What Even is Sod Installation ?
Sod is a sheet or layer of grass that is still attached to a thin amount of its root. Typically, it’s organized into palettes that can easily be transported and rolled onto any space. Sod installation is an especially popular option among Florida homeowners because Florida’s soil is notoriously, well, bad.
Florida soil leaves a lot to be desired: it’s not nutrient-rich, but it is full of sand, making it difficult for most plants or trees to take root and receive all of the nutrients they need in order to thrive. With that said, choosing great sod that will thrive on your property is by no means impossible.
Bahia
Named after the Bahia region of Brazil to which it is native, this tropical grass is no stranger to tropical environments. On the same token, it does just fine when the temperature cools down, making it a super versatile option for any part of the Sunshine State
Bahia Grass Pros
Those who have Bahia grass tend to be super happy with it: it’s beautiful, super weather-resilient, and it does perfectly fine under a great deal of foot traffic and wear and tear.
Bahia Grass Cons
Despite its resilience, Bahia grass tends to sprout quite a few weeds. It’s also very fast-growing, requiring weekly mowing in order to stay under control.
St. Augustine
Here we’ve got the widespread favorite among new and seasoned Florida homeowners alike: St. Augustine Foratam grass. This is the grass type you’re most likely to have heard of, and for good reason: it’s got that signature true-green hue that comes to mind when you think of the Sunshine State.
St. Augustine Foratam Grass Pros
It’s super drought tolerant, grows incredibly fast, and does perfectly well around high salt concentrations. Bonus? Though it thrives in heat, it does just as well during the random two-week winters we see each year.
St. Augustine Foratam Grass Cons
Because this grass is so fast-growing, it’ll require pretty regular care in order to remain in ship shape.
Zoysia
This underdog definitely deserves a spot on our shortlist. Though it’s not as much of a household name as Bermuda grass, for example, it’s super popular among in-the-know Florida landscapers and professionals.
Zoysia Grass Pros
A golf course favorite, Zoysia grass has a level of wear-and-tear resilience that would be tough to beat. It’s also extremely resilient against disease, drought, and sun deprivation. Speaking of which: low-maintenance is the name of the game here, so if you’re looking to spend minimal time on landscaping, this is the best choice.
Zoysia Grass Cons
Though it does super well without a ton of sun or water, this grass does tend to halt growth if temperatures dip below the 70s, so it may not be a great option for those living in the northern half of Florida.