Types of Sod in Florida
- Sod is an important feature of a beautiful landscape.grass, image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
A beautiful yard is the dream of many homeowners. Choosing the best sod (grass) for your location is one of the first steps in developing the lawn of your dreams. While there are many types of sod available, some are particularly suited to the heat and humidity that characterize Florida. - St. Augustine is hardy and holds up well in high temperatures and humidity, making it a good choice for Florida climate. It is the most commonly planted turf grass in the urban and coastal regions of the state. St. Augustine produces a dark to blue-green dense turf. It tolerates shade better than some other grasses. Proper fertilization and maintenance will produce a lush lawn. On the negative side, St. Augustine grass is susceptible to chinch bugs, which can destroy a lawn if left untreated. It will turn brown during drought conditions without proper irrigation.
- Zoysia grass is another hardy grass well suited to the warm climate of Florida. This grass can withstand extreme temperatures and is somewhat drought resistant. It survives even with infrequent or sporadic waterings. Zoysia grass requires frequent close mowing, particularly if it is in full sun. It is susceptible to grubs and should be monitored closely for their presence. Pesticides can be applied to the lawn to eradicate them.
- This type of grass is basically a ground cover. Bahai grass is drought resistant and typically is found in cow pastures across the state as well as along roadways. It can be made into a lawn with proper care and maintenance. Bahai grass has an extensive root system and holds up well to drought conditions in poor, sandy soils. It has a coarse texture and is difficult to mow. It is susceptible to mole crickets. It is resistant to herbicides making weed control difficult. Bahai grass does not tolerate salt spray making it a poor choice for coastal areas.
- Bermuda grass is found throughout the state of Florida on golf courses and athletic fields. It is a fine-textured, high-quality turf. It has a light- to dark-green dense appearance. Bermuda grass is suited to most soils in Florida and is somewhat drought resistant. Although this grass is sometimes used by homeowners, it requires specialized maintenance and is not typically recommended for home lawns.
