St. Augustine sod is a popular choice for homeowners in warm, humid climates seeking a lush, dense lawn with superior shade tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses. Because sod is a living, perishable product, the quality of the material and the timing of its installation are paramount for success. Sourcing the healthiest sod and handling the logistics of the purchase directly impact the vibrancy and longevity of the new lawn. The aggressive, carpet-like growth habit of St. Augustine grass makes it highly desirable, but this advantage is only realized when the grass is established with high-quality material.
Identifying Quality Sod Suppliers
Sourcing St. Augustine sod involves choosing between three main supplier types, each offering a distinct balance of quality, convenience, and price.
Purchasing directly from a sod farm or grower typically provides the freshest product, as the sod is often harvested the same day it is delivered. Farms offer a wider selection of specific St. Augustine cultivars, such as Floratam, Palmetto, or CitraBlue, allowing selection based on the yard’s specific light or pest challenges. Growers are often the best choice for bulk orders.
Local nurseries and garden centers represent an intermediate option, often maintaining a higher quality standard than large retailers while offering smaller quantities. Their sod is usually sourced from nearby farms, providing relatively fresh material, though it may have been cut the day prior to purchase. These local businesses can also offer valuable, region-specific advice on St. Augustine care.
Big box home improvement stores are the most convenient option, but they present the highest risk regarding sod quality and freshness. The sod is typically palletized for several days, leading to potential heat buildup and moisture loss, which stresses the grass before installation. A large order from a major retailer may require careful inspection to ensure the grass is still viable.
Evaluating Sod Quality and Pricing Factors
The quality of St. Augustine sod is judged by several physical indicators that reveal its health and establishment potential. Healthy sod should exhibit a uniform, deep green to blue-green color, depending on the cultivar, with no signs of yellowing or gray-blue wilting. The soil layer, or “cut,” should be approximately 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This depth balances sufficient root mass with manageable weight and rapid establishment after installation.
Inspecting the root system is a reliable step; the roots should be numerous, visible along the edges, and firmly holding the soil together, indicating a strong, mature turf ready for transplant. The sod should be free of visible pests like chinch bugs or weeds, which can quickly spread to the new lawn area. Pricing for St. Augustine sod is generally determined on a per-square-foot basis, but it is often sold in full-pallet quantities, which cover between 400 and 500 square feet.
The cost per square foot is influenced by the cultivar chosen, as newer, patented varieties like CitraBlue often command a higher price than common Floratam. Delivery fees can significantly increase the total cost, especially for smaller orders or long-distance transport. Prices can also fluctuate seasonally, with the highest demand and potentially higher prices occurring during the peak warm-season growing months of spring and early summer.
Logistics of Ordering and Delivery
Accurately calculating the required quantity is the first step in the ordering process, which involves determining the total square footage of the area to be sodded. It is standard practice to order an additional 5% to 10% of the calculated area to account for waste from cutting pieces to fit edges and curved sections. This buffer prevents the need for a costly, last-minute second delivery.
Scheduling the delivery is a sensitive matter, as St. Augustine sod must be installed immediately upon arrival. The turf begins to generate heat and deteriorate rapidly when rolled up on a pallet, especially in warm climates. Installation should ideally begin within six to eight hours of delivery.
The delivery should only be scheduled once the soil preparation, including grading and conditioning, is 100% complete. If a slight delay in installation is unavoidable, the sod should be moved to a shaded area and lightly misted with water to help reduce heat buildup and moisture loss. This is a temporary measure, and the grass must be unrolled and laid quickly to prevent permanent damage or mortality. The urgency of installation is paramount for St. Augustine, which is less forgiving than some other grass types when left stacked.