Sod Installation in Savannah, GA
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A new lawn in a day, if the prep is right
Sod is the fastest way to replace a lawn that has thinned out under shade, washed out after storms or never filled in on a new-build lot. Many sod installation requests in the Savannah area come from new construction in Pooler, Richmond Hill and Rincon, and from older yards where the lawn has struggled under big oaks.
Savannah GA Lawn Care is a free quote service, not a landscaping or sod company. We connect Savannah-area homeowners with independent local lawn care, landscaping and tree companies for free, no-obligation quotes. The company you choose quotes, contracts and does the work directly with you.
Good results come down to the right grass, careful soil prep and correct watering in the first month.
Grass choices for Savannah sod
UGA Extension lists centipede, St. Augustine, zoysia and bermuda as the main warm-season lawns in coastal Georgia. Mowing heights below are from UGA's Glynn County Extension office.
| Grass | Where it tends to fit | Mowing height |
|---|---|---|
| Centipede | Low-input lawns on acidic soil; does not like heavy fertilizing | 1–2 in. |
| St. Augustine | Coarse, thick lawns; handles some shade; watch for chinch bugs in hot, sunny spots | 2–3 in. |
| Zoysia | Dense lawns; a common choice for yards with some tree shade | 1–2 in. |
| Bermuda | Full-sun lawns; common bermuda or hybrid | 1–2 in. (hybrid 1–1.5 in.) |
| Seashore paspalum | The most salt-tolerant warm-season turf, per UGA; marsh-front and salt-affected yards | Ask your installer |
For heavy shade, zoysia or St. Augustine are usually better choices than paspalum. On Wilmington Island, Tybee Island and other marsh-front lots, ask about salt tolerance. Read more in our guide to choosing grass for Savannah lawns.
When to lay sod around Savannah
Savannah has a long growing season. According to NOAA's 1991–2020 normals for Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, the median last spring freeze is March 2, though in 1 year in 10 it comes after March 25. The median first fall freeze is November 30, and the median freeze-free season is about 270 days.
- Spring: many homeowners plan warm-season sod for after the risk of a late frost has passed, which in Savannah usually means after early March and, to be cautious, late March.
- Summer: Savannah averages 80.5 days a year at or above 90 °F, and July's average high is 92.3 °F. Summer sod can work, but it needs steady water. June through September is also the wettest stretch, with about 22 inches of rain, which can delay installs on poorly drained lots.
- Fall: later installs leave less time before the late-November median first freeze. Ask the company how they handle a fall job.
The company you choose can recommend a window for your grass and your yard.
Watering new sod: the 30-day exemption
Georgia's Water Stewardship Act (2010) limits outdoor watering statewide to between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. It exempts new or replanted turf during installation and for 30 days afterward, so new sod can be watered when it needs it during that first month. Drip or soaker hoses and hand watering with an auto-shutoff hose are exempt at any time.
After the 30 days, the City of Savannah's year-round schedule applies: no outdoor irrigation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., no watering on Fridays, even-numbered addresses on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, and odd-numbered addresses on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. UGA suggests about 1 inch of water a week from rain plus irrigation, soaking the soil 5–7 inches deep, early in the morning. Savannah Water Resources: 912-651-2221. Outside the city, check with your water provider.
This is general information, not legal advice. See the full Savannah watering schedule, and if sprinkler heads need adjusting to cover the new lawn, see irrigation repair.
Soil and site prep
Most of Chatham County sits on sandy, acidic Lower Coastal Plain soils, and NRCS soil surveys show much of the county is poorly drained with a seasonal high water table. A few spots are deep, excessively drained sand that dries out fast. Both affect how new sod roots in.
- Start with a soil test. UGA says centipede prefers a pH of about 5.0 to 6.0; apply lime only if a soil test calls for it.
- Ask how the old lawn and weeds will be removed.
- Ask about grading, especially where water stands after summer storms.
- Confirm the square footage, the grass variety and when the sod will be delivered and laid.
Sod installation prices in Savannah
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Sod, installed | About $1–$3 per sq ft |
| Sod material only | About $0.35–$0.60 per sq ft |
Grass variety, removing the old lawn, grading, soil amendments, access and the size of the job all affect the price. Try the estimator on the Savannah landscaping price guide.
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Sod installation across the Savannah area
New-build lots and established yards across the region request sod quotes, including:
- Savannah
- Pooler
- Richmond Hill
- Skidaway Island
- Wilmington Island
- Southside & Georgetown
- Midtown & Ardsley Park
- Rincon
- Tybee Island
Related services: landscaping in Savannah, lawn mowing and maintenance once the sod roots in, and irrigation repair.
Frequently asked questions
How much does sod installation cost in Savannah?
Published cost guides put installed sod in Savannah at about $1 to $3 per square foot, with the sod itself around $0.35 to $0.60 per square foot. At those rates, a 2,000-square-foot yard would run roughly $2,000 to $6,000. These are estimates, not quotes; grass type, prep and removing the old lawn change the price.
When should I lay sod in Savannah?
Savannah's median last spring freeze is March 2, though in 1 year in 10 it comes after March 25, and the median first fall freeze is November 30. Many homeowners plan warm-season sod for after spring frost risk has passed. Ask the company you choose which window they recommend for your grass type.
Can I water new sod on any day in Savannah?
Under Georgia's Water Stewardship Act, newly installed turf can be watered at any time during installation and for 30 days afterward. After that, Savannah's schedule applies: no watering 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., none on Fridays, even addresses Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, odd addresses Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. This is general information, not legal advice.
What grass should I choose for a Savannah lawn?
Centipede, St. Augustine, zoysia and bermuda are the main coastal Georgia lawns, according to UGA. Seashore paspalum is the most salt-tolerant option for marsh-front and salt-affected yards. Zoysia or St. Augustine usually handle tree shade better than paspalum, while bermuda wants full sun. Match the grass to your sun, salt and upkeep.
Do I need a soil test before laying sod?
It is a smart first step. Savannah-area soils are mostly sandy and acidic, and UGA notes centipede prefers a soil pH of about 5.0 to 6.0, so lime should only go down if a soil test calls for it. A test also tells the installer what, if anything, the soil needs before the sod goes in.
Get your yard and trees in shape before the next storm season.
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