New sod installation in Central Florida

When does new sod make sense?

Sod is the fastest way to a full lawn. It makes sense when a large area is dead, mostly weeds or bare, when you want to change grass types, or after construction, a pool install or a tree removal leaves open ground. For a few small patches, weed control and better watering may be enough.

Which sod should you choose?

• St. Augustine (Floratam and similar): the usual choice in Central Florida subdivisions; full sun, cut at 3.5–4 inches.
• Bahia: tougher and more drought-tolerant, with a more open look; common on large lots.
• Zoysia: dense and fine, cut lower; looks sharp but needs more careful mowing.

Match what your neighbors and your HOA have when the lawns meet, and match the light: shady yards and full-sun yards don’t want the same grass. We go over the options at the quote.

How do we install sod?

UF/IFAS’s guide to establishing a Florida lawn lays out the steps we follow: clear the existing vegetation and dead material, grade and prepare the soil, lay the pieces in a staggered brick pattern with tight, offset seams, then roll or tamp so the roots make good contact. Gaps and air pockets are where new sod dries out first.

How much water does new sod need?

Watering is where new sod lives or dies. UF/IFAS recommends several short (5–10 minute) waterings a day for the first 7–10 days, then once a day with ¼–½ inch for the next 7–10 days, then tapering off. Water districts allow extra watering for new lawns, but each has its own window:

• SFWMD (Osceola: Celebration, ChampionsGate): up to 90 days of extra watering for new landscaping, on set days.
• SWFWMD (Polk: Davenport): new lawns may be watered any day for days 1–30, then three days a week for days 31–60.
• SJRWMD (Lake: Clermont): every day for the first 15 days, up to three days a week for the next 30, then two days a week for the last 15.

We set your controller to the schedule allowed for your address and tell you exactly what it is.

When can new sod be mowed and fertilized?

Mow once the roots have "pegged down" and the sod won’t lift when you tug a corner, usually a couple of weeks after install. UF/IFAS says to wait at least 30 days before fertilizing; Polk County’s ordinance bans nitrogen and phosphorus before sodding and for the first 30 days after. Then it’s ready for regular mowing.

Sod after tree removal

Taking out a tree or palm often leaves a bare circle and roots. After complete tree and palm removal, the ground can be prepared and sodded so the lawn reads as one piece. Before any digging, Florida law requires excavators to notify Sunshine 811 at least two full business days ahead so buried utilities are marked.

We install sod in Davenport, Clermont, Celebration, ChampionsGate and Four Corners.

Sources

• UF/IFAS ENH-03/LH013 — Establishing Your Florida Lawn
• South Florida Water Management District — Landscape irrigation
• Southwest Florida Water Management District — Water restrictions
• St. Johns River Water Management District — Watering restrictions
• UF/IFAS Extension Polk County — Residents Guide to the Polk County Fertilizer Ordinance
• Florida Statutes §556.105 — Notice before excavation (Sunshine 811)
• UF/IFAS ENH10/LH028 — Mowing Your Florida Lawn