Creating a beautiful, long-lasting lawn starts with proper sod installation. Follow this step process to ensure a healthy, thriving yard:
Picking the Right Sod, the Right Time, and the Right Spot
In our part of Texas, April and September are the two best months to lay sod. The weather is warm enough for root growth but not so hot that the sod struggles to stay alive. Around the Fourth of July, however, laying sod is far from ideal, the combination of high heat, long days, and water stress makes establishment much more difficult.
Just as timing matters, so does variety. Picking the wrong grass for your conditions (especially shade) can lead to thin patches, scalping, or even full replacement. That’s why educating customers on what works in full sun versus shade is just as important as soil prep.
Sod Prices as of 9/21/25 - 450 sq. ft. / Pallets
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Improved Common Bermuda (Celebration): $250.00
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Hybrid Bermuda (TifTuf or Tif 419): $250.00
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St. Augustine (Raleigh): $265.00
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Zoysia (Palisades): $330.00
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.
Shade Tolerance - Bermuda vs. Zoysia vs. St. Augustine
One of the biggest mistakes we see is putting full-sun grasses under tree canopies and wondering why the lawn thins out. Here’s a clear look at how much direct sunlight per day each grass really needs:
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TifTuf Bermuda: Needs 6 - 7 hours minimum. More shade-tolerant than most Bermudas, but still not a true shade grass. Will thin under dense canopy.
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Tif 419 Bermuda: Needs 8+ hours. A full-sun grass. Struggles badly in shade.
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Celebration Bermuda: A bit more shade-tolerant than Tif 419. Can hold color and density with around 6 - 7 hours of sun, but not reliable under heavy shade.
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Zoysia (Palisades): Performs well with 5 - 6 hours of sun. Denser leaf canopy helps in partial shade.
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St. Augustine (Raleigh): Best for shade. Can get by on 4 - 6 hours of sun and stay thick.
Key takeaway:
If your lawn gets less than 6 hours of direct sun, skip Bermuda altogether. Zoysia or St. Augustine will perform much better in those spots.
Step 1: Prepare the Ground
Start 1 - 2 weeks before delivery so sod can be installed the same day it arrives.
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Kill and clear existing weeds/grass with a non-selective herbicide.
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Remove rocks/debris larger than ½".
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Till and loosen the soil, mixing in compost and a starter fertilizer (12-24-12).
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Grade for smoothness: fill low spots, level highs.
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Water heavily, allow settling, then re-level as needed.
Pro tip: The more time you spend prepping, the flatter and healthier your lawn will be. Rushing prep means years of chasing low spots and scalped patches.
Step 2: Install the Sod
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Lay sod in a staggered, brick-like pattern.
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Press seams tight, but never overlap.
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Roll the lawn to remove air pockets.
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Water immediately and keep the sod moist during establishment.
Water like you mean it: Don’t sprinkle. Soak every square until water puddles, then stop before runoff. Step barefoot along seams and heel-press them tight, that’s where air pockets hide.
Step 3: Maintain the New Sod
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Watering:
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Days 1 - 14: Light, frequent watering to keep sod constantly moist.
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After rooting: Transition to deep, infrequent watering (1" per week).
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Mowing: Begin once roots are established (usually 2 - 3 weeks). Tug test: if sod doesn’t lift, it’s ready. Never remove more than ⅓ of blade height.
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Fertilizing: Apply 12-24-12 at install or right after. Switch to seasonal fertilizer after 4 - 6 weeks.
Rule of thumb: Water to 6" soil depth, then let it dry out before the next irrigation. Constant sogginess = weak roots, weeds, and fungus.
Barefoot Friendly Lawn Checklist
☐ Prep for at least a month, not a weekend.
☐ Heel-press every seam and roll after install.
☐ Water deeply, not lightly, gallons, not sprinkles.
☐ Irrigate to soak soil 6" deep, then pause.
☐ Start mowing once sod is firmly rooted.
☐ Mow often and at the right height.
☐ Apply starter fertilizer at install.
☐ Don’t under-mow, overwater, or skip feeding.
FAQs San Angelo Focused
Which sod is best for my lawn?
Bermuda works best in full sun, Zoysia in partial shade, and St. Augustine in heavier shade.
When should I lay sod?
April or September are ideal. Avoid July if possible.
How long until sod is rooted?
About 2 - 3 weeks to mow, but full establishment takes several months.
How often should I water new sod?
Daily for the first 2 - 3 weeks, then gradually taper to deep, weekly watering.
Let BES-TEX Help
From picking the right grass variety to rolling out the last square, we’ll help you every step of the way. Whether you’re a DIY homeowner or a professional crew, BES-TEX has the sod, fertilizer, and tools you need for a lawn you’ll be proud of.
Don’t miss The Weekly Insight, every Sunday at 2 p.m. Fresh tips, updated prices, and proven Best Management Practices, straight to your phone.
BES-TEX Supply
4512 Adobe Dr., San Angelo, TX 76903
325.653.1300 · www.BES-TEX.com
Mon - Fri · 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.