4 Popular Types of Sod That Thrive in Florida

In Florida, four popular sod types thrive due to the climate: St. Augustine Palmetto, St. Augustine Floratam, Empire Zoysia, and Argentine Bahia. St. Augustine Palmetto excels in shade and offers a lush appearance with moderate maintenance. St. Augustine Floratam is heat-resistant, ideal for sunny areas, and requires regular care, but is pest-resistant. Empire Zoysia, known for its darker green color than other types, is drought-tolerant and well-suited for high-traffic areas. Meanwhile, Argentine Bahia thrives in various soils, is low-maintenance, and cost-effective for large properties, though it lacks the lushness of other options. Each sod type offers unique benefits for diverse landscapes.

1. St. Augustine Palmetto Sod

St. Augustine Palmetto sod is a favorite choice for property owners across Florida. Known for its shade tolerance and vibrant emerald green color, Palmetto is perfect for those who have a yard with varying light conditions.

St. Augustine Palmetto offers several benefits, making it a preferred sod type. One of its leading advantages is its ability to thrive in partial shade. While it excels in sunny areas, it can adapt to dappled sunlight, making it versatile. The sod presents a soft texture with a medium to deep green color, contributing to a lush, appealing appearance that enhances any landscape. Additionally, it handles foot traffic moderately well, making it suitable for lawns with lots of activity. In terms of maintenance, St. Augustine Palmetto requires regular watering and mowing to maintain its allure. Although it is moderately drought-tolerant, consistent irrigation helps to keep it thriving and healthy.

2. St. Augustine Floratam Sod

Developed specifically for the hot, humid conditions of Florida, St. Augustine Floratam sod is another excellent choice for property owners who want to transform their yards. Floratam is characterized by its remarkable heat resistance, making it ideal for the intense conditions in sunny areas. It grows vigorously, creating a dense ground cover that suppresses weeds, reducing the need for extensive herbicides. With its coarse texture and dark green color, it provides a robust appearance suitable for expansive lawns and public spaces.

St. Augustine Floratam sod requires slightly more maintenance than its Palmetto counterpart. Regular mowing and watering are essential to keep it looking its best. However, it is more resistant to pests and diseases, making it a practical choice for those who prefer a resilient lawn.

3. Empire Zoysia Sod

Empire Zoysia sod is gaining popularity in Florida due to its dense growth pattern, making it an excellent option for various landscapes. This sod option is known for its soft texture and thick grass blades, which give it a pleasing aesthetic. It provides a dark green hue that remains vibrant throughout the growing season. This sod type is particularly drought-tolerant and exhibits excellent resilience to wear and tear, making it suitable for high-traffic areas. The maintenance of Empire Zoysia sod is low, as it grows slowly, reducing the need for mowing. However, it does need regular watering to stay healthy and flourish.

4. Argentine Bahia Sod

Argentine Bahia sod is a durable, low-maintenance sod commonly used in Florida. One of the primary advantages of Argentine Bahia is its ability to establish deep root systems and thrive in a variety of soil types. It is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal fertilization, making it a cost-effective choice for large properties. With its coarse texture and light green color, it provides a natural look that works well in any setting.

In terms of maintenance, Argentine Bahia is relatively hands-off. It requires less frequent mowing and watering compared to other sod types. Additionally, its thick, blanket-like growth helps crowd out weeds, and it boasts incredible resistance to diseases and pests.

Give us a call today or visit our nursery to choose from our top-quality sod options!

If you're looking to establish a new lawn on your property, you've come to the right place. Our landscaping nursery at Royal Landscape Nursery carries a large selection of sod options that thrive in Florida, including St. Augustine Palmetto sod, St. Augustine Floratam sod, Empire Zoysia sod, and Argentine Bahia sod. Our team of experts will work closely with you to determine which type of sod is best suited for your property. Best of all, we also provide a delivery service to bring your sod right to your doorstep.

We sell sod at our nursery in Gotha, FL, which is open to the public and in close proximity to areas like Orlando, Winter Garden, and Windermere, among others. Give us a call today at (407) 296-3042 or visit our nursery to select the perfect sod for your property!