If you are newer to Florida, sometimes identifying the sod types in your yard can be difficult. Most homes during the building stages were done with Bahia or St Augustine Floratam. Matching the type you already have in your neighborhood or lawn is essential. Below are some observations to make to know what type you may have. Or give us a call in Naples, Bonita Springs, Ft Myers, Cape Coral, Sarasota, Bradenton or anywhere between at Sunshine Sod, and you can always text us some pictures to help with sod types.
- Observe the Grass Blade
- Width: Is the blade narrow and fine or wide and coarse?
- Texture: Is it soft to the touch, stiff, or rough?
- Color: What shade of green is it? Some grass types have a lighter or darker hue.
- Examine Growth Patterns
- Spreading: Does it spread through runners above (Floratam) or below ground (Bermuda, Zoysia)?
- Above ground (stolons): Seen St. Augustine types Floratam, Seville, Provista.
- Below ground (rhizomes): Seen in Zoysia type like Empire, Icon, Zeon or Bermuda like Celebration, Bimini, Tifway, Latitude.
- Seasonal Growth
- Warm-season grasses: Thrive in summer and are dormant (brown) in winter. Examples: Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine.
- Sunlight and Shade Tolerance
- Full sun: Celebration Bermuda, Empire Zoysia St Augustine Floratam.
- Shade-tolerant: St. Augustine Seville and Palmetto
- Soil Type and Texture
- Some grasses prefer sandy soils (e.g., Bermuda), while others like heavier clay soils (e.g., St. Augustine).
- Visual Identification
- Bermuda Grass: Fine texture, light green, dense, and spreads via stolons and rhizomes.
- St. Augustine Grass: Coarse texture, wide blades, and spreads via stolons.
- Zoysia Grass: Medium to fine texture, dense, slow-growing, and resilient.
Identifying the type of sod in your yard is crucial for maintaining a healthy and vibrant lawn. By carefully observing the grass blade, growth patterns, seasonal behavior, sunlight requirements, soil preferences, and other visual characteristics, you can more easily determine which type of sod you have. This knowledge not only helps in lawn care but also ensures that you choose the right products and practices for optimal growth.
If you’re still unsure about your sod type, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Sunshine Sod in Naples, Bonita Springs, Ft Myers, Cape Coral, Sarasota, Bradenton, or any nearby area. We’re here to assist you and can help you identify your sod type through pictures and expert advice. Your lawn deserves the best care, so let’s make it thrive together!
