Sod Installation in Fort Worth
The right grass for your yard. Proper soil prep underneath. A lawn that takes root, not just sits on top.
Black Hill Landscaping installs sod for Fort Worth homeowners who want a new lawn that establishes quickly and lasts. Every installation starts with soil preparation. We grade, amend, and prep the base so sod has direct soil contact and proper drainage from day one. Grass type is selected for your yard's sun exposure, shade coverage, and how your family uses the space.
- Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Zoysia sod selected for your yard’s conditions
- Soil graded and amended before sod is laid
- Seams staggered and edges trimmed for a clean, gap-free surface
- Watering schedule provided for establishment, aligned with Fort Worth restrictions
Get Your Free Property Assessment
Soil Preparation
Grass Type Selection
Establishment Support
How Sod Installation Works in Fort Worth
Property Assessment
We evaluate your yard's size, sun and shade patterns, soil condition, drainage, and irrigation coverage. If you have areas under mature trees, sections in full sun, and high-traffic zones, each may need a different grass type or soil approach.
Soil Preparation
Old turf or weeds are removed. The ground is graded to ensure proper drainage away from your home's foundation. Fort Worth's clay soil is amended with organic compost to improve root penetration. Low spots are filled and the surface is leveled so sod lays flat with full soil contact.
Sod Installation
Sod rolls are laid tightly with staggered seams, similar to a brick pattern. Edges are trimmed cleanly around beds, walkways, and hardscape. There are no gaps, overlaps, or exposed soil. The sod is rolled for firm soil contact after placement.
Watering and Establishment
Your irrigation system is adjusted or temporary watering is set up. Sod needs heavy watering immediately after installation and twice daily for the first two weeks. We provide a detailed watering schedule aligned with Fort Worth's twice-per-week restrictions and walk you through the transition from establishment watering to normal maintenance.
How to Care for New Sod in Fort Worth
New sod needs attention for the first 30 days to root in properly. Here's what to expect:
First 24 Hours:
Water within 30 minutes of installation. The soil underneath should be moist 3 to 4 inches deep. This is the most critical watering of the entire establishment period.
Days 1 through 14:
Water twice daily, morning and late afternoon. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fort Worth’s watering restrictions allow daily watering for new sod establishment (temporary exemption). Black Hill provides the form needed for the city.
Days 15 through 30:
Reduce watering to once daily, then transition to your normal twice-per-week Fort Worth schedule. Roots should be anchoring into the soil by now. Test by gently tugging a corner. If it resists, roots are taking hold.
First Mow:
Wait 14 to 21 days before mowing. Set your mower to the highest setting for the first cut. Never remove more than one-third of the blade height at once.
Foot Traffic:
Stay off the new sod for at least two weeks. Keep pets off for 30 days. Paw traffic disrupts root establishment, and pet urine can burn new grass.
Best Grass Types for Sod Installation in Fort Worth
Fort Worth's climate and soil narrow the field to three warm-season grasses. Each has strengths depending on your yard:
Bermuda Grass
- Best for: Full-sun yards with heavy foot traffic
- Fort Worth performance: Extremely drought-tolerant and heat-resistant. Recovers quickly from wear. The most affordable option.
- Limitations: Does not tolerate shade. Needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun.
St. Augustine Grass
- Best for: Yards with mature trees and mixed sun/shade
- Fort Worth performance: The best shade tolerance of any warm-season grass. Produces a dense, deep-green lawn. Popular in established Fort Worth neighborhoods with large trees.
- Limitations: Requires more water than Bermuda. More susceptible to chinch bugs and fungal issues.
Zoysia Grass
- Best for: Homeowners who want the lowest maintenance option
- Fort Worth performance: Good drought resistance, moderate shade tolerance, dense growth that crowds out weeds. Handles Fort Worth heat well once established.
- Limitations: Slow to establish compared to Bermuda. Higher upfront cost.
Not sure which grass is right for your yard? Black Hill assesses your property's sun, shade, soil, and usage patterns and recommends the best fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does sod installation cost in Fort Worth?
Cost depends on yard size, grass type, soil preparation needed, and accessibility. After a property assessment, Black Hill provides a detailed scope with transparent pricing before work begins. Bermuda is typically the most affordable option, with St. Augustine and Zoysia at higher price points.
What is the best grass for Fort Worth lawns?
It depends on your yard. Bermuda is best for full-sun properties with heavy use. St. Augustine is the best choice for shaded yards with mature trees. Zoysia offers the lowest maintenance for homeowners who want a dense, slow-growing lawn. Black Hill assesses your property and recommends the best match.
When is the best time to install sod in Fort Worth?
Fall and spring are ideal. Fall gives warm-season grasses time to establish roots before summer heat. Spring works well if you can provide consistent watering during establishment. Sod can be installed year-round in Fort Worth, but summer installations require more aggressive watering.
How long does sod installation take?
Most residential installations in Fort Worth are completed in one to two days, including soil preparation. Larger properties or yards that need significant grading may take an additional day.
How soon can I walk on new sod?
Wait at least two weeks before foot traffic. Full establishment takes 4 to 6 weeks. Keep pets off for 30 days to avoid disrupting root development.