The Best Grass for South Florida Lawns

South Florida's heat, sandy soil and long rainy season suit warm season grasses. The best one for you depends on sun, shade, water and how much care you want to give it.

St. Augustine

• Look: wide, thick blades; the classic Florida lawn.
• Shade: the most shade tolerant common choice, especially varieties bred for shade.
• Salt: handles some salt, good near the coast.
• Watch for: chinch bugs in hot, dry spots, and it does not like heavy foot traffic.
• Best for: most home lawns with mixed sun and shade.

Zoysia

• Look: dense, soft, carpet like.
• Shade: moderate.
• Traffic: holds up well to kids and pets.
• Watch for: slow to recover from damage and can build up thatch.
• Best for: homeowners who want a premium look and will keep up with it.

Bahia

• Look: coarser, more open, with tall seed heads in summer.
• Shade: poor; it needs full sun.
• Drought: very tolerant; low water and fertilizer needs.
• Best for: large sunny lots and anyone who wants low cost, low care grass.

Bermuda

• Look: fine, dense, the kind used on sports fields.
• Shade: very poor.
• Traffic: excellent, and it repairs itself fast.
• Watch for: needs frequent mowing and can spread into flower beds.
• Best for: full sun yards with heavy use.

Quick picker

• Shady yard with trees: St. Augustine (shade variety).
• Kids and dogs: Zoysia or Bermuda in sun.
• Big sunny lot, low budget: Bahia.
• Coastal home: St. Augustine or salt tolerant Zoysia types.

Tips for a healthy Florida lawn

• Water deeply but less often, early in the morning, and follow local watering day rules.
• Mow at the right height for your grass; cutting too short invites weeds and stress.
• Check local fertilizer rules: many Florida counties restrict nitrogen during the summer rainy season.
• Replace dead patches with sod in the cooler months when it roots more easily.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to lay sod in South Florida?

Sod can go down most of the year with enough water. Fall through spring is easiest because the heat is lower.

Can I mix grass types?

It usually looks patchy. Pick one type that fits most of the yard and use groundcovers in deep shade.

Post your sod or lawn care job and get bids from local lawn pros, or find a lawn care pro near you.