Yes. Under Sod™ can be used for warm-season sod installations, including bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and bahiagrass. Although Under Sod™ is often discussed in cool-season markets like the Northeast, the product was designed around the installation process itself: preparing the soil beneath new sod so roots can establish faster and the sod can recover from transplant stress.
Quick answer
Under Sod™ is a fertilizer for new sod installations — not one grass type or one region. Whether you are laying Kentucky bluegrass in the Northeast or bermudagrass in the South, it goes on the prepared soil before the sod, at the same simple rate: one 25 lb bag per 500 sq ft, about one pallet of sod.
Why Warm-Season Sod Still Needs Fertilizer Underneath
Warm-season grasses are often installed as sod because they spread aggressively and create dense lawns in hot climates. But even tough grasses like bermudagrass and zoysiagrass still go through stress when they are harvested, shipped, installed, and watered into a new site.
The root zone beneath the sod matters. If the soil below the new sod is biologically weak, compacted, low in nutrients, or lacking organic matter, establishment can be slower and uneven. Under Sod™ is applied before the sod is installed so the fertilizer and biological ingredients are placed directly where new roots need to grow.
Warm-Season Grass Types
Bermudagrass Sod
Bermudagrass is one of the most common warm-season sod grasses in the southern United States. Under Sod™ can be applied beneath bermudagrass sod to support early root development, soil contact, and establishment during the active growing season.
Zoysiagrass Sod
Zoysiagrass forms a dense, high-quality lawn but can be slower to establish than bermudagrass. Under Sod™ helps support the root zone during installation by combining K-forward, moderate-phosphorus fertility with humic acid, seaweed extract, named endomycorrhizae, and a *Bacillus* and *Trichoderma* package, all iron-free by design.
St. Augustinegrass Sod
St. Augustinegrass is commonly installed as sod in warm, humid regions. Under Sod™ can be used beneath St. Augustinegrass sod to help support establishment and recovery after installation.
Bahiagrass and Centipedegrass Sod
Bahiagrass and centipedegrass are lower-input warm-season grasses. Under Sod™ may still be used, but soil test recommendations and local fertilizer guidelines should be followed, especially in sandy soils or areas with phosphorus restrictions.
The Simple Application Rate
1 bag = 500 sq ft = about 1 sod pallet
Apply Under Sod™ evenly to the prepared soil before laying sod. Install the sod directly over the treated soil, then water immediately and follow proper establishment watering practices.
How to apply under warm-season sod
- Finish grading and final soil prep for a smooth, firm surface.
- Spread one 25 lb bag per 500 sq ft of prepared soil — about one pallet of sod.
- Lay the sod directly on top of the treated soil.
- Water immediately, then follow proper establishment watering for your region.
When to Use Under Sod™ on Warm-Season Grass
For warm-season sod, Under Sod™ should be used when the grass is actively growing and conditions are suitable for sod establishment. Warm-season grasses root best when soil temperatures are warm and the grass is not dormant.
Avoid applying fertilizer to dormant warm-season turf or during periods when local guidelines advise against fertilization. For centipedegrass, bahiagrass, sandy soils, or phosphorus-sensitive areas, follow soil test recommendations or local fertilizer guidelines.
Why This Matters for Southern Sod Markets
Warm-season sod represents a major share of the U.S. sod market. Bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and bahiagrass are installed across large parts of the South, Southeast, Texas, Florida, the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and other warm-climate regions.
Under Sod™ gives sod farms, landscapers, contractors, and homeowners a simple product that matches the way sod is bought and installed: by the pallet. See the full product specs or what to put under new sod.
Bottom Line
Under Sod™ is not only for cool-season lawns. It is a fertilizer for new sod installations — and that includes both cool-season and warm-season sod when used properly.
For most bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, and St. Augustinegrass installations, the standard rate of one 25 lb bag per 500 sq ft is simple and easy to match with one pallet of sod. For centipedegrass, bahiagrass, sandy soils, or phosphorus-sensitive areas, follow soil test recommendations or local fertilizer guidelines.
Installing sod?
Use Under Sod™ beneath the sod before installation to support faster rooting, better establishment, and stronger soil health from day one. Join the notification list for launch and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Under Sod™ be used with bermudagrass sod?+
Yes. Under Sod™ can be applied beneath bermudagrass sod before installation to support root establishment and reduce transplant stress.
Can Under Sod™ be used with zoysiagrass sod?+
Yes. Zoysiagrass can be slower to establish than bermudagrass, so supporting the root zone beneath the sod is important.
Can Under Sod™ be used with St. Augustinegrass sod?+
Yes. Under Sod™ can be used beneath St. Augustinegrass sod during new sod installation.
Is Under Sod™ only for Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue?+
No. Under Sod™ is made for new sod installations and can be used with both cool-season and warm-season sod.
What is the application rate for warm-season sod?+
The standard rate is one 25 lb bag per 500 sq ft, which is approximately one sod pallet.
Should I use Under Sod™ on centipedegrass?+
Under Sod™ may be used with centipedegrass, but centipedegrass is a low-input grass. Follow soil test recommendations and local fertilizer guidelines.
Keep reading
Homeowners and installers are already asking what goes under new sod. UNDER SOD™ is the trademarked brand built specifically for that job.
Built for beneath the sod.
A 4-2-5, iron-free biological starter — named mycorrhizae, beneficial bacteria, Trichoderma, seaweed, and humic acid — at one bag per pallet. Launching Fall 2026 across the Northeast.