How much does St. Augustine sod cost?
How much does St. Augustine sod cost?
$225 – $325 per pallet
$0.50 – $0.75 per square foot
$1.00 – $2.00 per square foot installed
Average St. Augustine sod pallet prices
A pallet of St. Augustine sod costs $225 to $325 on average, depending on the variety, your location, and the supplier. Most pallets cover 400 to 500 square feet, with 450 square feet being the most common size. That works out to roughly $0.50 to $0.75 per square foot when purchased by the pallet.
| Purchase Unit | Coverage | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Per pallet (standard) | 400 – 500 sq ft | $225 – $325 |
| Per piece/square | ~3 sq ft (24" x 18") | $2.00 – $2.75 |
| Per square foot (pallet rate) | 1 sq ft | $0.50 – $0.75 |
| 5 pallets (bulk discount) | 2,000 – 2,500 sq ft | $1,000 – $1,500 |
Buying full pallets is significantly cheaper per square foot than purchasing individual pieces. If you only need a small patch, expect to pay $2.00 to $2.75 per piece at most sod suppliers. For larger projects, many retailers offer volume discounts of 5% to 10% when ordering five or more pallets.
St. Augustine sod cost per square foot
When broken down by square footage, St. Augustine sod costs $0.35 to $0.85 per square foot for the sod alone, with most homeowners paying around $0.55 per square foot. The price per square foot varies depending on whether you buy by the piece, by the pallet, or in bulk.
| Purchase Method | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Individual pieces (pickup) | $0.65 – $0.85 |
| Single pallet | $0.50 – $0.75 |
| Bulk order (5+ pallets) | $0.35 – $0.60 |
| With professional installation | $1.00 – $2.00 |
The per-square-foot price drops noticeably as your order size increases. If you're sodding a full yard of 5,000 square feet, expect to pay $2,500 to $3,750 for the sod material alone, or $5,000 to $10,000 including professional installation and delivery.
Prices by St. Augustine variety
Not all St. Augustine grass is the same. Several cultivars are available, each with different characteristics and price points. Standard varieties like Floratam tend to be the most affordable, while premium cultivars like CitraBlue and Palmetto cost more due to their enhanced shade tolerance and finer texture.
| Variety | Key Traits | Price per Pallet (400 – 500 sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Floratam | Most common; full sun; coarse texture | $225 – $260 |
| Raleigh | Better cold tolerance; moderate shade tolerance | $240 – $275 |
| Palmetto | Compact growth; excellent shade tolerance | $265 – $310 |
| CitraBlue | Blue-green color; improved disease resistance | $275 – $325 |
| Sapphire | Fine texture; dense growth; shade tolerant | $280 – $330 |
| Seville | Finer blade; good shade tolerance; slower growth | $260 – $300 |
Floratam
Floratam is the most widely produced and used St. Augustine grass in Florida and the Gulf Coast region. It is a coarse-textured cultivar that performs best in 100% full sun. Floratam has poor shade and cold tolerance, so it is best suited for open yards in warmer climates. Its popularity and wide availability keep the price low at $225 to $260 per pallet.
Raleigh
Raleigh is the go-to variety for homeowners in Texas and the upper South. It has higher cold tolerance than other St. Augustine cultivars, making it suitable for areas that experience mild winters. Raleigh features a medium to dark green color with wide leaf blades and moderate shade tolerance, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. Pallets typically cost $240 to $275.
Palmetto
Palmetto is a semi-dwarf cultivar known for its excellent shade tolerance and compact growth habit. It maintains a rich green color even in partially shaded areas, making it ideal for yards with mature trees. Expect to pay $265 to $310 per pallet for Palmetto.
CitraBlue
CitraBlue is a newer, premium St. Augustine variety developed by the University of Florida. It features a distinctive blue-green color, improved disease resistance, and tighter growth that helps suppress weeds. At $275 to $325 per pallet, it is one of the pricier options but well worth it for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance, visually striking lawn.
Factors that affect St. Augustine sod prices
The price you pay for St. Augustine sod depends on several variables beyond just the grass variety. Location, season, order size, and the supplier you choose all play a role in determining your final cost.
| Factor | Impact on Price |
|---|---|
| Grass variety | Premium cultivars cost 15% to 30% more |
| Geographic location | Prices vary by $50 to $100 per pallet by region |
| Season | Peak spring/summer demand adds 10% to 20% |
| Order volume | Bulk orders save 5% to 15% |
| Supplier type | Direct farm pricing is 10% to 25% cheaper than retail |
| Pallet size | Ranges from 400 to 500 sq ft per pallet |
Geographic location
St. Augustine sod prices vary significantly by state and region. Sod is cheaper in areas closer to sod farms, such as Florida and Texas, where production costs are lower. Homeowners in states at the edge of St. Augustine's growing range may pay a premium due to limited local availability and higher transportation costs.
Seasonal pricing
Spring and early summer are peak seasons for sod purchases, and prices often reflect the increased demand. Buying in late spring or early fall, when demand slows slightly, can save you 10% to 20%. Avoid purchasing sod during the hottest summer months, as the grass is more likely to stress during transport and installation.
Order volume
Most suppliers offer tiered pricing. A single pallet might cost $250, but ordering five pallets could bring that price down to $225 per pallet or less. Some suppliers offer a flat 10% discount on orders of five or more pallets. Always ask about bulk pricing before placing your order.
Always verify the square footage per pallet before comparing prices between suppliers. Some pallets cover 400 square feet while others cover 450 or 500 square feet. A pallet priced at $225 for 400 square feet costs $0.56 per square foot, while a $250 pallet covering 450 square feet costs only $0.55 per square foot.
Sod delivery costs
Delivery fees for St. Augustine sod typically range from $50 to $150 for most local deliveries within 20 to 30 miles of the supplier. Some retailers include free delivery with orders of four or more pallets, while others charge a flat fee regardless of order size.
| Delivery Scenario | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Local delivery (under 20 miles) | $50 – $100 |
| Extended delivery (20 – 50 miles) | $100 – $200 |
| Free delivery threshold | 4 – 5 pallets minimum |
| Self-pickup | $0 (free) |
Picking up sod yourself eliminates delivery costs entirely. Most suppliers will load pallets directly onto your truck or trailer at no additional charge. Keep in mind that a pallet of sod weighs approximately 2,000 to 3,000 pounds, so you will need a vehicle with adequate towing or hauling capacity.
Timing matters for delivery as well. Most suppliers require orders of four or more pallets to be submitted by noon for next-day delivery. Weekend delivery is often unavailable, so plan your project accordingly.
St. Augustine sod installation costs
Professional sod installation costs $1.00 to $2.00 per square foot, including the sod, soil preparation, and labor. For a standard 5,000-square-foot yard, total installation runs $5,000 to $10,000. DIY installation can cut costs by roughly 40% to 60%, though it requires significant physical labor.
| Service | Cost per Square Foot | Cost for 5,000 sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Sod material only | $0.50 – $0.75 | $2,500 – $3,750 |
| Soil preparation | $0.15 – $0.35 | $750 – $1,750 |
| Labor (laying sod) | $0.25 – $0.50 | $1,250 – $2,500 |
| Delivery | Flat fee | $50 – $200 |
| Total professional installation | $1.00 – $2.00 | $5,000 – $10,000 |
DIY vs. professional installation
Installing St. Augustine sod yourself can save thousands of dollars. For a DIY project, your main expenses are the sod itself, delivery, and any soil amendments or equipment rentals. However, proper soil preparation is critical for the grass to take root and establish itself.
Professional installers bring experience that ensures even coverage, proper grading, and correct watering during establishment. They also typically guarantee their work, which provides peace of mind. If your yard requires significant grading, old lawn removal, or irrigation adjustments, professional installation is usually worth the extra cost.
St. Augustine sod is perishable. Once harvested, it should be installed within 24 to 36 hours. Delays can cause the sod to yellow, overheat, and die. Schedule your delivery for the same day you plan to install, and have your soil prepared in advance.
How much sod do you need?
To determine how many pallets you need, measure your lawn's total square footage and divide by the coverage per pallet (typically 400 to 500 square feet). Add 5% to 10% extra to account for cutting and fitting around edges, walkways, and garden beds.
| Lawn Size (sq ft) | Pallets Needed (450 sq ft/pallet) | Estimated Sod Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | 2 – 3 | $500 – $750 |
| 2,500 | 6 – 7 | $1,350 – $1,750 |
| 5,000 | 12 – 13 | $2,700 – $3,375 |
| 7,500 | 17 – 18 | $3,825 – $4,700 |
| 10,000 | 23 – 24 | $5,175 – $6,250 |
For rectangular or square yards, simply multiply the length by the width. For irregular shapes, divide the area into smaller rectangles or triangles, calculate each section separately, then add them together. Most sod suppliers are happy to help you estimate quantities if you provide your yard dimensions.
St. Augustine sod care and maintenance
Proper care after installation is essential for establishing a healthy St. Augustine lawn. The first two to three weeks are especially critical, as the sod needs consistent moisture and protection from heavy foot traffic to develop strong roots.
| Maintenance Task | Details |
|---|---|
| Watering (establishment) | Water twice daily for the first 2 weeks |
| Watering (established) | At least 1 inch per week |
| Mowing height | 2.5 to 4 inches; never remove more than 1/3 of blade |
| Mowing frequency | Every 7 to 10 days (spring/summer) |
| Fertilization | 3 to 5 lbs nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually |
| Fertilizer schedule | Every 6 to 8 weeks during growing season |
Watering
During the establishment period, water your new St. Augustine sod twice daily to keep the soil consistently moist. After roots have taken hold (usually within two to three weeks), transition to deep, infrequent watering. Aim for at least 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. During extreme heat or drought, increase watering frequency to prevent stress. Installing a sprinkler system can help ensure consistent, efficient watering throughout the establishment period and beyond.
Mowing
Wait until the sod has rooted firmly before mowing for the first time, typically 10 to 14 days after installation. Set your mower blade to 2.5 to 4 inches. Mow slightly higher in shaded areas to help the grass capture more light. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf blade in a single mowing, as this can stress the grass and invite disease.
Fertilizing
St. Augustine grass requires 3 to 5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually. Apply a balanced fertilizer with a 3-1-2 ratio (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season. Use a slow-release nitrogen source to provide steady nutrition without burning the grass. A soil test can help you determine exactly what amendments your lawn needs.
Common pests and diseases
Chinch bugs are the most common pest affecting St. Augustine grass, particularly the Floratam variety. Watch for yellowing patches that do not respond to watering, as this can indicate chinch bug damage. Fungal diseases like brown patch and gray leaf spot are also concerns, especially in humid climates with poor air circulation. Proper watering, mowing, and fertilization habits go a long way in preventing both pest and disease issues.
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet does a pallet of St. Augustine sod cover?
A standard pallet of St. Augustine sod covers 400 to 500 square feet, with 450 square feet being the most common. Each individual piece is typically 24 inches by 18 inches (3 square feet). Always confirm the coverage with your supplier before ordering, as pallet sizes can vary.
How much does a pallet of St. Augustine sod weigh?
A single pallet weighs approximately 2,000 to 3,000 pounds, depending on soil moisture content and the thickness of the cut. You will need a truck, trailer, or forklift-equipped delivery vehicle to transport a full pallet. Most suppliers can load pallets directly onto your vehicle.
When is the best time to lay St. Augustine sod?
The ideal time to install St. Augustine sod is during the active growing season, from late spring through early fall (typically April through September). Warm soil temperatures help roots establish quickly. While you can install sod at other times of the year in frost-free areas, the grass will take longer to root and fill in.
Which St. Augustine variety is best for shade?
Palmetto and Sapphire are the best St. Augustine varieties for shaded areas. Both require only 4 to 6 hours of filtered sunlight per day. CitraBlue and Seville also perform well in partial shade. Avoid Floratam in shaded yards, as it requires full sun to thrive.
Is St. Augustine sod more expensive than Bermuda or Zoysia?
St. Augustine sod is moderately priced compared to other warm-season grasses. Bermuda is often cheaper at $200 to $260 per pallet, while Zoysia is more expensive at $280 to $350 per pallet. St. Augustine typically falls in between, making it a good value for homeowners who need shade tolerance and dense coverage. For a detailed breakdown of pricing across all grass types, see our guide to sod prices.
| Grass Type | Average Cost per Pallet |
|---|---|
| Bermuda | $200 – $260 |
| St. Augustine | $225 – $325 |
| Zoysia | $280 – $350 |
How long does it take for new St. Augustine sod to root?
St. Augustine sod typically begins rooting within 10 to 14 days under proper watering conditions. Full establishment, where the roots are deep enough to support normal use and mowing, takes about 4 to 6 weeks. Avoid heavy foot traffic during this period to allow the root system to develop fully.