Old grass removed, soil graded and fresh sod laid edge to edge for an instant green front yard.
Sod Installation in Houston, TX
Fresh St. Augustine, Zoysia or Bermuda sod laid in tight seams on graded, prepped soil that drains.
- 4.9 · 73 Google reviews
- 30+ years in Houston
- Our own crew, no subcontractors
Houston Landscape Images (HLI) provides full sod installation in Houston, from tearing out the old lawn to rolling out fresh grass. We grade the yard so water drains away, prep the clay soil and lay St. Augustine, Zoysia or Bermuda sod in tight seams. Our family-run crew has more than 30 years of experience, and we do the work ourselves with no subcontractors.
What You Get With HLI Sod:
- A green lawn you can enjoy right away
- The right grass for your sun and foot traffic
- Grading and soil prep so the new sod roots well
- A clear watering plan when the job is done
A Houston Sod Company That Preps the Ground First
New sod only looks good for long if the ground under it is right. Houston is flat, and much of the area has dense clay soil, so water can sit in low spots after heavy rain. We remove the old lawn, grade the yard, fix low spots and improve the soil before a single roll of sod goes down.
Signs your yard is ready for new sod:
- Bare, thin or patchy grass that will not fill in
- More weeds than grass
- Water pooling in the lawn after storms
- Bare dirt left after a build, pool or drainage job
- Grass that struggles in shade or heavy foot traffic
"He personally came back every day to spray down the concrete and to water the sod they had installed."
- Paul M., Google reviewOur Steps
Our Sod Installation Process
- 01
Free Consultation
We measure the lawn, look at sun and shade and talk about how you use the yard, your timeline and your budget.
- 02
Grass and Site Plan
We check soil and drainage, recommend the right grass and note any HOA rules before the new sod goes down.
- 03
Itemized Estimate
You get a clear price for removal, grading, soil, sod and labor before any work starts.
- 04
Removal, Grading and Install
Our crew removes the old lawn, grades and preps the soil, then lays fresh sod in staggered seams and presses it in.
- 05
Walkthrough and Watering Plan
We walk the new lawn with you and leave a watering and care plan so the sod roots well.
- ★★★★★
HLI, starting around 9-10 years ago, has provided virtuall all thee Landscape Designs for my front and backyards Through the help of Sanson Faltine and his talented team,, HLI installed all the individually stacked , natural rock slate edging accenting the flower beds in my front yar d. Also HLI installed a irregular natural rock walkway between my driveway and centered sidewalk. In the backyard , HLI performed a design only Sanson could have envisioned. After installing all of the landscape plants and cutting flowerbeds from a complete empty canvas of just sod, covering my patio slab with tile...about a year later, HLI put in a water feature that I have not seen a rival too. Comprised of a waterfall in the center of the flowerbed, a ~50' wandering creek complete with a walking bridge, and a 9' x 12' x4.5' deep pond complete with fish (goldfish) and water lily pads. This "water feature" has impressed everyone that has seen it from friends, relatives, and service folks. It is amazing! I have seen some of the outdoor living spaces that HLI has done on various properties in my area (many on my street). I highly recommend HLI for any of your landscape installations or changes. Here's s few pics...
Michael L. - ★★★★★
Sansone and his crew are simply awesome! Highly recommended! I decided to expand my 2-1/2 car driveway into a full 3 car driveway. Part of my requirement was to remove parts of the existing driveway that were cracked. Sansone provided all the drawings and specifications with his quote. He also handled all of the HOA requirements. This was especially helpful as the HOA initially rejected my application for what appeared to be spurious reasons. Sansone got to work and provided an overwhelming amount of information to the HOA to support my application. As a result the HOA did grant approval. His work crews were very efficient and professional. They took care to not damage any surrounding areas. They cleaned up every single day and left the work site neat and tidy on a daily basis. They started work on the day he said they would and they finished the job exactly on the date as promised. Sansone even went to extra efforts for me. I had to go out of town immediately upon completion of the concrete work. He personally came back every day to spray down the concrete and to water the sod they had installed. I could not be happier with the work and the results. I highly recommend Sansone and Houston Landscape Images. I'm looking forward to having him work on some additional projects!
Paul M. - ★★★★★
We recently hired Houston Landscape Images to install a few projects at our home: concrete driveway extension, cedar fence/gate replacement, subsurface drainage extension, exterior door added into brick wall. They did an outstanding job on all aspects of the project. Sanson was wonderful to work with, transparent on costs, and stayed in contact throughout the job. The crew was punctual, highly skilled and left the job site spotless each day. I would highly recommend Houston Landscape Images!
Coley S. - ★★★★★
Houston Landscape Images and Samson in particular are fantastic to work with. They helped design and build or outdoor kitchen and decorative patio. Outstanding quality and professionalism. I highly recommend you consider them for your landscaping needs.
John G. - ★★★★★
Sansone is an honest guy and he does amazing work. Houston landscape Images is always there for our landscaping needs.
Gaye H. - ★★★★★
Sanson & his crew are amazing. Great communication and excellent work skills. Strongly recommend this company for any landscaping need.
Lisa S. - ★★★★★
They built a patio cover. We are grateful to the company under the direction of Mr. Sanson, who answered all our questions and made recommendations. He is responsible, always available, and clearly has a lot of experience. If you want to make improvements to your home and be sure that they will do a good job, this is the team you need. They built our patio cover. It was an excellent experience. Sanson answered all our questions. He helped us with the design and made several suggestions before construction. Sanson and his team are very responsible and serious. I noticed they have experience doing this type of construction. We are pleased and happy because our patio cover turned out very nice, just as we wanted.
Angel R. - ★★★★★
Houston Landscape Images is a first-class, professional company. First start to finish everything was handled at a high standard. From images, we were given a choice of paver and retainer options. We asked about how to solve a water drainage problem, so also received an excellent solution. Work was done timely and the workmen were very experienced. The landscape looks even better than we expected. No problems of any sort.
Youqi W.
Sod and Lawn Services in Houston
New Lawn Sod Installation
New lawns and full makeovers, laid in tight, staggered seams.
Price this option: New Lawn Sod InstallationDetails about New Lawn Sod Installation
We install sod for new lawns and full lawn makeovers. Each job includes site prep, fresh-cut grass and a careful install. We lay the sod in staggered seams and press it in tight for good root contact with the soil.
- Tight seams on a solid, level base
- A finished green lawn the same day
- Front yards, backyards or the whole property
Soil Conditioning and Grading
Old grass cleared out and clay soil graded so water drains away.
Price this option: Soil Conditioning and GradingDetails about Soil Conditioning and Grading
We clear out old grass, weeds and debris, then grade the soil so water flows away from your home. Where the clay is dense, we mix in compost, sand or topsoil. For yards that stay wet, we can add a French drain.
- Old grass, roots and debris removed
- Grading for a smooth surface and good water flow
- Compost, sand or topsoil to improve clay
Sod Selection and Sourcing
St. Augustine, Zoysia or Bermuda picked for your sun and use.
Price this option: Sod Selection and SourcingDetails about Sod Selection and Sourcing
We help you pick the right grass based on sun, foot traffic and how much care you want to give it. We lay St. Augustine, Zoysia and Bermuda sod, and we source fresh-cut sod from local suppliers.
- St. Augustine, Zoysia and Bermuda
- Matched to your sun and how you use the yard
- Fresh sod delivered and laid quickly
Edging and Lawn Shaping
Clean edges where the lawn meets beds, driveways and walkways.
Price this option: Edging and Lawn ShapingDetails about Edging and Lawn Shaping
We cut clean, curved or straight edges where your new lawn meets flower beds, driveways or walkways. Crisp edges give the lawn a finished look and keep grass from creeping into beds.
- Clean lines between lawn, beds and hardscape
- Holds the lawn shape and cuts down on overgrowth
- Steel, stone or trench-style edging
Watering and New Sod Care
A clear watering plan so your new grass roots well.
Price this option: Watering and New Sod CareDetails about Watering and New Sod Care
After the sod is laid, we give you a clear watering plan so the grass roots well. If you have a sprinkler system, we can help set it for the new lawn.
- Watering plan for the season and your grass type
- Simple tips for early mowing and feeding
- Helps roots grow deep and strong
Sod Repair and Patching
Fresh sod for thin or damaged spots, matched to your grass.
Price this option: Sod Repair and PatchingDetails about Sod Repair and Patching
We fix damaged or thin spots without redoing the whole yard. We cut out the bad sections, prep the soil and lay fresh sod that matches the grass you already have.
- Good for pet spots, worn paths or drainage damage
- Matched to your current grass
- A lower-cost way to bring a lawn back
Best Sod for Houston: St. Augustine, Zoysia and Bermuda
St. Augustine Sod
A popular lawn grass across Texas. It spreads into a thick, carpet-like lawn, and some types handle more shade than other warm-season grasses. It does not hold up well to heavy foot traffic and needs water in long dry spells. It is almost always planted as sod.
Zoysia Sod
Zoysia forms a dense lawn with good tolerance for shade and foot traffic. It grows slowly, so it takes longer to fill in and recover from damage. In a drought it can go brown and dormant quickly.
Bermuda Sod
Bermuda is fast-growing and tough. It handles heavy traffic and recovers quickly, which is why it is common on sports fields. It needs full sun, and dense shade holds it back.
We lay sod for homes, condos, HOAs, apartment complexes and townhomes. Not sure which grass fits your yard? We will tell you on the first visit.
Book Your Free ConsultationWhat a New Sod Lawn Can Look Like
The prep stage: old lawn stripped and the ground graded so water drains away from the house.
A patchy lawn replaced with thick new sod that lifts the look of the whole home.
Photos show example sod lawns and prep stages.
Book Your Free ConsultationSod Installation Cost in Houston, TX
Typical Houston-area price ranges. Your quote is free and itemized.
Under 1,000 sq ft
Small Lawns
$1,000 to $2,500
- Front yards, side yards or patch repairs
- Includes removal of existing grass, grading and sod installation
- Common grasses like St. Augustine or Bermuda
1,000 to 3,000 sq ft
Mid-Sized Lawns
$2,500 to $5,000
- Full front yard or backyard installs
- Improved soil prep and leveling
- Optional soil amendments and first watering
3,000+ sq ft or Detailed Layouts
Large or Custom Lawns
$5,000+
- Full-yard makeovers or new construction
- Edge detailing and clean tie-ins with beds and hardscape
- Custom grass, drainage fixes or sprinkler adjustments
Sod installation cost depends on lawn size, grass type, how much grading and soil prep the yard needs and access to the site. We give you a clear, itemized estimate up front, so you know the full cost before any work begins.
Financing available through HFS Financial
Not sure which grass to choose? Read our guide to the best grass for Houston yards.
Why Houston Homeowners Choose HLI for New Sod
- 30+ Years of Experience: More than 1,000 projects, small and large, completed across the Houston area.
- Family Owned and Run: Owner Sanson Faltine stays hands-on, and we use no subcontractors.
- Prep Comes First: Every sod job starts with grading and soil prep, not just laying grass on top.
- Local Know-How: Based in Richmond, TX, we work with Houston's clay soil, heavy rain and HOA rules.
- One Crew for the Whole Yard: We can also handle drainage, sprinklers and beds in the same project.
"His work crews were very efficient and professional. They took care to not damage any surrounding areas."
- Paul M., Google review
Service Areas
Sod Installation Near You
We lay sod across Houston, Fort Bend County, Katy and nearby cities, from our home base in Richmond, TX.
- Sod Installation in KatyNew lawns and sod repairs in Katy.
- Sod Installation in RichmondOur home base in Fort Bend County.
- Sod Installation in RosenbergFresh lawns for Rosenberg homes.
- Sod Installation in Sugar LandLawn makeovers in Sugar Land.
- Sod Installation in FulshearSod for new and growing Fulshear homes.
- Sod Installation in SiennaNew grass for Sienna yards.
- Sod Installation in Pecan GroveLawn repairs and full installs.
- Sod Installation in PearlandFront and backyard sod in Pearland.
- Sod Installation in CypressFresh lawns for Cypress homes.
- Sod Installation in SpringNew sod on the north side.
- Sod Installation in BrookshireSod for homes west of Katy.
- Sod Installation in Jersey VillageLawn makeovers in Jersey Village.
FAQ
Sod Installation FAQs
How much does sod installation cost in Houston?
Most of our sod jobs in the Houston area fall into three ranges. Small lawns under 1,000 square feet, like a front yard or side yard, run about $1,000 to $2,500. Mid-sized lawns of 1,000 to 3,000 square feet run about $2,500 to $5,000. Large or custom lawns over 3,000 square feet start around $5,000. Prices include removing the old grass, grading and laying the sod. The final cost depends on the grass type, how much soil prep your yard needs and how easy the site is to reach. We give you an itemized estimate before any work starts.
What is the best sod for Houston lawns?
It depends on your sun and how you use the yard. St. Augustine is a popular Texas lawn grass, and some types handle more shade than other warm-season grasses. Zoysia makes a dense lawn and has good shade and traffic tolerance, but it grows slowly. Bermuda needs full sun and stands up to heavy use, which is why it is used on sports fields. We look at your yard on the first visit and recommend the grass that fits.
Should I choose St. Augustine or Zoysia sod?
St. Augustine fills in fast and does well in yards with a mix of sun and shade, but it has poor wear tolerance, so it is not ideal where kids and dogs run every day. It also needs water during long dry spells. Zoysia forms a thick, dense lawn and holds up better to foot traffic, but it grows slowly, so it takes longer to fill in and to recover from damage. In a drought, zoysia can turn brown and go dormant quickly. We help you weigh these trade-offs for your yard.
How often should I water new sod?
New sod needs steady moisture while its roots grow into the soil. For the first couple of weeks, keep the sod and the soil just under it moist. Once the roots take hold, water less often but more deeply, so the roots grow down. Weather, sun and grass type all change the schedule, so we give you a clear watering plan for your lawn when the job is done. If you have a sprinkler system, we can help set it up for the new sod.
How long does it take new sod to root?
Warm-season sod usually starts to root within a few weeks when it is actively growing. To check, gently lift a corner. If it resists, the roots are taking hold. Keep heavy traffic off the lawn until it is rooted, and wait to mow until the sod is firmly attached. Sod laid in cooler months roots more slowly, because the grass is not growing much.
When is the best time to lay sod in Houston?
St. Augustine, Zoysia and Bermuda are warm-season grasses, so they root best when the weather is warm and they are actively growing, from spring through early fall. We can lay sod much of the year in the Houston area, but sod laid in winter will stay dormant and take longer to root. In the heat of summer, new sod needs extra attention to watering.
Do you remove the old grass and prepare the soil?
Yes. Soil prep is the most important part of a sod job. We remove old grass, weeds and debris, grade the yard so water drains away from your home and fill low spots. Where Houston's clay soil is dense, we can mix in compost, sand or topsoil. Then we lay the sod in tight, staggered seams and press it in for good contact with the soil.
“Working with Sanson and his crew was a pleasurable experience. Great attention to detail, accurate estimate on project schedule, and results that exceeded expectations. Have already recommended Sanson and HL Images to several others and will work with them again in the future!!”
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4.9 from 73 Google reviews · 30+ years · Family-owned