Are brown patches taking over your lawn? Is your yard full of weeds instead of grass? Many McKinney homeowners face these problems after Texas summers. The good news is you can fix your lawn quickly with sod installation.
At Green-Go Landscaping, we help homeowners in McKinney transform their properties with fresh sod. Our team installs new lawns that look perfect from day one.
What Is Sod and Why Choose It?
Sod gives you an instant lawn. It consists of grass with roots and soil held together in rectangles or rolls. Unlike seed, which takes weeks to grow, sod creates a complete lawn immediately.
The benefits of sod include:
- Instant results – your property looks better the same day
- Weed-free start – professionally grown sod has minimal weeds
- Less erosion – sod prevents soil from washing away
- Cooler temperatures – grass cools your property better than dirt
- Increased home value – curb appeal boosts property values
What Is the Best Time for Sod Installation in North Texas?
Many people ask us: “When should I install sod in McKinney?”
The best times for sod installation in North Texas are:
- Spring (March-May): Mild temperatures help roots establish before summer heat
- Fall (September-November): Cooler weather reduces stress on new sod
- Winter: Possible for Bermuda sod when dormant (brown), but will green up in spring
Summer installations work but require extra water. The McKinney climate presents challenges with hot summers and occasional freezes. We plan installations around weather patterns to give your new lawn the best start.
How Does Sod Installation Work?
The sod installation process takes just one day for most yards. Here’s how we do it:
1. Site Preparation
We start by removing old grass, weeds, and debris. This step is critical – sod needs direct contact with soil to root properly. We use specialized equipment to:
- Remove existing vegetation
- Break up compacted soil
- Level the ground to prevent pooling
- Add soil amendments based on your soil test results
2. Soil Testing and Improvement
McKinney soil often contains clay, which can limit root growth. We test your soil and add:
- Compost to improve drainage and add nutrients
- Sand for better water movement
- Starter fertilizer to feed new roots
3. Sod Selection
We help you choose the right grass type for your property. Popular options in McKinney include:
- Bermuda: Handles heat and drought well, needs full sun
- St. Augustine: Tolerates shade, needs more water
- Zoysia: Good middle ground between Bermuda and St. Augustine
4. Professional Installation
Our team lays sod in a brick pattern, ensuring:
- No gaps between pieces
- Tight seams that prevent drying
- Proper contact with the soil
- Smooth transitions to existing landscapes
5. Initial Watering
We thoroughly water your new lawn before we leave, starting the establishment process.
How Much Does Professional Sod Installation Cost in McKinney?
The cost question comes up often. Professional sod installation in McKinney typically ranges from $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot, including:
- Site preparation
- Quality sod
- Installation labor
- Initial watering
Factors affecting price include:
- Yard size (larger yards may qualify for volume discounts)
- Site preparation needs
- Sod type
- Accessibility (harder-to-reach areas cost more)
For a typical 5,000 square foot lawn, expect to invest between $7,500-$15,000 for a complete transformation. While this might seem like a considerable expense, consider that sod instantly adds value to your property and prevents ongoing issues with thin lawns.
How Long Does New Sod Take to Establish in Texas Heat?
New sod needs time to grow roots into your soil. In McKinney’s climate:
- Root establishment begins within 7-14 days
- Full root development takes 4-6 weeks in spring/fall
- Summer installations may take 6-8 weeks due to heat stress
During this time, your lawn needs special care:
Week 1:
- Water 2-3 times daily for 15-20 minutes
- Avoid walking on new sod
- Keep pets off the lawn
Weeks 2-3:
- Water once daily, deeply
- Limit lawn traffic
- Look for even coloring
Weeks 4-6:
- Water every other day
- Begin light mowing when grass reaches 3-4 inches
- Hold off on fertilizer until week 6
Proper watering makes the difference between success and failure during the critical establishment period. Our detailed watering schedule helps your new lawn survive even during July heat waves in McKinney.
Maintaining Your New Sod in McKinney’s Climate
McKinney presents unique challenges for lawn care. To keep your new sod healthy:
Spring Care (March-May):
- Gradually increase mowing height
- Apply pre-emergent weed control
- Begin a regular fertilization program
Summer Care (June-August):
- Raise mowing height to 3-4 inches
- Water deeply but infrequently (1-1.5 inches per week)
- Watch for chinch bugs and apply treatment if needed
Fall Care (September-November):
- Lower mowing height slightly
- Apply post-summer fertilizer
- Treat for fall weeds
Winter Care (December-February):
- Reduce watering
- Apply winter fertilizer
- Control winter weeds
We tell our McKinney clients that lawn care changes with the seasons. Following our seasonal care guide helps your lawn stay green longer than others in the neighborhood, even during challenging Texas weather conditions.
Common Problems and Solutions for New Sod
Even with perfect installation, issues can arise. Here are solutions to common problems:
Brown Spots
- Cause: Often uneven watering or sprinkler coverage
- Solution: Check sprinkler system, hand water dry areas
Gaps Between Sod Pieces
- Cause: Shrinkage from drying or improper installation
- Solution: Fill gaps with topsoil, and overseed if necessary
Sod Not Rooting
- Cause: Poor soil contact or insufficient watering
- Solution: Press down loose areas, increase watering frequency
Weeds Appearing
- Cause: Seeds in soil beneath sod or blown in
- Solution: Spot treat after sod is established (6+ weeks)
Our team checks in with clients two weeks after installation to catch any issues early. This follow-up service sets us apart from other lawn companies in McKinney.
Why Choose Green-Go Landscaping for Sod Installation
We serve homeowners within a 5-mile radius of FM 1461 in McKinney with expert sod installation. Our clients choose us because:
- We’re local experts who understand McKinney’s specific climate challenges
- Our team completes most installations in just one day
- We provide detailed aftercare instructions
- We offer follow-up care to ensure your lawn thrives
- We guarantee our workmanship
Many homeowners attempt DIY sod installation before realizing the value of professional service. Our team completes what takes most homeowners days in hours, with superior results and less wasted money on materials and equipment rental.
Ready for a Lawn Transformation?
Stop struggling with patchy grass, weeds, or bare spots. You can have a beautiful lawn tomorrow with professional sod installation.
Contact Green-Go Landscaping today by calling (972) 377-4727 or sending an email to [email protected]. Visit our website at https://green-golawns.com for more information about our services. We serve customers within a 5-mile radius of our McKinney location. Call now for a free estimate and transform your property in just one day!