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Establishing a New Lawn


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)

  • Improved Common Bermuda: Celebration $250.00 (450 sq. ft.)
  • Hybrid Bermuda: Tif Tuff and Tif 419 $250.00 (450 sq. ft.)
  • St. Augustine: Raleigh $265.00 (450 sq. ft.)
  • Zoysia: Palisades $330.00 (450 sq.ft.)

Disclaimer:

Minimum Order and Pickup/Delivery Terms:

  • A minimum order of one pallet is required for sod purchases.
  • Prices quoted are for pickup at our location during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 4512 Adobe Dr. San Angelo, TX. 76903
  • Delivery services are available for an additional charge.
  • While we strive to ensure timely delivery of your grass, please note that factors such as weather and transportation may occasionally cause delays that are beyond our control.
  • All orders are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • For the best service experience, we recommend placing orders in person during our regular business hours. BES-TEX Supply 4512 Adobe Dr. San Angelo, TX. 76903 
  • ALL PRICE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON AVAILABILITY.

Step 1: Choosing Your Sod

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:

  1. Remove existing vegetation using a non-select herbicide and clear away dead plants.
  2. Clear debris such as rocks larger than ½” in diameter.
  3. Loosen the soil with a tiller, incorporating organic material and a starter fertilizer (e.g., 12-24-12).
  4. Level the ground by filling low spots and smoothing high areas.
  5. Water the soil thoroughly to detect settling, repeating the leveling process as needed

 

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.


Step 3: Installing the Sod

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:

  • Avoid foot traffic and smooth out any uneven areas.
  • Use a sod roller to eliminate air pockets.
  • Water immediately, keeping sod moist during establishment.

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.


Step 4: Lawn Maintenance

Once your sod is established, regular care is essential:

  • Watering: Twice daily for the first week or two, then gradually reduce to 1” per week.
  • Mowing: Begin after 2-3 weeks once roots take hold. Cut no more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time.
  • Fertilizing: Apply starter fertilizer after 4-6 weeks, followed by seasonal maintenance applications.

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.


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.


Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the top five questions people often ask about laying sod in San Angelo, TX.

  1. Which sod variety is best for my lawn in San Angelo, Texas?

    • Answer: In San Angelo, Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Zoysia are the top choices. Bermuda is known for its drought tolerance and durability, making it suitable for the hot Texan climate. St. Augustine thrives well in shade and tolerates moderate traffic. Zoysia offers a dense, lush lawn with good heat tolerance and low water requirements. 
  2. When is the best time to lay sod in San Angelo?

    • Answer: The best time is during the late spring or early fall when temperatures are milder and there's more moisture, allowing sod to establish roots more effectively.
  3. How should I prepare my soil before laying sod?

    • Answer: Prepare the soil by removing weeds, rocks, and debris. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 2-3 inches to ensure good root penetration. Amend the soil with organic matter if needed to improve drainage and nutrient content.
  4. How often should I water newly laid sod?

    • Answer: Water newly laid sod deeply immediately after installation to help it establish roots. Keep the sod consistently moist for the first 2-3 weeks, watering 1-2 times daily depending on weather conditions. Gradually reduce watering as the sod roots establish, typically over the next 2-3 weeks.
  5. How long does it take for sod to root and establish?

    • Answer: It usually takes about 2-3 weeks for sod roots to establish well enough that it can be mowed. However, full establishment can take several months, during which regular watering and proper maintenance are crucial for a healthy lawn.

 


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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