How to Install Grass the Right Way — A Highland lakes TX Guide by Kings Landscaping

At Kings Landscaping, we know that a healthy, green lawn doesn’t happen by accident—it takes the right grass, the right preparation, and professional installation. If you're in Highland Lakes Texas area, choosing the right warm-season sod and following proper installation practices will give you the lush, long-lasting lawn you're looking for.

Here’s our step-by-step expert guide to sod installation, with a special focus on what works best in our unique Texas Highland Lakes area.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Warm-Season Grass for Central Texas

Central Texas summers are hot and dry, and winters are mild. Because of this, warm-season grasses are the best choice. But not all varieties perform the same way—here’s a breakdown of the top sod options and what they’re best suited for:

• Bermudagrass

  • Best for: Full sun, high-traffic areas

  • Benefits: Extremely drought-tolerant, fast-growing, great durability

  • Drawbacks: Does not perform well in shade

• Zoysia Grass

  • Best for: Areas with a mix of sun and partial shade

  • Benefits: Dense, soft texture; tolerates moderate foot traffic; more shade-tolerant than Bermuda

  • Drawbacks: Slower to establish compared to Bermuda

• St. Augustine Grass

  • Best for: Shaded or partially shaded areas

  • Benefits: Broad blades, lush look, strong performance in low-light spots

  • Drawbacks: Less drought-tolerant; requires more water during hot months

Kings Landscaping Tip: We'll help you select the right sod based on your lawn’s sun exposure, soil conditions, and how you use your space.

Step 2: Soil Preparation — The Most Important Step

Before sod ever touches the ground, proper soil prep is critical. Healthy soil = healthy roots = a beautiful, resilient lawn.

Here’s how we prep for success:

1. Clear the Area: Remove all old grass, weeds, debris, and rocks.

2. Grade the Soil: Slope the ground slightly away from buildings for proper drainage.

3. Loosen the Topsoil: Till the top 4–6 inches to allow for deep root penetration.

4. Add Nutrient-Dense Soil: Spread 2–3 inches of high-quality, nutrient-rich topsoil over the entire area. This improves fertility, structure, and water retention—especially important in Central Texas clay soils.

5. Apply Root-Stimulating Fertilizer: Before laying sod, we apply a starter fertilizer rich in phosphorus to promote quick and deep root growth.

This combination of nutrient-rich soil and root fertilizer gives your new sod the best possible start, reducing stress and increasing establishment speed.

Step 3: Laying the Sod

With your soil fully prepped, it's time to install the sod. Timing and technique matter:

• Lay Sod Quickly: Sod should be installed the same day it’s delivered to prevent drying out.

• Stagger the Seams: Like bricks, lay each row with seams offset to prevent erosion and improve appearance.

• Tight Fit: Butt edges tightly together to avoid gaps, which can lead to weed invasion.

• Roll It In: After installation, we use a lawn roller to press the sod firmly into the soil, eliminating air pockets and improving root contact.

• Water Immediately: As soon as the sod is laid, water it thoroughly to start the rooting process.

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Step 4: Watering Schedule for New Sod

Watering is everything in those first few weeks. Here's what we recommend:

• Week 1–2: Water 2–3 times daily for short durations to keep the topsoil moist. The goal is to prevent drying out—not to flood the area.

• Week 3–4: Water once daily or every other day, depending on weather, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering.

• Week 5 and beyond: Transition to deeper, less frequent watering (2–3 times per week) to encourage deep roots and drought resistance.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal growth.

Step 5: First Mow and Ongoing Maintenance

• First Mow: Wait until the grass reaches about 3–4 inches in height before the first mow. Make sure your mower blades are sharp and never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing.

• Feeding Schedule: About 3–4 weeks after installation, apply a balanced fertilizer to support ongoing growth. We’ll guide you through a seasonal plan based on your grass type.

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Final Thoughts: A Lawn That Lasts

Installing sod isn’t just about putting down grass—it’s about creating a healthy, thriving foundation for your entire landscape. With the right warm-season grass, proper soil preparation, and expert installation, your lawn can stand up to Texas heat, resist drought, and stay green season after season.

At Kings Landscaping, we specialize in full-service sod installation across Highland Lakes area in Texas. From selecting the right grass to prepping your soil and rolling out fresh sod, we take care of every detail—so all you have to do is enjoy the results.