Save Money on Your Lawn: How to Turn One Pallet of Centipede Grass Into Four
Laying sod is one of the fastest ways to establish a lush, green lawn, but the cost of multiple pallets of grass can add up quickly. If you're on a budget but still want that beautiful centipede grass lawn, here's some great news: with a little effort, you can stretch one pallet of sod into four by cutting the grass into smaller pieces and planting it strategically. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process step by step, helping you save money while still achieving a gorgeous yard.
Why Centipede Grass is Perfect for This Hack
Centipede grass is a popular choice for Southern lawns because of its low maintenance, drought tolerance, and ability to spread through stolons (above-ground runners). This spreading habit makes it ideal for this technique, as the grass will naturally fill in the gaps over time. By cutting the sod into smaller sections and planting them strategically, you can encourage the grass to grow and cover the entire area without needing to purchase extra pallets.
A single pallet of centipede sod
A sharp utility knife or sod cutter
A shovel or garden trowel
Measuring tape or stakes and string for spacing
Access to water for regular irrigation
How to Turn One Pallet Into Four
Step 1: Measure Your Yard
Before you start, calculate the total square footage of the area you want to sod. Knowing the dimensions of your yard will help you determine how far apart to space the pieces of sod for optimal coverage.
Step 2: Cut the Sod
Lay the sod out flat on a driveway or other clean surface. Using a utility knife or sod cutter, divide the sod into smaller pieces. Each piece should be approximately 6-12 inches square. These smaller "plugs" of grass will serve as the foundation for your lawn.
Step 3: Prepare the Soil
Proper soil preparation is key to ensuring the plugs take root and thrive. Loosen the top 4-6 inches of soil and remove any rocks, weeds, or debris. Centipede grass thrives in sandy, slightly acidic soil, so consider testing and amending your soil if necessary.
Step 4: Plant the Plugs
Plant each sod plug 12-18 inches apart in a grid pattern. Use a shovel or trowel to dig shallow holes, then place the plugs into the holes and press them down firmly. Fill in around the edges with soil to secure them in place.
Step 5: Water Regularly
For the first 2-3 weeks, water your plugs daily to keep the soil moist and encourage root growth. Once the plugs are established, you can reduce watering to a more typical lawn care schedule.
Step 6: Fertilize and Maintain
Apply a light fertilizer designed for centipede grass to encourage healthy growth. Mow the lawn once the grass begins to spread, but avoid cutting it too short—centipede grass prefers to stay around 1.5-2 inches in height.
How Long Will It Take to Fill In?
Patience is key when using this method. Depending on your climate and growing conditions, it may take 6-12 months for the grass to fully fill in. However, with proper care and regular maintenance, the results are worth the wait—and you’ll have saved hundreds of dollars in the process.
Additional Tips for Success
Choose the right time to plant: Late Spring to early summer is ideal for centipede grass planting, as it thrives in warm temperatures.
Keep weeds at bay: Weeds can compete with the plugs for nutrients and water, so keep them under control during the establishment phase.
Be patient: The grass will take time to spread, but its natural stolon growth ensures that it will eventually cover the entire area.
By cutting one pallet of centipede grass into smaller pieces and planting them as plugs, you can stretch your landscaping budget and still achieve a healthy, green lawn. While this method requires a bit more time and effort upfront, the long-term savings make it well worth it. Plus, there’s something satisfying about watching your yard transform into a lush oasis—all while knowing you saved money doing it.
Ready to try it out? Grab your tools, get your hands dirty, and let your centipede grass do the rest!
How to Save Money by Turning One Pallet of Centipede Grass into Four
If you’re looking to grow a beautiful, lush lawn without spending a fortune, you’re in the right place! Centipede grass is a popular choice for Southern lawns due to its low maintenance and natural spreading ability. With a simple DIY method, you can save money by cutting one pallet of centipede sod into smaller plugs and turning it into four times the coverage. Let’s dive into this cost-saving, eco-friendly lawn care strategy!
Centipede grass is perfect for this money-saving hack because:
It spreads naturally through stolons (above-ground runners).
It thrives in sandy, acidic soil, making it ideal for Southern climates.
It’s low-maintenance, requiring less water, mowing, and fertilizing than other grasses.
By dividing your sod into smaller plugs, you allow the grass to grow and fill in over time, creating a dense and healthy lawn without the expense of multiple pallets.
Supplies You Need for Cutting and Planting Centipede Sod
To stretch your centipede grass coverage, gather these items:
One pallet of centipede sod
A sharp utility knife or sod cutter
A garden trowel or shovel
Measuring tape or stakes and string (for spacing)
A reliable water source for irrigation
Step-by-Step Guide to Turning One Pallet into Four
Step 1: Measure Your Lawn Area
Before you begin, calculate the square footage of your yard. This helps you space out your sod plugs effectively to maximize coverage.
Step 2: Cut the Sod Into Smaller Plugs
Unroll the sod and place it on a flat surface like a driveway. Use a utility knife to cut the sod into smaller squares or rectangles about 6-12 inches wide. These smaller pieces will serve as the foundation for your new lawn.
Step 3: Prepare the Soil
Centipede grass thrives in well-prepared soil. Loosen the top 4-6 inches, remove debris, and test your soil pH. Centipede grass prefers slightly acidic soil (pH 5-6). Adjust the soil with lime or sulfur if necessary to create the best conditions.
Step 4: Space and Plant the Plugs
Plant the plugs in a grid pattern, spacing them 12-18 inches apart. Use a trowel or shovel to dig shallow holes, place the plugs inside, and press the soil around them to ensure good contact.
Step 5: Water Consistently
Water your plugs daily for the first few weeks to help them establish strong roots. Once the grass starts to spread, you can reduce watering to 1-2 times per week.
Step 6: Fertilize and Maintain
Apply a slow-release fertilizer designed for centipede grass to encourage healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as centipede grass doesn’t require much nitrogen. Keep the grass at a height of 1.5-2 inches for best results.
How Long Does It Take to Fill In?
Using this method, it can take 6-12 months for the grass to fill in completely, depending on your location, climate, and maintenance routine. However, with patience and care, you’ll enjoy a full, green lawn—and save hundreds of dollars in the process.
Tips for Success with Centipede Grass Plugs
Plant in the right season: Late Spring to early summer is the ideal time to plant centipede grass.
Control weeds: Keep the area weed-free to ensure your plugs get all the nutrients and water they need.
Be patient: Centipede grass is slow growing, but its natural spreading ability will eventually create a dense lawn.
Why This DIY Method Saves You Money
Buying pallets of sod can be expensive, especially if you’re covering a large area. By cutting your sod into plugs, you:
Reduce upfront costs: One pallet provides the coverage of four.
Save on labor: No need to hire professionals—this is a simple DIY project.
Minimize maintenance costs: Centipede grass’s low water and fertilizer requirements make it an economical choice.
Conclusion: A Budget-Friendly Lawn Transformation
Creating a healthy, vibrant lawn doesn’t have to break the bank. By cutting your centipede grass sod into smaller plugs and planting them strategically, you can achieve a full lawn over time while saving money. This technique is perfect for homeowners looking for a DIY solution to their landscaping needs.
Start today and watch your centipede grass grow into a beautiful, thriving lawn all without spending a fortune!
