How much to buy. Multiply the lawn's length by its width in feet. One pallet covers about 500 sq ft, so divide by 500 and round up: a 30 x 40 ft yard (1,200 sq ft) takes 3 pallets.
Before you start. Clear debris and perennial weeds such as torpedograss, and grade the soil to slope gently away from the house before the sod arrives.
Laying it. Lay sod soon after delivery, keeping it shaded until then. On moistened soil, lay pieces tight in a staggered brick pattern without stretching them. Fill gaps with cut pieces, then roll or tamp.
Watering. First 7–10 days: several 5–10 minute waterings a day. Next 7–10 days: ¼–½ inch once a day. Then 2–3 times a week.
Upkeep. Mow at 3–4 inches once edges no longer lift when pulled. Wait at least 30 days to fertilize. Later, water ½–¾ inch when blades fold or turn blue-gray.
Good to know. Palmetto handles full sun or partial shade, not dense shade.
Sources: UF/IFAS EDIS LH013: Establishing Your Florida Lawn · UF/IFAS EDIS LH010: St. Augustinegrass for Florida Lawns · UF/IFAS EDIS LH012: Preparing to Plant a Florida Lawn
