Getting fresh sod delivered to your Florida property is exciting; your yard is about to get an instant facelift. But whether you’re installing it yourself or hiring help, the difference between a thriving lawn and a patchy mess comes down to prep and timing.

At Sunshine Sod, we deliver Florida-grown, field-fresh sod right to your door. Here’s a complete guide to help you plan and install it the right way, from delivery day to root establishment.

Before Delivery: Prep Your Yard Like a Pro

Remove the Old Lawn

  • Use a sod cutter or shovel to remove any existing grass or weeds
  • Rake the area clean—roots, rocks, and debris will interfere with sod contact
  • Spray any stubborn weeds 7–10 days before sod arrives (optional but helpful)

Grade and Level the Soil

  • Fill in low spots and smooth out bumps
  • Ensure proper slope away from your home for drainage
  • A gentle 1–2% grade is ideal for water runoff without erosion

Loosen and Moisten the Soil

  • Till or lightly rake the top 2–3 inches of soil
  • Water the soil lightly 24 hours before delivery—it should be moist, not muddy

Pro Tip: If your soil is compacted, consider core aerating before installation for better root penetration.

On Delivery Day: Timing Is Everything

  • Install sod the same day it arrives—don’t wait
  • Florida’s sun and heat can dry out sod quickly, even if it’s stacked in the shade
  • Plan to have help on hand or schedule your installer in advance

Our sod is cut fresh for every order—but its health depends on fast placement and proper watering.

Installation Basics: Lay It Right

Start Straight

  • Begin laying sod along a straight edge (driveway, sidewalk, fence line)
  • Lay rows in a brick-like pattern, staggering the seams
  • Butt pieces tightly together without overlapping—gaps = dry edges

Roll It Out

  • Use a lawn roller (available at most garden centers) to press sod into the soil
  • This removes air pockets and improves root contact
  • Don’t skip this step—it’s critical for full establishment

💧 Water Immediately (and Religiously)

Sod needs water within 30 minutes of being laid, especially in Florida’s heat.

Watering Schedule for New Sod:

  • Days 1–7: Water 2–3 times daily, 5–10 minutes per zone
  • Weeks 2–3: Water once daily, 15–20 minutes per zone
  • Week 4 and beyond: Transition to 2–3 deep waterings per week

Always water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungus risk.

First Mow and Maintenance

  • Wait 10–14 days after installation to mow
  • Make sure roots are anchored—give a gentle tug on the sod
  • Mow on a higher setting, removing no more than 1/3 of the blade
  • Use sharp mower blades to avoid tearing the grass

Fertilizer & Weed Control

  • Wait at least 3–4 weeks before applying fertilizer
  • Use a starter fertilizer (low nitrogen, balanced nutrients)
  • Avoid weed control products for 6–8 weeks unless recommended by a lawn pro

New sod is delicate; give it time to settle in before introducing chemicals.

Florida-Specific Advice

  • Install sod early in the morning or on cooler days to avoid heat stress
  • Rain? Great! But don’t skip watering just because it rained—check soil moisture first
  • Choose a sod variety that suits your property (sun, shade, traffic, soil)

Sunshine Sod offers St. Augustine, Bahia, Zoysia, and Seashore Paspalum sod—each tailored for Florida’s environment.

A Strong Start = A Strong Lawn

Sod installation is a major upgrade—but it’s also a short window of opportunity. A little planning and a lot of water go a long way in turning your new sod into a healthy, lasting lawn.

At Sunshine Sod, we’re here to make the process simple—from the first quote to the final watering tip.

Ready to schedule sod delivery? Contact us today and we’ll help you prep, install, and grow a lawn you’ll love.