1) Test and prepare your soil

Healthy sod starts beneath the surface. Remove old turf, weeds, rocks, and debris; then grade for gentle drainage away from structures. Order a soil test through UF/IFAS Extension to check pH and nutrients: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/.
• If pH is low, apply lime per lab recommendation; if high, elemental sulfur may be indicated.
• Blend 1–2 inches of compost into sandy areas to boost water-holding capacity.
• Final-rake to a smooth, firm seedbed—your feet should leave shallow prints.

2) Pick the right sod for your site

Match grass to sunlight, traffic, and irrigation. Hudson Ranch commonly supplies:
• Floratam St. Augustine — full sun, heat tolerant, classic Florida look.
• Palmetto St. Augustine — better for mixed sun/shade and cooler snaps.
• Empire Zoysia — fine texture, dense, and drought-tough with a premium finish.
• Bahiagrass — rugged, low-input solution for large or utility areas.
Compare options and request guidance on our homepage: https://hudsonranchsod.com/

3) Install during cooler hours

Lay sod in early morning or late afternoon to reduce heat stress. Work in small, continuous sections so roots don’t dry out.
• Stagger seams like brickwork and press edges snug to prevent gaps.
• Use a lawn roller to remove air pockets and improve root-to-soil contact.
• Water each finished section immediately (don’t wait until the end).

4) Water immediately—and by the rules

Soak new sod right after it’s down. Keep it evenly moist (not soggy) during the first 10–14 days, then transition to deeper, less frequent watering. Check local schedules and restrictions:
• City of Cape Coral irrigation: https://www.capecoral.gov/
• SFWMD watering resources: https://www.sfwmd.gov/
For conservation tips and efficient devices (smart controllers, pressure-regulated heads), see EPA WaterSense: https://www.epa.gov/watersense

5) Mow on schedule at the right height

Wait until sod is firmly rooted (usually 2–3 weeks) before the first mow. Use sharp blades and never remove more than one-third of leaf height. Typical heights:
• St. Augustine (Floratam/Palmetto): ~3.5–4 in
• Empire Zoysia: ~1.5–2.5 in
Correct height improves drought tolerance and suppresses weeds.

6) Fertilize responsibly

Let roots establish first. Light, slow-release fertilization typically begins 4–6 weeks post-install. Always follow local ordinances and seasonal blackout windows:
• City of Cape Coral fertilizer info: https://www.capecoral.gov/
• Florida DEP fertilizer guidance: https://floridadep.gov/
Right product, right rate, right time protects canals, bays, and your lawn.

7) Prevent pests and diseases early

Healthy, well-established sod resists most issues. If you suspect chinch bugs, grubs, or fungal stress, consult UF/IFAS diagnostic guidance: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/. Proper watering, mowing height, and soil health are your best defenses.

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Cape Coral install day: step-by-step

1. Final grade & rake — Remove clods and footprints.

2. Starter watering — Lightly moisten soil (not muddy).

3. Lay perimeter first — Then infill with staggered seams.

4. Tight seams — No overlaps or gaps; trim edges cleanly.

5. Roll once — Firm contact without compacting the soil profile.

6. Water section by section — Deeply soak to ~6 inches of soil.

7. Set temporary irrigation — Use timers or a spotter to avoid dry patches.

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Week-by-week watering plan (typical)

• Days 1–3: 2–3 light cycles daily to keep sod and top inch moist.
• Days 4–10: 1–2 cycles daily; check edges/corners for drying.
• Days 11–14: Every day or every other day depending on weather.
• After rooting: Deep watering 2–3×/week; adjust for rainfall and season.
Align frequency with local schedules: Cape Coral https://www.capecoral.gov/ and SFWMD https://www.sfwmd.gov/.

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Shade vs. sun: set realistic expectations

• Full sun yards can support Floratam or Empire Zoysia with vibrant color and quicker recovery.
• Mixed sun/shade yards do better with Palmetto. Increase mowing height slightly in shade and reduce traffic while establishing.

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Common mistakes to avoid

• Skipping soil tests — leads to chronic yellowing or poor rooting. (Test with UF/IFAS: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/)
• Overwatering — encourages fungus and shallow roots.
• Mowing too early/low — scalps turf and delays rooting.
• Heavy fertilizing too soon — burns roots and violates rules.
• Ignoring edges — unwatered edges lift and die back first.

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Seasonal care calendar (Cape Coral)

• Spring: Light feeding if permitted; check irrigation uniformity; pre-emergent weed control per UF/IFAS guidance (https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/).
• Summer: Follow fertilizer ordinances; raise mowing height during heat waves; watch for tropical storm saturation—improve drainage if pooling persists (see Lee County stormwater info at https://www.leegov.com/).
• Fall: Repair thin areas; core aerate compacted sections; reset irrigation for cooler weather.
• Winter: Reduce watering frequency; avoid heavy nitrogen; spot-treat weeds appropriately per UF/IFAS.

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HOA & compliance snapshot

Many Cape Coral neighborhoods fall under HOA guidelines for lawn appearance, irrigation, and fertilizer timing. Always verify HOA rules and align with:
• City of Cape Coral: https://www.capecoral.gov/
• Florida DEP: https://floridadep.gov/
Keeping your lawn compliant protects waterways and avoids fines.

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Troubleshooting quick guide

• Edges browning first: Increase coverage at seams/edges; check sprinkler head alignment.
• Spongy feel, gray patches: Overwatering or fungus—reduce frequency, improve drainage, and consult UF/IFAS resources: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/.
• Footprints remain visible: Drought stress—deeply water and raise mowing height.
• Sudden yellowing after storms: Nutrient leaching; schedule a soil test before fertilizing.
• Patchy rooting: Re-roll lightly and ensure consistent moisture.

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Internal links for homeowners

• Explore sod varieties, delivery, and installation: Hudson Ranch Homepage — https://hudsonranchsod.com/
• Ready to schedule service? Contact our team — https://hudsonranchsod.com/contact/
• Prefer expert install? Schedule professional installation — https://hudsonranchsod.com/contact/

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Outbound links (quick reference)

• Lee County: https://www.leegov.com/
• City of Cape Coral: https://www.capecoral.gov/
• UF/IFAS Extension (soil testing & lawn care): https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/
• Florida-Friendly Landscaping®: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/
• South Florida Water Management District: https://www.sfwmd.gov/
• EPA WaterSense: https://www.epa.gov/watersense
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection: https://floridadep.gov/

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How Hudson Ranch makes sod installation easy in Cape Coral

Farm-fresh sod, delivered fast
We harvest to order and deliver directly to your property, so roots establish quickly and uniformly.

Pro-grade installation
Our crew grades, lays, rolls, and irrigates your new lawn the right way, from seam alignment to first soaking.

Right grass, right yard
We match your sun/shade mix, traffic, irrigation access, and aesthetic preferences to the ideal variety.

Local guidance you can trust
We align recommendations with Lee County and Cape Coral rules, UF/IFAS best practices, and SFWMD water-wise guidance so your lawn thrives—and stays compliant.

Support after the install
From irrigation scheduling to fertilization timing, we’re here with clear, Florida-specific advice. Start here: https://hudsonranchsod.com/contact/

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1) What’s the best sod for full sun in Cape Coral?
Floratam St. Augustine is a top pick for sun and heat. For mixed light, consider Palmetto. Hudson Ranch can confirm the best fit during your estimate: https://hudsonranchsod.com/contact/

2) How often do I water new sod?
Keep it evenly moist for 10–14 days, then switch to deep, less frequent watering. Review local schedules at https://www.capecoral.gov/ and efficiency tips at https://www.epa.gov/watersense.

3) When should I fertilize?
Generally 4–6 weeks after install with slow-release product, following guidance from https://www.capecoral.gov/ and https://floridadep.gov/.

4) How soon can I mow?
Usually after 2–3 weeks, once sod is firmly rooted. Follow UF/IFAS mowing height guidance: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/.

5) Do you install for HOAs and builders?
Yes—Hudson Ranch supplies and installs sod for homeowners, contractors, and HOAs across Cape Coral and Lee County. Request a quote: https://hudsonranchsod.com/contact/

6) Can you help me pick between St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Bahia?
Absolutely. We’ll match your conditions, maintenance goals, and budget to the right variety. Start at https://hudsonranchsod.com/.

7) Do you haul away old turf and debris?
Yes. Ask about removal and site prep when you schedule installation: https://hudsonranchsod.com/contact/

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Final thoughts

With smart prep, correct installation, and responsible aftercare, sod installation in Cape Coral is straightforward—and the results are stunning. Lean on Hudson Ranch for locally grown sod, professional install, and guidance aligned with Cape Coral and UF/IFAS best practices. Get your free estimate today: https://hudsonranchsod.com/contact/