If you want a thick, clean lawn that holds up to family, pets, and South Louisiana weather, Zoysia sod is tough to beat. At Clean Cut Landscape Co., we install Zoysia the right way so it roots fast, stays green longer, and drains like it should. Our owner, Mario, better known around town as “The Sod Father” – has been transforming yards with Metairie Sod Installation for years with proven prep, proper grading, and tight seams you can’t spot from the sidewalk.
Below is how we make Zoysia sod look great on day one and even better in year one.
Why Choose Zoysia for Metairie
Zoysia is a smart pick for our heat, humidity, and surprise storms. Here’s why homeowners love it:
- Soft feel, thick carpet: Feels good under bare feet and fills in tight, so weeds have a hard time getting started.
- Holds color in heat: Takes summer sun like a champ and stays dense with good irrigation.
- Better drought tolerance: Needs less water once established compared to many other grasses.
- Shade tolerant (within reason): Handles partial shade better than Bermuda (full shade still needs the right variety and plan).
- Great durability: Kids, dogs, backyard projects, Zoysia bounces back.
Popular Zoysia Types We Install
We’ll match the variety to your yard’s sun, soil, and traffic:
- Zeon Zoysia: Fine blade, lush look, good shade tolerance.
- Emerald Zoysia: Deep green, tight knit, showpiece finish.
- Palisades Zoysia: Wider blade, rugged, great for high-traffic lawns.
Not sure which is best? “The Sod Father” will walk your site and point you to the right choice without the guesswork.
The Clean Cut Metairie Sod Installation Process
A great Zoysia lawn doesn’t start on delivery day, it starts with groundwork. Here’s our step-by-step:
- Site Assessment & Plan
We check sun vs. shade, soil type, low spots, and water flow. If you’ve got puddles after rain, we plan drainage fixes first. - Grading & Drainage
We shape the yard so water moves away from the house and doesn’t sit under the sod. If needed, we add French drains, catch basins, or downspout tie-ins. - Soil Prep
- Clear weeds and old turf
- Loosen topsoil 2-3 inches
- Add soil amendments if needed (sand/topsoil/compost blend)
- Final rake for a smooth, even finish
- Sod Delivery & Laying
Fresh-cut Zoysia arrives the same day we install. We lay tight seams in a brick pattern so you don’t get visible lines later. Corners are cut to fit, not forced. - Rolling & Watering
We roll the lawn to seat the sod to the soil, remove air pockets, and trigger first watering to start the root bond. - Controller Setup & Care Plan
We set your irrigation schedule, show you how to check moisture, and give you a simple week-by-week guide.
That’s the Clean Cut difference: no shortcuts, no “slap it down and go.” Every step is designed to help Zoysia root fast and stay thick.
Watering & Mowing Schedule (Weeks 0–8)
Weeks 0–2 (Establishing Roots):
- Water daily to keep the top 1 inch of soil consistently moist. Early morning is best.
- Stay off the lawn as much as possible.
Weeks 3–4 (Deepening Roots):
- Water every other day, a bit deeper.
- Light foot traffic is okay, but no heavy play yet.
Weeks 5–8 (Transition to Maintenance):
- Water 2–3 times per week depending on heat and rain.
- First mow when the sod is firmly rooted and grass height is about 2.5-3″. Never remove more than 1/3 of the blade.
Ongoing Care:
- Mow at 1.5–2.5″ for most Zoysia varieties (we’ll confirm the exact range based on your type).
- Water deeply, not daily – let the top dry slightly between cycles.
- Fertilize light and right. We’ll recommend timing for spring and mid-summer based on your yard.
Zoysia vs. Other Grasses in Metairie
| Feature | Zoysia | St. Augustine | Bermuda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Shade Tolerance | Good (variety-dependent) | Good | Poor to Fair |
| Traffic Durability | Excellent | Fair to Good | Good |
| Water Use (established) | Lower to Moderate | Moderate | Lower |
| Weed Resistance | High (dense canopy) | Moderate | Moderate |
| Look & Feel | Lush, tight, “carpet-like” | Broad blade, classic look | Fine blade, sport-turf feel |
If you like a thick, golf-course look with strong durability, Zoysia usually wins.
Common Problems We Fix Before Laying Sod
- Standing water or soft spots: We regrade or install drains so new sod doesn’t rot.
- Compacted soil: We loosen and amend the soil to help roots punch down.
- Shade pockets: We pick the right Zoysia variety and adjust irrigation.
- Sprinkler issues: We test and tune heads so coverage is even. No more dry rings or swampy corners.
What Sets “The Sod Father” Apart
Mario earned the nickname because he treats sod like a craft, not a commodity. That means:
- Tight seams, straight lines, and clean edges
- Proper prep so you’re not paying for sod that struggles
- Honest guidance on variety, watering, mowing, and timing
- Clear pricing and a tidy job site
When neighbors ask why your lawn looks different, it’s usually because of the parts you can’t see, the grading, the soil, and the way the seams were placed. That’s the “Sod Father” standard.
Licenses, Certifications & Protection
We carry the proper Louisiana landscape and irrigation credentials, plus full insurance. Lots of “low-bid” crews skip this. We don’t. You get professional Metairie sod installation that protects your home, your investment, and your peace of mind.
FAQs
How fast will Zoysia root?
You’ll see strong rooting in 2-4 weeks with proper watering and low traffic. Full establishment comes over the next few months.
Can you install Zoysia year-round?
We install most of the year. Spring and early summer are ideal for fast rooting. Fall installs work too with the right watering plan. We’ll advise based on your timing.
Do I need a sprinkler system?
It helps a lot, especially the first month. We can add a simple, reliable system or tune your current one so coverage is even.
Will Zoysia work in my shady backyard?
Light to moderate shade is fine with the right variety and care. Full shade is tough for any warm-season grass; we’ll be straight with you about options.
How do I keep weeds out?
A dense Zoysia canopy blocks most weeds. We also offer seasonal bed refreshes and preventative treatments as part of maintenance.
Ready for a Yard You’re Proud Of?
If you want that thick, even, “walk-out-with-coffee” lawn, let Clean Cut Landscape Co. handle your Zoysia sod installation. With Mario, “The Sod Father,” leading the way, you’ll get a lawn that looks sharp now and holds up for years.
Call Clean Cut Landscape Co. to schedule your on-site estimate for Metairie Zoysia sod installation. We’ll check drainage, pick the right variety, prep the soil the right way, and deliver the best-looking lawn on your block.
