How Much Is a Pallet of St Augustine Grass: St Augustine Sod Pallet & Installation Costs

Choosing the right type of grass for a lawn is an important decision that can significantly impact the appearance, usability, and maintenance requirements of an outdoor space. Among the myriad options available, St. Augustine grass stands out for its lush appearance, durability, and adaptability, making it an ideal choice for homeowners in warmer climates. This grass type is celebrated for its thick, carpet-like sod, soft blades, and tolerance to salt, which makes it perfect for coastal areas. In this article, we will talk about what St. Augustine grass is, explore the costs associated with purchasing and installing it, and provide essential tips on how to care for it to ensure your lawn remains a vibrant and inviting space.

What Is St Augustine Grass?

St. Augustine grass is a warm-season turfgrass known for its ability to thrive in coastal and subtropical climates. It’s native to tropical regions of the Americas and the Gulf of Mexico. This grass is particularly appreciated for its dense growth, which forms a thick, carpet-like lawn, and its broad, flat blades. St. Augustine is highly salt-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for areas close to the sea. It likes full sun but can tolerate partial shade. While it is drought-resistant once established, St. Augustine grass does require regular watering to maintain its lush appearance and health, especially in the hottest parts of the year.

What is St Augustine Sod?

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St. Augustine sod is pre-grown St. Augustine grass that is harvested with a thin layer of soil and roots, forming a ready-to-install turf. This sod is rolled or stacked in slabs for easy transportation and quick establishment of a new lawn. St. Augustine sod allows for an instant lawn with mature grass, bypassing the germination and early growth stages that come with seeding. It’s ideal for rapid lawn establishment, erosion control, and repairing patchy areas. Due to its method of cultivation and installation, St. Augustine sod requires adequate soil preparation and watering post-installation to ensure successful rooting and growth.

How Much Is a Pallet of St Augustine Grass?

How Much Does St Augustine Grass Cost?

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Pallets of St. Augustine grass varies, typically ranging from $130 to $400. Each pallet covers about 400 to 600 square feet of lawn area. The price can differ based on the grass’s quality, the supplier, and the region. Factors such as the season of purchase and the current demand for St. Augustine grass can also influence the overall cost. This price range does not include installation, which can significantly increase the total investment required to establish a new lawn.

How Much Does a Pallet of St Augustine Sod Weigh?

A pallet of St. Augustine sod typically weighs between 4,000 to 5,000 pounds. This weight range accounts for the sod itself along with the soil attached to its roots and varies based on factors like soil moisture content at the time of purchase.

How Much Does St Augustine Sod Cost Per Square Foot?

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The cost of St. Augustine sod per square foot ranges from $0.30 to $0.80, but of course, it depends on where you get it, the quality of the sod, the region where it is purchased, and the supplier.

To calculate the cost of St. Augustine sod for your lawn, you can use the following formula based on the price per square foot and the area coverage of a pallet:

Total Cost=Cost per Square Foot×Area CoveredTotal Cost=Cost per Square Foot×Area Covered

Given that St. Augustine sod costs between $0.30 to $0.80 per square foot and a pallet covers between 400 to 600 square feet, the cost for a full pallet can range from approximately:

• Minimum: $120 (at $0.30 per sq ft covering 400 sq ft)
• Maximum: $480 (at $0.80 per sq ft covering 600 sq ft)

How Much Is a Pallet of St Augustine Grass Without Installation?

The installation cost for St. Augustine grass sod can significantly vary depending on whether you choose to install it yourself or hire professionals. For those considering the DIY route, the primary expenses will be the cost of the sod itself and any necessary tools or soil amendments. However, for a professional installation, the costs include both the sod and labor.

• DIY Installation: Aside from the cost of the sod (ranging from $130 to $400 per pallet, covering 400 to 600 square feet), you may need to invest in soil preparation tools and materials, such as a rototiller, soil amendments, and a lawn roller. The additional costs for these materials and tools can range from $75 – $200, depending on what you already have and the condition of your lawn.
• Professional Installation: Hiring professionals to install your St. Augustine sod can cost between $400 to $900 for a pallet’s worth of coverage, including the sod cost. This price range accounts for labor, soil preparation, installation, and initial watering. The advantage of professional installation is the assurance that the sod will be correctly installed or at least guaranteed to some degree. 

St. Augustine Grass Plugs Help Fill Gaps

How to Take Care of St Augustine Grass After Installation?

Following installation, there are several key steps you should take to care for your new lawn:

• Watering: St. Augustine grass requires consistent moisture, especially in the first few weeks after installation. Water your new sod deeply at least once a day for the first 7-10 days to ensure the roots establish well. After that, reduce the frequency to 2-3 times per week, so that the soil can dry slightly between waterings. Once established, St. Augustine grass typically needs about 1 inch of water per week.
• Mowing: Wait until the grass has rooted firmly before the first mow, usually 2-3 weeks after installation. Keep the mower blade high, cutting only the top third of the grass blade to avoid stressing the grass. St. Augustine grass thrives when maintained at a height of 2.5 to 4 inches, which encourages deep root growth and weed suppression.
• Fertilization: Begin fertilizing your St. Augustine lawn about 4-6 weeks after installation, using a lawn fertilizer that’s specifically formulated for St. Augustine grass. Apply fertilizer according to the product instructions, typically once in early spring and again in late summer or early fall. 
• Weed Control: It’s best to handle weeds before installing your sod. However, if weeds appear, use a weed killer labeled safe for St. Augustine grass, following the manufacturer’s instructions closely to avoid damaging the grass. Hand-pulling weeds is also effective and safe for your lawn.
• Pest and Disease Management: Keep an eye out for signs of pests or diseases. Common issues with St. Augustine grass include chinch bugs, grubs, and fungal diseases like brown patches. Early detection and treatment are vital for controlling these problems. Use appropriate pesticides or fungicides as needed, ensuring they are compatible with St. Augustine grass.