What Are the Best Sods to Use in Florida?

Planning to create an attractive lawn for your property? The first thing you’ll have to do is choose the right type of grass. When trying to pick the best sod for your Florida property, there are several factors that you’ll have to think about.

Main Considerations 

One of the most important factors to consider is the Sunshine State’s climate. Much of Florida’s climate is subtropical. That means there’s a huge amount of rain, humidity, and heat. Another factor to consider is that Florida is a peninsula. Living near the coastline would mean high salt content in the soil.

When choosing the best sod in Florida, your turf mustn’t just survive the conditions mentioned above; it should thrive in them as well.

Other factors to think about would be the amount of foot traffic your turf will be getting, the amount of sunlight or shade your lawn will be having, and the need for an irrigation system on your property.

With these factors in mind, we’ve come up with a list of the best sods to use on your Florida property.

1. St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine is the most common type of sod found in Florida lawns, especially in suburban and urban areas. That’s because this sod is known to be well adapted to the subtropical climate.

• Characteristic green to blue-green color
•  Will adapt whether your lawn is shady or not
• Adapts and grows in various soils
• Does well on lawns with an irrigation system
• Not resistant to heavy foot traffic
• Needs to be mowed weekly at the height of two to four inches tall
• Frequent watering
• Pest, fertilization, and disease control approximately six to eight times annually

2. Zoysia Grass

Zoysia is a medium to dark green grass. It’s one of the best grasses to grow in Florida since it’s resistant to chinch bugs. These bugs are common in the state.

• Perfect for high-end lawns
• Doesn’t need constant mowing because it grows slowly
• Cut it approximately an inch and a half in height
• Resistant to foot traffic, weed growth, and disease
• Can grow in various types of soil
• Doesn’t need much watering and fertilizer
• Can grow either on a sunny or shady lawn

3. Bermuda Grass

Bermuda is a tough, dark green grass that’s often seen on golf courses. It’s good for Florida’s climate since it’s drought-resistant.

• Doesn’t need frequent watering
• Strong root system
• Can withstand high foot traffic
• Needs to be mowed at least once a week
• Cut to a height of approximately one and a half inches
• Can grow in different soils
• Can withstand direct sun

If you’re choosing Bermuda for your project, here’s a helpful article on how to lay bermuda sod. 

4. Bahia Grass

Bahia sod is tough grass, and it grows well in the sandy soils of South Florida. It can also adapt to infertile soils and infrequent watering.

• Drought resistant
• Slow grower, so it doesn’t need constant mowing
• Cut to a height between two to four inches
• Doesn’t require much fertilization and pest control
• May have weeds and develop bald spots
• Can withstand foot traffic
• Doesn’t require an irrigation system

5. Buffalo Grass

Another grass type with a blue-green color that can withstand Florida’s climate is Buffalo grass since it thrives in high temperatures.

• Needs constant mowing
• Cut it at a height between one and a half to three inches
• Perfect for lawns that receive sun
• Doesn’t grow well on shaded lawns
• Resistant to low to medium levels of foot traffic
• Avoid overwatering
• Stays green all year

To Wrap Things Up

Choosing the right type of sod for your lawn will ensure that it will look its best all year round. Take note of your soil type, the amount of sun or shade it will be getting, and the amount of foot traffic it has to withstand. These are just some of the things to consider before you purchase your grass.

If you need any help in determining the best type of sod that’ll grow perfectly on your property, we’ll be more than happy to help. Landscape Improvements has been providing landscape and lawn care services in Orlando for almost thirty years. Visit us at 1880 Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804, or give us a ring (407) 426-9798.