With several grass blades growing thickly from one stem, bahia grass (Paspalum notatum) forms a brilliant green lawn with a deep root structure. Growing roots that dive as deep as 6 inches into the soil, this warm-season perennial grass has the disadvantage of slow germination and establishment from seed. Because of this, it's best to use bahia grass sod to establish your lawn.
Successful bahia sod installation starts with properly prepared soil. Till compost into the first 6 inches of topsoil to add nutrients, improve soil texture and encourage the microorganisms that improve overall soil health. Using a pH meter or test kit, check the soil has a pH range of 4.5 to 6.5. Unlike other grasses, bahia grass thrives in acidic conditions in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 and 10. Amend the soil with lime if the pH is too low or add sulfur to lower a high pH.
Timing and Site Leveling
Because bahia grass requires warm weather and plenty of sun, it's best to lay the sod in late spring or early summer. Although sod establishes faster than seed, the bahia grass still needs time to establish its roots before the dormant winter period. Immediately before laying the sod on the prepared soil, level the area with a rake. Any low-lying areas or bumps along the ground make the lawn difficult to mow and may lead to problems with standing water. By leveling the ground, your bahia lawn will be even.
After moistening the surface of the soil, lay the fresh sod onto the ground. Each edge needs to meet with the edges of other sod pieces for a uniform appearance. Much like laying tile, sprinkle soil between the edges of the sod pieces to join them together. After you've laid all the sod, roll a lawn roller across the area to remove any trapped air and to press the sod's roots into the topsoil for proper growth.
Watering your newly installed bahia grass helps it establish itself quickly. In general, you should apply a misty spray across the grass three times a week to dampen the grass and the soil beneath. Avoid over-watering the sod because standing water can cause the roots to rot. If you keep the area moist, you should be able to walk on the grass after a month.
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Bahiagrass for Florida Lawns
- The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension: The Management and Use of Bahiagrass
- This Old House: How to Lay Sod
- University of Rhode Island: Installing a Sod Lawn
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Bahiagrass (Paspalum Notatum): Overview and Management