Caring for your New Sod

St. Augustine- Floratam & Palmetto

At Action Sod, we value our customers and appreciate your trust in us for your lawn needs. To help you maintain a lush, green lawn, we’ve put together some essential care tips on watering, mowing, and pest control.

Choosing the Right Sod

Floratam

The most popular turfgrass in Florida and the Gulf Coast.
Requires 5-6 hours of sunlight daily, thrives in full sun.
Mow at a height of 3 to 4 inches.

Palmetto

Grows well in full sun but tolerates partial shade.
Drought-tolerant, ideal for areas with watering restrictions.
Mow at a height of approximately 3 inches.

Watering Your New Lawn

One of the most common questions we get is “How much should I water my lawn?” Proper irrigation helps develop deep, healthy roots, making your grass more resilient to drought, pests, and disease.

Watering Tips

✅ First 2 Weeks: Water twice a day for 15 minutes to establish roots.
✅ After 2 Weeks: Water once a day for 15 minutes.
✅ Ongoing Maintenance: Your lawn needs ½ to ¾ inch of water per zone. If the grass turns grayish, the blades fold, or footprints remain visible for several minutes, it's time to water.

Seasonal Adjustments

Winter: Cooler temperatures mean less water is needed—skip a week if necessary.
Summer: Adjust for rainy days—use a rain gauge to monitor water levels.
Best Time to Water: Just before sunrise to reduce evaporation and prevent disease.

Fertilizing & Pest Control

Protecting Your Lawn from Stress & Pests

New sod experiences stress due to harvesting, transportation, and replanting. Weather changes, humidity, and lack of rain can also create conditions for fungus, disease, and pests.

📌 We highly recommend contacting a professional pest control company as soon as your sod is installed to prevent these issues before they arise.

👉 Recommended Company:
Eastern Exterminating – Jess Storey
📞 305-246-1889 (Free estimates available)

Fertilizing Guidelines

Wait 4 weeks after installation before fertilizing.
Use slow-release fertilizer for long-lasting nutrients.
Apply fertilizer only when needed and when the grass is actively growing.
Avoid fertilizing before heavy rain—lawns need ¼ inch of water after fertilization.
Over-fertilizing can harm your lawn—always follow package instructions.

Mowing Your New Lawn

Proper mowing is essential for a healthy lawn.

St. Augustine Grass: Mow between 1½" to 2½".
- Cut shorter in early spring.
- Increase height during hot, dry months.
- If growing in a shady area, set the mowing height at 2½ inches.
Different turf types require different mowing heights—refer to our guide for details.