Best New Lawn Installation (Sod & Turf) in Texas Ranked

Transforming a patch of Texas dirt into a lush, green lawn is a significant upgrade for any property. Whether you choose the natural resilience of sod or the low-maintenance appeal of artificial turf, a professionally installed lawn can enhance curb appeal, provide usable outdoor space, and even help with soil erosion. In Texas, this process requires special consideration for the intense climate and varied soil conditions. This guide outlines the key factors, steps, and local considerations to help you understand the process and connect with qualified professionals who can bring your vision to life.

Southern Turf Co.®

5608 Parkcrest Dr #200, Austin, TX 78731

Southern Turf Co.® provides professional artificial turf installation services in Austin, TX. They offer synthetic grass solutions tailored for both residential and commercial properties throughout the Austin metro area. Their services include custom turf installation with a focus on durability and low maintenance. Southern Turf Co.® is known for delivering quality turf installations backed by up to a 15-year warranty.

5.0

664 Reviews

DFW Turf Solutions

4700 US-377 Building 6B, Krugerville, TX 76227

DFW Turf Solutions provides artificial turf installation services in Dallas, TX. They offer a range of synthetic grass products designed to address watering restrictions, shade challenges, and reduce the need for pesticides, fertilizers, and mowing. Their turf solutions are suitable for residential and commercial use, including backyards, dog runs, sports fields, and playgrounds. The company features high-quality, made-in-the-USA artificial turf that maintains a natural look and stays green year-round.

5.0

551 Reviews

Sprinkler Repair Pros

austin

Sprinkler Repair Pros is a licensed irrigation and sprinkler service provider based in Austin, TX, serving the city and Central Texas communities including Round Rock. They offer full-service sprinkler repair, irrigation installation, system upgrades, and outdoor improvements such as sod installation and hardscaping. The team specializes in repairing leaks, broken pipes, and valves, as well as installing commercial-grade irrigation systems designed for water efficiency. Established in 2008, they bring over 14 years of experience and focus on smart water-saving solutions and flexible scheduling to meet customer needs.

5.0

507 Reviews

DFW Turf Solutions

4200 South Fwy Suite 2540, Fort Worth, TX 76115

DFW Turf Solutions provides artificial turf installation services in Dallas, TX. They offer a variety of synthetic grass options suitable for residential lawns, pet areas, children's play spaces, and custom putting greens. Their turf products include soft, safe options with protective foam underlayers for play areas and antimicrobial infill with efficient drainage for pet systems. The company emphasizes the long-term benefits of artificial turf, such as reduced maintenance and water savings, and offers American-made, recyclable turf that is lead and PFAS free.

5.0

341 Reviews

DFW Turf Solutions

2201 Spinks Rd Suite 319, Flower Mound, TX 75022

DFW Turf Solutions provides artificial turf installation services in Dallas, TX, specializing in premium synthetic grass for residential and commercial properties. They offer versatile turf solutions suitable for sports fields, landscaping, and pet areas, using durable polyethylene fibers designed to mimic real grass. The company serves the Dallas-Fort Worth area and emphasizes low-maintenance, eco-friendly turf that reduces water use and eliminates the need for mowing and fertilizing.

5.0

282 Reviews

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Understanding Your Texas Lawn Options

Choosing between natural sod and artificial turf is the first major decision. Each has distinct advantages and requirements, especially in the Texas environment.

Natural Sod offers a traditional, living lawn. It provides a cooling effect, can improve air quality, and feels natural underfoot. In Texas, successful sod installation hinges on selecting a grass variety suited to your specific region and sun exposure. Popular choices include drought-tolerant Bermuda grass for full sun and shade-tolerant St. Augustine for areas with less direct light ¹. The initial establishment period is critical and demands a consistent watering schedule.

Artificial Turf provides a consistently green appearance with virtually no watering or mowing. Modern synthetic grass is designed to withstand UV rays and heat, making it a durable option for Texas yards. The key to a long-lasting, comfortable artificial lawn is a meticulously prepared base and high-quality materials, including specialized infill that helps keep the surface cooler ^{2 3}.

Critical Climate & Regulatory Considerations

Texas weather and local rules directly impact your lawn installation plan.

• Extreme Heat & Sun: Summer temperatures stress living grass, demanding heat-tolerant varieties. For artificial turf, selecting products with UV inhibitors and using lighter-colored, cooling infills (like silica sand or Envirofill) can mitigate heat retention ^{2 4}.
• Water Conservation: Many Texas municipalities have permanent or seasonal watering restrictions. When installing sod, plan for an establishment watering schedule that uses deep, infrequent soaking to encourage deep root growth, which is more drought-resistant ^{1 4}. Artificial turf eliminates lawn watering needs entirely, aligning with water conservation goals.
• Soil & Drainage: Texas soil is often heavy clay, which compacts easily and drains poorly. Proper site preparation-including tilling, amending, and grading-is non-negotiable for sod to prevent drowning or drought stress. For artificial turf, an engineered base and drainage system are essential to prevent pooling and ensure longevity ^{2 5 6}.

Step-by-Step: Installing Natural Sod in Texas

A proper sod installation is a multi-stage process that lays the foundation for a healthy lawn.

1. Soil Testing & Amendment: Before any work begins, conduct a soil test through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. This will reveal your soil's pH (ideal for grass is 6.0-7.5) and nutrient deficiencies, guiding what amendments (like lime or starter fertilizer) to incorporate ^{5 7}.
2. Site Preparation: Remove all existing grass, weeds, and debris. Till the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches to loosen compaction. Work in the recommended soil amendments uniformly ^{8 9}.
3. Final Grading: Rake the area smooth, creating a gentle slope (about 1-2% grade) away from your home's foundation to ensure positive drainage. This step prevents water from pooling, which can kill grass ⁸.
4. Sod Installation: Begin laying rolls of fresh sod along a straight edge, like a driveway or sidewalk. Stagger the seams in a brick-like pattern, ensuring tight joints without overlapping. Use a sharp knife to trim around curves and obstacles. Immediately after laying a section, roll it with a lawn roller to ensure solid root-to-soil contact ⁹.
5. Initial Watering & Establishment: This is the most critical phase. New sod must be kept consistently moist. Water deeply 2 to 3 times per day for the first 7-10 days, then gradually reduce frequency while increasing depth to encourage deep rooting. Avoid walking on the sod during this time ¹⁰.

Step-by-Step: Installing Artificial Turf in Texas

Artificial grass installation is a construction project that creates a permanent, stable surface.

1. Clear & Excavate: Remove existing grass and topsoil to a depth of 3-4 inches. Apply a weed barrier fabric to prevent future growth ⁶.
2. Install Drainage & Base: Ensure the subgrade has a slight slope. Spread a 3-4 inch layer of crushed granite or limestone base material. Dampen and compact it in 1-inch layers with a mechanical plate compactor until it is extremely firm and level. This base is crucial for drainage and preventing lumps or dips ^{11 12}.
3. Lay the Turf: Roll out the synthetic grass, ensuring the pile direction is consistent. Allow it to acclimate and trim edges for a perfect fit. Secure the perimeter and seams with landscape stakes or non-corrosive nails every 4-6 inches ³.
4. Apply Infill: Spread silica sand or a specialized rounded-infill material evenly across the surface. Use a stiff-bristle broom or a drop spreader to work the infill down into the turf blades. Infill supports the fibers, provides ballast, and helps with cooling ^{2 12}.
5. Final Grooming: Brush the turf fibers upright to give the lawn a natural, finished appearance.

Long-Term Lawn Care in the Texas Climate

Your responsibilities shift once the lawn is installed.

For a Sod Lawn:

• Establishment (Weeks 2-4): Gradually transition to a mature watering schedule. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week (including rainfall), typically delivered in 2-3 deep watering sessions to encourage roots to grow downward ^{1 10}.
• First Mowing: Wait until the grass reaches about 3-3.5 inches tall, and only mow when the soil is firm. Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Follow a seasonal fertilization schedule based on your grass type and continue to monitor for proper drainage.

For an Artificial Turf Lawn:

• Routine Care: Periodically rinse the surface to remove dust and pollen. Brush the fibers occasionally to keep them upright. Promptly remove pet waste and rinse the area.
• Infill Top-Up: Over many years, some infill may dissipate and need to be replenished to maintain cushion and support.

Understanding Investment and Value

The cost of new lawn installation in Texas varies based on materials, site complexity, and size.

For artificial turf, total installed costs typically range from $7.00 to $17.00+ per square foot, with higher-end materials and complex sites on the upper end. On average, homeowners might expect costs around $12.25 per square foot for a full professional installation ^{13 14}. As a point of reference:

• A 500 sq. ft. area may cost approximately $6,365.
• A 1,000 sq. ft. area may cost approximately $12,725.

For natural sod, the price per square foot for the sod itself is generally lower, but the total project cost must include significant site preparation, soil amendments, and irrigation considerations, which can bring the total installed cost into a comparable range, especially for challenging sites.

Frequently asked questions

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