How to Lay Sod in Texas (Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners)

rex678
Sep 23
4 min read

Transforming your lawn doesn’t have to take months. With sod, you can enjoy a fresh, green yard in just a day. But laying sod in Texas comes with unique challenges—hot summers, clay soils, and variable rainfall all play a role. If you’re wondering how to lay sod in Texas the right way, this will walk you through the process step by step.

Why Sod Is the Best Choice for Texas Lawns

Unlike seeding, which can take months to establish, sod provides an instant lawn that stands up to Texas heat and foot traffic. When you choose locally grown sod from a supplier like us here at NTX Sod Supply, you’re going to get:

Fast results – a full yard of green grass in just hours
Adapted grass types – Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Zoysia thrive in DFW’s climate
Lower erosion risk – sod prevents soil washout after Texas rainstorms
Curb appeal boost – perfect for home value, HOA compliance, and resale

Step 1: Choose the Right Sod for Texas Conditions

The first step in learning how to lay sod in Texas is choosing a grass variety suited for your region:

St. Augustine – great for shaded lawns and high-traffic areas
Bermuda – ideal for sunny yards and sports fields
Zoysia – versatile, drought-tolerant, and beautiful year-round

At NTX Sod Supply, we can help you match the right sod type to your soil, sunlight, and watering schedule.

Step 2: Prepare Your Lawn Like a Pro

Proper preparation is critical before you lay sod in Texas. Skipping these steps can lead to patchy growth or wasted investment.

Clear existing grass and weeds – use a sod cutter or herbicide.
Till and loosen the soil – especially important for Texas clay soils.
Test and level the ground – fill in low spots to prevent water pooling.
Add soil amendments – compost or sand can improve drainage.

Pro Tip: A smooth, level base ensures your sod establishes evenly and resists future lawn problems.

Step 3: Lay Sod in the Right Pattern

Now comes the satisfying part: rolling out your sod.

Start along a straight edge (driveway, sidewalk, or fence line).
Stagger seams like bricks to avoid visible lines.
Butt edges tightly together without overlapping.
Use a sod roller to press roots into the soil for better contact.

This is where timing matters. In Texas, sod should ideally be laid when daytime temperatures range between 60°F and 80°F—but with proper care, you can install sod year-round.

Step 4: Watering Schedule for New Sod in Texas

Watering is the number-one factor in how well sod takes root. Follow this Texas-specific sod watering schedule:

Days 1–7: Water twice daily for 15–20 minutes (morning + evening).
Days 8–14: Water once daily for 20 minutes.
Weeks 3–4: Transition to every other day.
After 30 days: Shift to deep, less frequent watering (2–3 times per week).

Texas Tip: Always water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Step 5: Caring for Your New Texas Sod

Once your sod is rooted (about 2–3 weeks), you’ll want to keep it healthy with proper care:

Mowing: Wait until grass reaches 3–4 inches, then mow to 2–3 inches.
Fertilizing: Apply a starter fertilizer about 4–6 weeks after installation.
Weed control: Avoid harsh weed killers until the sod is fully established.

Common Mistakes When Laying Sod in Texas

Even with the right plan, mistakes can happen. Here are the most common pitfalls:

Laying sod on compacted, unprepared soil
Overlapping or leaving gaps between sod pieces
Underwatering during the first 2 weeks
Using the wrong grass variety for your yard’s sunlight conditions

By avoiding these pitfalls above, you’ll save time, money, and probably quite a bit of frustration.

Here is the Smart Way to Lay Sod in Texas

Laying sod in Texas doesn’t have to be complicated—when you choose the right grass, prepare the soil, and follow a proper watering schedule, you’ll enjoy a thriving lawn that lasts for years.

At NTX Sod Supply, we make the process even easier with:

Fresh, locally grown sod delivered right to your home or jobsite
Expert guidance on grass types, preparation, and care
Reliable delivery across Dallas–Fort Worth, including Keller, Flower Mound, Plano, Frisco, Denton, and beyond

Ready to Transform Your Lawn?

Why struggle with patchy grass or endless reseeding? Get premium sod delivered fast and enjoy a beautiful, new, green lawn this season.

Call (972) 829-5085 today to order your sod and schedule delivery.

NTX Sod Supply – Your trusted partner for Texas sod sales and delivery.

What is the best time of year to lay sod in Texas?

The best time to lay sod in Texas is during spring or fall when temperatures are between 60°F and 80°F. However, with proper watering and care, sod can be successfully installed year-round.

How long does it take for sod to root in Texas soil?

Most sod takes 2–3 weeks to establish shallow roots in Texas clay soils. Full root development may take 6–8 weeks with consistent watering and proper care.

Do I need to fertilize new sod in Texas?

Yes, you can. After the sod has been down for about 4–6 weeks, apply a starter fertilizer to encourage healthy growth. Avoid heavy fertilizing right after installation, as it may burn the grass.

Can I install sod myself or should I hire a professional?

Most Texas homeowners prefer to hire a professional sod installation company to successfully lay sod and then simply follow the proper watering recommendations. For larger yards or commercial properties, hiring a professional sod installer can save time and ensure perfect results.