Resodding your yard is a multistep process. If done well, you will have success long term. The lawn variety you choose may adjust your plan a little, but we cover an overview; for a review of lawn types, please see this article. Which Lawn Grasses Work Best In Houston? – HomeShow Garden Pros Radio
If possible, seasonality does matter if possible, wait to install until the pleasant weather windows, Late August through November, and then late February through late May, are the ideal windows.
Know your soil, and a simple soil test may help understand if you have any significant issues that will stymie your efforts. TAMU has an excellent simple test. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Soil, Water and Forage Testing Laboratory (tamu.edu))
Step 1: Deal with the current situation, weeds, compaction, drainage.
Weeds like dollar weed and Bermuda can be very pervasive through your lawn if not dealt with; the best bet is a sharpened garden hoe or mattock and removes weed pests. This method is often more effective than herbicide, in my experience.
Compacted or unhealthy soils lead to medium- and longer-term health problems. Solutions are easily found using compost as a top dress or a heavy Humates Plus treatment. If you can combine these treatments with Nature’s Way remineralize, you will be ready to sod. Generally, putting down compost as a topdressing is an excellent alternative to tilling the soil, and it is easier than planting. Roots will have a better opportunity to thrive. The compost serves as a leveler as well.
Step 2: Laying down the sod carefully.
Measure your space as thoroughly as possible. Each pallet of sod covers about 400 square feet. You really will be happy sodding the whole area. The puzzle piece approach looks goofy and makes it more challenging to establish and water, and encourages weeds to grow in the gaps. We care about lining the edges up. More effort at this stage makes a long-term impact.
Step 3: The next few weeks.
The Sod itself has very few roots; this means that it dries out quickly; watering lightly and often is critical. For three- or four weeks, water three times a day for 5 minutes. This is the opposite of the future watering plan but keeping the area consistently moist for a month or less is essential for survival. During the root development time, you can lightly topdress with high-quality compost. This will add nitrogen and carbon and is safe. Do not fertilizer with a synthetic fertilizer for 3 or 4 months (if ever) because it can harm roots. MicroLife is fine for this period; apply lightly.
Particularly important to remember that the root development period is the crucial period. You can set the stage for long-term success or struggles. Think root development over all else, and you will be happy with your new lawn for a long time.