Give me the prep and laying sequence for a 4,000 sq ft Floratam sod job replacing a dead lawn.

Floratam St. Augustine Sod – 4,000 sq ft Replacement Sequence

1. Kill & Remove Existing Turf (Day 1–2)

• Spray non-selective herbicide (glyphosate) on actively growing weeds/grass. Wait 7–10 days for full translocation.
• Strip: Use a sod cutter (rent 18" width) set 1.5–2" deep. Remove all dead material. Haul off-site. Do not rototill dead roots in; creates air pockets and nitrogen draw.

2. Rough Grade & Soil Amendment (Day 3)

• Grade: Establish 1–2% slope away from structures (min. 6" drop in first 10 ft). Fill low spots; cut high spots.
• Soil Test: Pull 10–15 cores (6" deep), mix, send to UF/IFAS or state lab. Critical for Floratam: target pH 6.0–6.5.
• Amend: Based on test. Typical FL sandy soils: Incorporate 2–3 cu yd/1,000 sq ft composted organic matter (not raw manure) into top 4–6" via rototiller. Add lime/sulfur per test. Floratam fails in compacted, unamended sand.

3. Final Grade & Prep (Day 4 AM)

• Fine rake to smooth, firm surface. Roll lightly with water-filled roller (1/3 full) to settle soil. Footprints should not exceed ½".
• Irrigation Check: Run all zones. Verify head-to-head coverage. Adjust arcs. Floratam requires 1" water immediately post-lay.
• Starter Fertilizer: Broadcast 1 lb N/1,000 sq ft (e.g., 10-10-10 or 15-0-15 per soil test) on bare soil just before sod arrives. Rake in lightly.

4. Sod Delivery & Laying (Day 4 – Same Day as Prep)

• Schedule: Order 4,200 sq ft (5% waste). Demand fresh-cut (<24 hr). Reject yellowed/dry rolls.
• Pattern: Start along longest straight edge (driveway/sidewalk). Stagger joints brick-bond pattern (min. 12" offset). Butt edges tight—no gaps, no stretching.
• Slopes: Lay perpendicular to slope. Staple (11-gauge, 6" staples) every 2 ft on slopes >3:1.
• Cutting: Use sharp machete or sod knife. Cut around heads/valves cleanly.

5. Immediate Post-Lay (Day 4 PM)

• Roll: Full water-filled roller perpendicular to seams. Ensures root-to-soil contact.
• Water: 1" immediately (run zones until tuna can = 1"). Check soil moisture 3" deep under sod.

6. Establishment Protocol (Days 5–28)

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Prep and lay sequence for 4,000 sq ft Floratam sod (St. Augustinegrass) replacement — practical, code-aligned, and field-tested:

1. Site Assessment & Permits (Pre-Work)

• Confirm no HOA or municipal restrictions on sod type (Floratam is common in FL, TX, GA — verify local ordinances).
• Check for buried utilities: Call 811 at least 48 hrs prior (OSHA 1926.651).
• Soil test: Target pH 5.5–6.5; amend if needed (UF/IFAS Extension SL 281).

2. Demolition & Grading

• Kill existing turf: Apply non-selective herbicide (glyphosate) 10–14 days prior. Wait for complete brown-out.
• Remove dead vegetation: Sod cutter or shovel to 1–2” depth. Dispose per local waste regs (often landfill-approved if not contaminated).
• Rough grade: Slope 1–2% away from structures (IBC 1804.3). Fill low spots, knock down highs.
• Till soil 4–6” deep; remove rocks, roots, debris.
• Final grade: Smooth with rake or drag; firm but not compacted (use water roller lightly if needed).
• Apply starter fertilizer: High-phosphorus (e.g., 6-20-20) at 5 lbs/1000 sq ft per label — incorporate into top 1–2”.

3. Soil Moisture & Timing

• Irrigate lightly 24 hrs before laying to settle soil — not soggy.
• Lay sod within 24 hrs of harvest (critical for Floratam — perishable). Best laid early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat stress.

4. Sod Installation

• Start along a straight edge (driveway, sidewalk).
• Lay in brickwork pattern (stagger joints ≥6” apart).
• Butt edges tightly — no gaps or overlaps (prevents drying, weeds).
• Use sharp knife to trim around obstacles.
• Roll lightly with water-filled roller (½ full) to ensure soil contact — do not over-compact.
• Water immediately: ½” within 30 min of laying (critical for root initiation).

5. Establishment (First 2–3 Weeks)

• Water 2–3x/day (5–10 min/cycle) to keep top 1” moist — never let dry out.
• Reduce frequency after rooting (check by lifting corner — resistance = roots).
• First mow: At 3.5–4” height, never remove >1/3 blade. Use sharp mower.
• No foot traffic for 10–14 days.
• Fertilize again at 4–6 weeks with balanced N-P-K (e.g., 16-4-8) per UF/IFAS recs.

Safety/Pro Notes: