local), tight seams with staggered joints, roller pass for soil contact, and an initial watering-in.

5. Concierge after-care 3–4 weeks

   We guide watering cadence, mowing height/timing, and first nutrition—then hand you a simple plan to keep momentum.

Timelines can shift with weather, access, and scope. We’ll keep you updated at each step.

Quick estimate

Instant ballpark for your installation

Use this calculator for a fast, non-binding range. Final pricing depends on on-site assessment, soil prep scope, access, and selected variety.

Good to know

Sod install FAQs

Straight answers to the questions we get most. If you don’t see yours here, we’ll cover it during your on-site assessment.

• How accurate is the calculator?

  It’s a planning-range estimate, not a final quote. Pricing can change based on prep depth, grading, access, irrigation coverage, disposal needs, and any soil amendments required. Final pricing is confirmed after an on-site assessment where we verify square footage, soil profile, irrigation performance, and logistics.

• What’s the watering plan after installation?

  We provide a tailored schedule based on your irrigation layout, pressure, head spacing, sun exposure, and soil type. A typical pattern is:

  • Days 1–7: Short, frequent cycles to keep the sod and topsoil consistently moist (not flooded).
  • Days 8–14: Reduce frequency and increase duration to encourage deeper rooting.
  • Weeks 3–4: Transition toward your normal schedule based on season and restrictions.

  We set run times to avoid runoff and overwatering, which are common causes of washout and fungus pressure in Florida.

• When is the first mow?

  Usually 10–14 days after install, once the sod is firmly rooted and resists a gentle tug. Use sharp blades, avoid scalping, and remove no more than 1/3 of the leaf blade.

• Do you offer a guarantee?

  We stand behind our preparation and installation work and include concierge after-care for the first 3–4 weeks to support establishment. If something looks off, we’ll diagnose quickly and advise on corrections. Full terms and conditions are provided with your proposal.

• We’re replacing dead sod — will you fix the cause first?

  Yes. Before new sod goes down, we identify and address root causes such as irrigation coverage gaps, compaction, grade/standing water, shade stress, pests, or disease pressure. If the underlying issue isn’t corrected, even great sod can struggle to establish.

• What varieties handle shade best?

  Moderate shade: St. Augustine (CitraBlue, Palmetto, ProVista) and fine-bladed Zoysia (Zeon) typically perform best with a few hours of filtered light.
  Full sun: Bermuda hybrids and many Zoysias thrive in sun but usually decline in shaded areas.

  Shade tolerance depends on how many hours of direct light you get and how open the canopy is. We’ll confirm on-site.

• Is the sod cut and installed the same day?

  Whenever possible, yes. Fresh sod establishes faster and reduces stress, shrinkage, and dehydration risk. We coordinate harvest windows with delivery and installation to keep it as fresh as possible.

• When can we walk on it? What about pets?

  Keep traffic as light as possible for the first 7–10 days. Normal use usually resumes in about 2–3 weeks once rooting is established. Pets are fine—just avoid rutting in saturated areas and keep watering consistent so high-traffic paths don’t create low spots.

• Do you remove old sod and haul everything away?

  Yes, removal and hauling are included when specified in the proposal scope. We clear existing turf/weeds and debris to create a clean, workable surface for proper grading and sod-to-soil contact.

  If a site has unusually heavy debris, prior rock/landscaping material, or access constraints, we’ll call that out during the assessment.

• How do you prep the ground before installing new sod?

  Prep is the most important part of a successful install. Depending on the site, we typically include grading/leveling, correction of low spots, removal of thatch and loose debris, and soil conditioning to ensure strong sod-to-soil contact.

  We also verify irrigation coverage and make recommendations so the lawn establishes evenly instead of thriving in some zones and failing in others.

• Do you fertilize the new sod?

  Yes—establishment nutrition is part of the plan, but it’s tailored to the season and local rules. When nitrogen is appropriate, we use a starter program to support rooting. During blackout periods, we pivot to UF/IFAS-compliant approaches like potassium support, soil conditioners, and wetting polymers as needed.

• Will you check the irrigation system?

  Yes. We run zones and look for coverage gaps, broken/misaligned heads, overspray, and runoff. Establishment success depends heavily on uniform coverage, so we flag issues early and recommend adjustments before or immediately after installation.