How much does St. Augustine sod cost?
How much does St. Augustine sod cost?
$200 – $405 average cost per pallet
$0.45 – $0.90 cost per square foot for sod only
$0.95 – $2.40 cost per square foot with installation
St. Augustine sod cost
St. Augustine sod costs $0.45 to $0.90 per square foot or $200 to $405 per pallet not including installation or $0.95 to $2.40 per square foot with installation.
This dense, coarse-bladed grass thrives in warm climates, tolerates partial shade, and creates a lush, attractive lawn. Known for its robust growth and excellent salt tolerance, St. Augustine grass also provides effective erosion control in coastal and southern landscapes.
| Unit | Average sod price* |
|---|---|
| Per square foot | $0.45 – $0.90 |
| Per square yard (9 square feet) | $4.05 – $8.10 |
| Per roll (10 square feet) | $4.50 – $9.00 |
| Per pallet (450 square feet) | $200 – $405 |
| Per 1,000 square feet | $450 – $900 |
| 1/4 acre | $4,900 – $9,800 |
| 1/2 acre | $9,800 – $19,600 |
| Per acre | $19,600 – $39,200 |
*Sod price does not include site prep, delivery, or installation labor.
St. Augustine grass price by variety
Popular St. Augustine grass varieties include Floratam, known for its high heat tolerance and resistance to chinch bugs, and Seville, prized for its shade tolerance and fine texture. Other types offer varying degrees of cold hardiness, drought resistance, and salt tolerance, so the best choice depends on your specific climate and soil conditions.
| Variety | Average price per pallet (450 SF)* |
Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Bitter Blue | $200 – $330 |
|
| CitraBlue | $280 – $380 |
|
| Floratam | $200 – $290 |
|
| Palmetto | $220 – $380 |
|
| ProVista | $205 – $350 |
|
| Raleigh | $270 – $405 |
|
| Seville | $225 – $400 |
|
*Not including installation
St. Augustine grass sod cost factors
Sod prices vary based on growth rate, production complexity, and maintenance requirements. St. Augustine sod is rapid growth with some varieties more sensitive to cold temperatures and certain pests, which may influence pricing.
Other factors that affect the cost of a St. Augustine sod installation project include:
Quality: Premium St. Augustine grass varieties may cost more but offer better performance.
Quantity: Smaller orders may require a 2-pallet minimum, while large bulk orders often qualify for discounts.
Professional labor: Sod installation costs vary depending on your location and the project complexity. Yards with difficult access can limit equipment use and lead to higher manual labor costs.
Site preparation: Expect to pay $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot for grading and topsoil costs.
Delivery: Separate delivery or transportation fees may add $50 to $200 per load to your costs.
Existing lawn removal: Removing old sod costs $0.50 to $2.00 per square foot on average.
Soil testing: Nutrient and pH soil analysis costs $10 to $50 to ensure the soil is in condition to grow the sod into a healthy, thriving lawn.
Seasonal pricing: Costs vary based on availability and demand, with lower costs and limited availability in the winter off-season.
St. Augustine sod vs. other varieties
St. Augustine sod stands out among lawn varieties, delivering remarkable performance in challenging environments. Its broad, dark green blades provide superior coverage and create a luxurious, uniform turf that outperforms many traditional grass types.
St. Augustine is considered a mid-range lawn solution with moderate pricing compared to other sods. Bermuda sod prices range from $180 to $380 per pallet, making it a more affordable option. Zoysia sod prices are more costly, at $315 to $585 for the premium sod.
| Feature | St. Augustine grass | Bermuda grass | Zoysia grass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price per pallet* |
$200 – $405 | $180 – $380 | $315 – $585 |
| Locations | Gulf Coast, Southern coastal regions (Zones 8 – 10) |
Southern U.S. (Zones 7 – 10) |
Southern U.S., transition zones (Zones 6 – 11) |
| Climate tolerance | Good in humid coastal regions | Excellent heat tolerance; thrives in full sun | Good heat tolerance; adaptable |
| Shade tolerance | Excellent (most shade-tolerant) | Poor (requires full sun) | Moderate (tolerates partial shade) |
| Disease resistance | Moderate to low | Moderate | Good |
| Texture and color | Coarse, wider blades; thick appearance | Fine, thin blades; vibrant green | Medium blades; dark green; lush |
| Watering needs | High | Low | Moderate |
| Soil preference | Prefers rich, moist soil | Adapts to various soil types | Prefers well-drained soil |
| Mowing frequency | Moderate | High | Moderate |
| Recommended mowing height | 2 – 4 inches | 1 – 1 ½ inches | 1 – 2 inches |
| Best uses | Coastal regions, shaded yards | Residential, sports, golf, commercial landscapes | Residential lawns, moderate traffic |
*Sod prices only; not including installation labor
Sod vs. seed
When considering lawn replacement costs, homeowners frequently opt for seeding as a cost-effective alternative to sod. However, St. Augustine grass cannot be grown from seed.
The only way to create a St. Augustine grass yard is with sod or plugs (small sections of pre-grown grass) that cost $20 to $40 per tray of 16 to 18 plugs.
For best results with grass plugs, experts recommend planting them in a grid, about 9 to 12 inches apart (measure from center of the plug). Spaced 12 inches apart, each plug will cover one square foot.
FAQs about St. Augustine sod
What is the best St. Augustine sod?
The best St. Augustine sod depends on your specific lawn needs. Choose Floratam for sunny areas, Palmetto or Seville for shade, and CitraBlue for a low-maintenance option with vibrant color. Raleigh is ideal for colder regions.
Where can I buy St. Augustine sod near me?
You can buy St. Augustine sod from major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, and Walmart, which often stock sod pallets or plugs for residential use. Specialized landscape supply stores, local sod farms, and regional garden centers typically offer several varieties of high-quality St. Augustine sod, with options for delivery or pickup.
How do you lay St. Augustine sod?
Installing St. Augustine sod requires careful soil preparation, precise placement, and consistent care. The process involves removing existing vegetation, leveling the ground, laying sod in tight, staggered rows, and watering frequently to maintain proper moisture. Hire a professional sod installation service to save time, prevent costly mistakes, and guarantee a beautiful, healthy lawn.
When should I fertilize new St. Augustine sod?
For new St. Augustine sod, wait 30 to 45 days after installation before fertilizing. This gives the sod time to establish its roots and acclimate to your yard.
How often should you water new St. Augustine sod?
During the first two weeks, water St. Augustine sod 2 to 4 times daily in short 10-to-15-minute sessions, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In weeks 3 to 4, reduce watering frequency but increase the session duration to 30 to 45 minutes, typically 1 to 2 times daily.
Can you seed St. Augustine grass?
No, you cannot seed St. Augustine grass. While St. Augustine grass does produce seed heads, these seeds are non-viable and cannot be used to grow a new lawn.
Getting estimates from sod installers
Follow these suggestions when getting estimates from sod installers near you:
Get 3 to 5 comprehensive quotes from professional landscaping companies.
Request itemized estimates detailing material costs, labor, site preparation, and total project expenses.
Confirm the specific St. Augustine grass variety being installed (e.g., Floratam, Raleigh).
Validate contractor credentials and read online HomeGuide and Google reviews.
Review warranty coverage and recommended maintenance procedures.
Plan installation during prime growing seasons for optimal establishment.
Ask about cost savings for larger lawn installation projects.
Questions to ask your sod installation service
When selecting a sod installation service, ask these key questions to ensure a successful lawn project:
What specific sod varieties do you recommend for my property's unique conditions?
Where do you source your sod, and how quickly is it harvested and installed?
Will you thoroughly prepare the site by removing existing vegetation and cultivating the soil?
Can you provide a detailed breakdown of total project costs and services?
What is your warranty period for the sod installation?
Do you offer post-installation support and maintenance guidance?
Will you adjust irrigation heads and provide specific watering instructions?
Can you provide references or customer testimonials from previous projects?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.