Helotes backyard artificial turf installation with stone retaining walls and modern patio on hill country terrain

San Antonio Sod Installation

Bermuda - St Augustine - Zoysia - Buffalo

A new lawn should look great now—and stay healthy later.
We handle full removal, soil prep, grading, and professional installation for strong root contact and even growth.

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Professional new lawn installs

What’s Included in Our Sod Installation

This is not “lay sod and hope.” Our crew builds a clean base so your turf roots fast, supports proper yard drainage, and finishes smooth along edges and hardscapes.

  • Pre-spray to suppress existing grass and weeds (scheduled 3–5 days before install)
  • Full removal of old turf and debris clearing
  • Mechanical tilling to loosen soil for faster rooting
  • Starter fertilizer + soil amendments as needed
  • Grade and shape the lawn for drainage and clean transitions
  • Tight, staggered sod layout with seam control
  • Lawn rolling for full soil contact (no air pockets)
  • Day-one watering + a simple watering schedule for the first 2–3 weeks

Built for root contact

Our 10-Step Sod Installation Process

We use a proven expert-developed process to deliver a lawn that looks finished on day one and establishes properly over the next few weeks—especially important in San Antonio heat and clay soils.

  • Project manager inspects yard slope and low spot for drainage, lawn care and irrigation planning

    Site Walk + Measurement

    We confirm square footage, access, slope, and where water will move. If drainage needs attention, we flag it before sod goes down.
  • Old Lawn Supressing - Grass & Weed Killer

    Turf Suppression (3–5 Days Before)

    We treat existing grass/weeds so removal is cleaner and regrowth is reduced under the new lawn.
  • Landscaper Removing Existing Grass

    Remove Old Grass + Debris

    We strip out the old turf layer and clear rocks, roots, and buildup that prevent even grading and rooting.
  • Man using a Machine to Dirt Roto-Till

    Mechanical Tilling

    We till the soil to loosen compaction and help roots penetrate quickly. This also improves topsoil blending when needed.
  • Landscaper adding a Starter Fertilizer to Yard

    Soil Amendments + Starter Fertilizer

    We add starter fertilizer and adjust the soil for healthier establishment. When topsoil is required, we blend and shape it—not just dump it.
  • Landscaper using a Level to ensure Proper Grading

    Grade for Drainage + Finish Lines

    We shape the lawn to shed water away from structures and create clean edges at landscape beds, driveways, and sidewalks.
  • Soil Compacting to ensure Smoothness

    Final Rake + Surface Prep

    We smooth the surface, remove remaining debris, and set the final bed height so the sod sits flush and looks finished.
  • Sod Installation - New Lawn Restoration

    Sod Installation (Staggered Layout)

    We install tight seams, stagger rows, and avoid alignment lines. Cuts are clean around beds and hardscape.
  • Lawn Roller used in Sod Installation

    Roll for Full Contact

    We roll the lawn to eliminate air gaps and ensure the sod makes full contact with the soil for consistent rooting.
  • Programming Irrigation Timer

    Day-One Watering + Schedule

    We water thoroughly on install day and give a clear watering plan. If you have irrigation, we can help set a starting schedule.

Clear per-pallet pricing

Sod Installation Pricing in San Antonio

Full pallets are 450 sq ft. Pricing below reflects installed sod (including our full prep process). Final totals depend on site prep needs and access; our sod installation cost guide explains the biggest cost factors.

STARTING PRICES (INSTALLED PER PALLET – 450 SQ FT)

  • Bermuda (starting): $575
  • St. Augustine (starting): $575
  • Buffalo (starting): $630
  • Zoysia (starting): $650
  • Bermuda

    TifTuf Bermuda is one strong Bermuda option for sunny lawns that see activity. It establishes fast and handles heat well when watered correctly.

    Best for: full sun, high-traffic yards Typical look: fine to medium blade, dense turf Notes: may require overseeding for winter color Good fit if: you want a durable lawn for kids/pets in sunny areas

    Learn more about

  • Pricing

    Tifway 419 $575
    Tiftuf $610
    Common $585
    Celebration $610
    CT-2 $585
    Tif Sport $610
  • Get Your Quote
  • St. Augustine

    Palmetto St. Augustine performs well in partial shade and delivers a thick, classic Texas lawn look—especially with consistent irrigation.

    Best for: partial shade, tree canopies Typical look: broad blade, lush appearance Notes: needs consistent watering; prefers healthy soil Good fit if: your lawn gets shade and you want a thick turf feel

  • Pricing

    Raleigh $575
    Palmetto $625
    Floratam $645
    Del Mar $645
    Amerishade $690
  • St. Augustine Variations

  • Zoysia

    Palisades Zoysia is a premium option known for density and drought tolerance. It’s a strong choice for homeowners who want a refined finish and long-term durability.

    Best for: sun or mixed sun/shade Typical look: dense, “carpet-like” lawn Notes: slower growth; excellent wear tolerance Good fit if: you want a premium lawn with strong drought performance

  • Pricing

    El Toro $745
    Zeon $715
    Jamur $780
    Palisades $715
    Zorro $715
    Emerald $690
    Cavalier Call
  • Buffalo

    Prairie Buffalo grass is extremely drought-tolerant and works best in open, sunny spaces. Many homeowners choose it for lower-input areas rather than showcase front lawns.

    Best for: open, sunny areas; slopes and large spaces Typical look: thicker blade, natural appearance Notes: not ideal for formal, manicured lawn expectations Good fit if: you want drought tolerance in open areas with simpler upkeep

  • Pricing

    Prairie $630
    609 Buffalo $645
  • Buffalo Variations

  • Sod Comparison Chart

    COMPARISON CHART BERMUDA BUFFALO ST. AUGUSTINE ZOYSIA
    IDEAL FOR: Sunny, active lawns with heavy use. Sunny, low-water, low-use lawns. Shady to part-sun lawns with irrigation. Sun or light shade with a more refined look.
    SUN / SHADE Full Sun Full Sun Part Shade to Sun Light Shade to Full Sun
    TRAFFIC TOLERANCE High Low Low to Moderate Moderate to High
    SOIL / DRAINAGE Most soils; best with drainage. Most soils; avoid overwatering. Many soils; prefers steady moisture. Most soils; best with drainage.
    IDEAL MOW HEIGHT 1 – 2 inches 2.5 – 4 inches 2.5 – 3.5 inches 1 – 2 inches
    MOWING FREQUENCY Weekly; more in peak growth Every 7 – 14 days Weekly Weekly
    DROUGHT TOLERANCE High Very High Moderate High
    COMMON ISSUES Poor shade tolerance; higher mowing/fertilizer needs. Poor shade tolerance; weeds if overwatered. Disease, chinch bugs, and weaker cold tolerance. Slow recovery and possible thatch buildup.
    KID / PET FRIENDLY Yes Yes, for lower-use yards Yes, for moderate use Yes
    FERTILIZER DEMANDS Medium to High Low Medium Low to Medium
    COST FOR NEW LAWN Moderate Moderate Moderate to High High
    EFFORT TO MAINTAIN Moderate to High Low Moderate Moderate

What changes the price

What Affects Sod Installation Cost

Two lawns can be the same size and still price differently. These are the factors that typically move cost up or down in San Antonio.

  • Access and hauling distance (tight gates, stairs, long carries)
  • Existing lawn removal difficulty (thatch, rocky soil, heavy roots)
  • Grading needs (low spots, slope correction, drainage direction)
  • Soil condition (clay compaction, needed topsoil/amendments)
  • Sod type and variety (premium cultivars cost more)
  • Irrigation readiness (coverage issues, broken heads, timer setup)
  • Edge detail (beds, curbs, tree rings, hardscape cut work)

Service Why Us Tagline

Why Homeowners Choose Us for Sod Installation

We’re a design-build landscape contractor focused on long-term results—not quick flips. That shows up in prep work, finishing details, and how we set you up for success after install.

  • Full base prep (not “cut and cover”) with mechanical tilling and grading
  • Cleaner finish lines around beds, edging, and hardscapes
  • Pro rolling for better soil contact and fewer settling issues
  • Straight answers on sod selection based on sun + irrigation reality
  • Watering plan that’s simple and specific to the establishment weeks
  • Local experience with San Antonio soil types, drainage patterns, and heat stress
Landscaper explaining sod installation process to a Shavano Park homeowner.
  • Years of Local Experience

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  • Homeowners Served

    0+
  • Projects Completed

    0k+

Testimonials Tagline

Testimonials H2

Testimonials H2

  • "Excellent experience with our backyard Zoysia install. Easy consult, clear timing, and a professional install."
    Denise
    Alamo Ranch
  • "I needed part of my front yard re-sodded and had a very good experience with San Antonio Landscaping Services."
    Judah
    Helotes
  • "About 10 days after install, we were very happy with our choice. They sprayed weeds first and handled the prep well."
    Kailey G.
    Alamo Ranch
  • "SA Landscaping restored our backyard with new St. Augustine grass when the lawn really needed an update."
    Lawrence M.
    Helotes

Fast, direct answers

Sod Installation FAQs

These are the questions we hear most from homeowners in San Antonio and nearby communities. If you want a quick recommendation, text us photos of your yard.

View All of Our FAQs

    Scheduling depends on weather and sod farm availability.
    Once measured, we typically schedule suppression, then install a few days later for a clean reset.

    Helpful next step: Learn more about best time to install sod and how to prepare your yard for sod installation.

    Yes. In many cases we can correct grade, add topsoil, and shape runoff before sod goes down.
    If a drainage system is needed, we’ll recommend the right solution first.

    Helpful next step: Learn more about drainage solutions and yard grading for drainage.

    Expect daily watering early on, then taper as roots establish.
    Most lawns need a structured plan for about 2–3 weeks, depending on weather and sun exposure.

    Helpful next step: Learn more about sod watering schedule and sod care.

    St. Augustine is typically the best performer in partial shade.
    If the area is heavily shaded, we’ll talk through realistic expectations and alternatives.

    Helpful next step: Learn more about best sod for shade and Palmetto St. Augustine.

    Sprinklers help, but they’re not required.
    What matters is consistent watering during establishment. If there’s no irrigation, we’ll outline a hose-watering plan that works.

    Helpful next step: Learn more about sod watering schedule and sod care.

    We remove the existing lawn and prep the base.
    Installing over old grass traps organic layers and leads to uneven settling and poor rooting.

    Helpful next step: Learn more about how to prepare your yard for sod installation and common sod installation mistakes.

    A full pallet covers about 450 square feet.
    We measure your lawn to estimate pallet count and reduce waste.

    Helpful next step: Learn more about sod installation cost guide.

    Light foot traffic is usually fine after 7–10 days, but avoid heavy use until the sod has rooted.
    A simple check: try to lift a corner—if it resists, rooting is underway.

    Helpful next step: Learn more about sod watering schedule and sod care.

How soon can we walk on new sod?

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Ready for a real lawn reset?

Get a Sod Quote and Install Plan

Send your address and a few photos. We’ll confirm sod type, measure your area, and give you a clear install quote for San Antonio or nearby communities.

(210) 625-6438