Creating a beautiful, long-lasting lawn starts with proper sod installation. Follow this four-step process to ensure a healthy, thriving yard:
2025 Sod Prices (6/19/25)
Disclaimer:
Minimum Order and Pickup/Delivery Terms:
Selecting the right sod variety for your environment is crucial. The wrong choice could result in a weak lawn that requires replacement. Recommended sod varieties for San Angelo, TX. include:
Sunlight exposure plays a key role in sod selection. Bermuda grasses require full sun and have little to no shade tolerance. For partially shaded areas, St. Augustine and Zoysia are better choices, with St. Augustine offering the highest shade tolerance.
Here’s the average sunlight (in hours per day) each grass type needs to grow well:
Bermuda grass: 7 - 8+ hours
Zoysia grass: 5 - 6+ hours
St. Augustine grass: 4 - 6+ hours
Note: “+” means more sun is better, especially in high-traffic or stressed areas. Less sunlight leads to thinning and disease.
Step 2: Ground Preparation
Proper soil preparation is essential for a healthy lawn. Start preparing 1-2 weeks before sod delivery to ensure immediate installation upon arrival. Follow these steps:
Sod Advice from Someone Who’s Been There
Spend a month prepping your yard for sod not just a weekend slapping it down
or you’ll spend the rest of your life chasing low spots and muttering,
“Why is my mower scalping again?!”
Good prep = flat lawn = happy life.
Lay sod in a staggered, brick-like pattern, ensuring pieces fit tightly without overlapping. Cut sod as needed for sprinkler heads and landscaping edges. Once installed:
Water Like You Mean It
When you lay sod, don’t just “turn on the sprinkler and hope.”
I want gallons not droplets coming out of that hose.
Be barefoot, take your time, and step on every seam, heel-first.
That’s where air pockets hide, and air pockets kill sod.
Soak each square like it’s the only one that matters.
If it can hold water without running off perfect. That’s the goal.
Once your sod is established, regular care is essential:
Water Deep. Mow Right. Feed Well.
The goal with irrigation?
Soak the soil 6 inches deep, then let it dry out before watering again.
If that 6 inches stays soggy all the time, you're inviting trouble
weak roots, weeds, and fungus love that kind of party.
Mowing matters.
Mowing stimulates growth, so mow as often as you can at the correct height for your grass variety.
Start mowing once the sod is rooted just reach down and tug.
If you can’t lift the square, it’s go time.
Fertilize for roots.
A starter fertilizer like 12-24-12 gives new roots the phosphorus they need.
Apply it before or right after laying sod just don’t skip it.
What we see too often:
Folks under-mow, overwater, and never feed,
then wonder why the lawn looks tired and patchy.
Do the steps right, and you’ll be the one with the barefoot-friendly lawn everyone envies.
Here’s a simple Barefoot-Friendly Lawn Checklist you can drop at the end of that section:
BAREFOOT FRIENDLY LAWN CHECKLIST
☐ Spend at least a month prepping your soil not just a weekend.
☐ Lay sod carefully, heel pressing every seam.
☐ Water each square deeply right after laying gallons, not sprinkles.
☐ Irrigate to saturate 6 inches, then let it dry.
☐ Start mowing once sod is rooted (can’t pull it up by hand).
☐ Mow often and at the correct height for your grass.
☐ Apply 12-24-12 fertilizer before or just after laying sod.
☐ Don’t under-mow, don’t overwater, and don’t skip the feeding.
Do these steps right, and your lawn will beg for a barefoot walk.
Here are the top five questions people often ask about laying sod in San Angelo, TX.
Which sod variety is best for my lawn in San Angelo, Texas?
When is the best time to lay sod in San Angelo?
How should I prepare my soil before laying sod?
How often should I water newly laid sod?
How long does it take for sod to root and establish?
SOD INSTALLATION EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
SITE PREP TOOLS:
☐ Rototiller Loosen compacted soil, mix in compost or topsoil
☐ Rake (Landscape or Garden) Level the surface and remove debris
☐ Shovel/Spade Edge borders and fix uneven spots
☐ Wheelbarrow Move dirt, compost, or sod efficiently
☐ Soil Probe or Screwdriver Check watering depth (6 inches)
GRADING & LEVELING:
☐ Lawn Roller (Water-Filled) Firm the surface before and after sod is laid
☐ Grading Rake or Drag Mat Fine-tune level areas
SOD INSTALLATION:
☐ Utility Knife or Sod Cutter Trim pieces to fit edges and curves
☐ Measuring Tape or Spray Paint Mark layout for clean lines
☐ Kneepads or Garden Cushion Comfort while working close to the ground
WATERING:
☐ Garden Hose with Nozzle or Sprinkler Water each pad thoroughly
☐ Irrigation Flags or Markers Mark sprinkler heads, valve boxes, etc.
☐ Timer or Smart Controller Regulate irrigation schedule
EXTRAS FOR COMMERCIAL CREWS:
☐ Sod Cutter Machine For removing old turf (if needed)
☐ Skid Steer or Tractor Move sod pallets or grade large areas
☐ Fertilizer Spreader Apply starter fertilizer evenly
☐ Flatbed Trailer Haul sod or equipment
☐ Crew Safety Gear Gloves, eye protection, reflective vests if roadside
Let BES-TEX Help From Start to Finish
Whether you're a DIY homeowner or a seasoned pro, BES-TEX Supply can help you with the right tools, fertilizer, and advice to get the job done right.
We’re here from start to finish from prepping your soil to laying that last piece of sod.
Our goal? To help you grow a barefoot-friendly yard you’ll be proud of.
Just ask. We’re here to help.
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