Sod Types for Jacksonville
St. Augustine, Zoysia, Bermuda, or Bahia? Choose the right grass for your property's sun, shade, traffic, and maintenance needs.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | St. Augustine | Zoysia | Bermuda | Bahia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shade Tolerance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate | ❌ None | ⭐ Poor |
| Traffic Tolerance | ⭐⭐ Fair | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best | ⭐⭐ OK |
| Drought Tolerance | ⭐⭐ Needs water | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium | High | Low |
| Cost | $$ | $$$ | $$ | $ |
| Blade Texture | Broad, coarse | Fine, dense | Very fine | Open, coarse |
St. Augustine Grass
The Florida Classic
The most popular residential grass in Northeast Florida. St. Augustine produces a lush, wide-bladed, deep-green lawn that thrives in our climate. Multiple varieties offer different levels of shade tolerance.
Pros
- ✓Best shade tolerance of any Florida grass
- ✓Excellent salt tolerance for coastal properties
- ✓Dense growth that crowds out weeds
- ✓Lush, carpet-like appearance
Cons
- ✗Susceptible to chinch bugs
- ✗Higher water requirements
- ✗Prone to fungal issues in humid conditions
- ✗Not great for heavy foot traffic
Varieties Available
Best For: Shaded yards, coastal properties, established neighborhoods
Zoysia Grass
The Premium Up-and-Comer
Zoysia has exploded in popularity for good reason. Its fine-textured, dense growth creates a "golf course" look, and it handles foot traffic, drought, and pests better than St. Augustine.
Pros
- ✓Soft, carpet-like texture — best barefoot grass
- ✓Excellent traffic tolerance for kids and pets
- ✓Chinch bug resistant
- ✓Superior drought tolerance
Cons
- ✗Higher upfront cost than St. Augustine
- ✗Slower to repair from damage
- ✗Builds thatch that needs periodic management
- ✗Goes dormant (browns) in winter
Varieties Available
Best For: Active families, pet owners, full-sun yards, drought-prone areas
Bermuda Grass
The Athlete
Bermuda is the grass of golf courses and sports fields. It recovers from damage faster than any other grass and maintains a beautiful, fine-textured appearance when maintained properly.
Pros
- ✓Fastest damage recovery of any warm-season grass
- ✓Highest traffic tolerance available
- ✓Beautiful fine texture when mowed low
- ✓Aggressive spreading fills bare spots quickly
Cons
- ✗Zero shade tolerance — full sun only
- ✗Highest maintenance requirements
- ✗Invasive — will spread into flower beds
- ✗Requires frequent mowing
Varieties Available
Best For: Full-sun properties, sports areas, high-traffic commercial sites
Bahia Grass
The Budget-Friendly Workhorse
Bahia is the toughest, most low-maintenance grass for Florida. Deep roots make it nearly indestructible once established. Not the prettiest lawn, but the most practical for large areas.
Pros
- ✓Lowest cost sod option
- ✓Incredible drought tolerance with deep roots
- ✓Minimal fertilizer needs
- ✓Resistant to virtually all pests and diseases
Cons
- ✗Open, coarse texture — not a "manicured" look
- ✗Prolific seed head production
- ✗Poor shade tolerance
- ✗Allows weeds to mix in due to open growth
Varieties Available
Best For: Large lots, budget-conscious projects, properties without irrigation
Not Sure Which to Choose?
Have large oak trees?
St. Augustine (Palmetto or Seville) — best shade tolerance.
Active kids and dogs?
Zoysia (Empire) — handles foot traffic like a champ.
Full sun, athletic use?
Bermuda — the sports turf champion.
No irrigation system?
Bahia — survives on rainfall alone once established.
Want the best-looking lawn?
St. Augustine (Floratam) or Zoysia (Empire) with proper care.
Ready to Transform Your Lawn?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from Jacksonville's trusted sod experts. With over 40 years of experience, we'll connect you with the right installers for a perfect lawn.