St. Augustine grass is a warm-season turf variety with a thick, coarse-bladed texture, commonly used in southern climates. This grass spreads via above-ground runners, called stolons, creating a dense lawn canopy. Transplanting this grass—as full sod, small plugs, or individual runners—is a frequent method for establishing a new lawn or repairing damaged sections. The process focuses on quickly establishing a healthy root system in the new location to ensure long-term coverage.
Preparing the Transplant Sites
Successful grass establishment relies on thorough preparation of the area receiving the new material. Soil testing provides data on nutrient content and pH levels, allowing for targeted amendments before planting. St. Augustine grass prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5; adjustments can be made with lime or sulfur if levels are outside this range.
The recipient site must be cleared of all existing vegetation, including weeds and old grass, to eliminate competition for water and nutrients. Loosening the top three to four inches of soil using a tiller or garden fork promotes better root penetration and water absorption. Before harvesting, deeply water the donor area 24 to 48 hours beforehand. This pre-watering saturates the root zone, making the soil cohesive and allowing for easier removal of sod or plugs with minimal root damage.
Harvesting and Handling the Grass
The physical removal of the grass material requires appropriate tools to ensure the root mass remains intact. For harvesting larger sections, a sharp shovel or specialized sod cutter is used to slice the turf layer. When cutting sod or plugs, the goal is to capture a substantial root mass, typically requiring a depth of at least two to four inches. Plugs are often cut into three-by-three-inch squares and include mature grass with an established root system.
Individual runners, or stolons, can also be harvested, though they represent a more vulnerable transplant material. Handle the harvested material carefully to minimize root disturbance. The removed sections must be kept moist and protected from direct sunlight and drying winds immediately following harvest to prevent desiccation and transplant shock. Keep the time between harvesting and replanting brief to maintain root viability.
Installation Techniques
Placing the harvested St. Augustine material into the prepared site requires attention for proper rooting and spread. When installing full sod pieces, lay the sections tightly against each other, avoiding overlapping edges. For plugs, dig holes to match the root ball size, ensuring the top of the plug is level with the surrounding soil surface. Plug spacing typically ranges from 6 to 18 inches apart, with closer spacing leading to faster coverage.
Runners are planted differently, often laid in shallow trenches or pressed into the soil. The nodes—the points from which new roots and leaves emerge—must be in contact with the soil. After placing any material, press or tamp the area firmly to eliminate air pockets and ensure excellent contact between the roots and the underlying soil. The grass crown must not be buried, as this can lead to rot and hinder growth.
Critical Post-Transplant Watering and Care
Immediately following installation, the new grass requires deep watering to settle the soil around the roots and minimize transplant shock. Soak the soil thoroughly, aiming for moisture penetration three to four inches deep. The first two weeks are the establishment phase, requiring a high-frequency, low-volume watering schedule to keep the shallow roots constantly moist.
Water once or twice per day, preferably in the early morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk, avoiding standing water. After this period, gradually decrease watering frequency to encourage deeper root growth. Transition to a deeper, less frequent schedule, eventually providing about one inch of water per week (including rainfall) for long-term health. Postpone mowing until the grass has rooted sufficiently (usually two to three weeks), and make the first cut at the highest setting to avoid stressing the new turf.