Sod is the quickest way to an instant lawn. So what’s the downside to sod? It’s more expensive, which results in people trying seeds over and over again. In our opinion, it would be better to replace your lawn in phases than to continually waste money on seeds that never take.

Can seeds ever work?

Absolutely! Sometimes seeds do work, but if they don’t work the first time, they’re probably not the solution for your particular situation. It’s time to save up and consider sod. Here are some instances where we’ve seen seeds do well:

• A resting yard. If the area is mostly undisturbed with minimum foot traffic (no pets or children tearing up the ground) the seeds are more likely to be successful. 
• Dappled light or areas with shorter lengths of direct sunlight. When the grass germinates, this will keep it from drying out and dying in the harsh sun. Monitor your yard’s sun exposure and make sure to purchase the right type of seeds for your particular situation.
• When using a sprinkler system, or a strict watering schedule. This will give the seeds the moisture they need. Follow the directions on your particular brand of seeds.

PRO TIP: Follow the specific instructions on your brand of seeds and follow their recommended watering schedule.

Is sod ever affordable?

It’s rarely “cheap” but there are ways to save. Consider purchasing from a local sod farm. A straight-from-farm product is usually cheaper and healthier than that dried out stuff you pick up from the local home improvement store. Most farms deliver the sod straight to your yard. Keep in mind, farms usually sell by the palate, so if you need less than their minimum order, ask a neighbor if they would be interested in splitting the cost.

There are also big savings by installing the sod yourself. It’s not a fun job, and can be a lot of work, so work in stages and/or ask some family or friends to help.

PRO TIP: You must water new sod everyday until it is established. This is best done in the very early morning just before the sun comes up.

What if I don’t want either?

If you’d like to shrink your lawn, design areas to plant bushes. Azaleas bloom pretty flowers every spring and are a very hearty, low maintenance option. Knock Out Roses are a great continuous flowering option. You could also create rock beds or plain mulched zones with or without planters.

Lawn Care Tips:

“Cut it high to thrive!”

First, Florida lawns do much better when cut on the highest mower setting. We’ve found the taller the grass, the deeper the roots, and the thicker the lawn. This is a simple way to keep the grass healthy and block the weeds out.

PRO TIP: If you’re cutting your lawn with the lowest (shortest) blade setting on your mower, that’s probably why it’s not thriving. It’s often the reason for dead or bare spots too.

Next, a sprinkler system with a regular watering schedule is a must for keeping a lawn in Florida. Florida grasses are hearty and drought tolerant but they still need regular watering to really thrive.

DID YOU KNOW?: Your city/county likely has designated watering days. Watering outside of those days can result in fines. (New sod is usually an exception.) Be sure to follow your area’s watering schedule and rules.

Finally, watch out for invaders! Dig or pull up weeds, crab grass, and torpedo grass as soon as you see them. Skip the weed killers.

Cheers to creating a plush, picnic-worthy lawn!