Signs Your Lawn Needs New Sod (and Which to Choose).

Signs Your Lawn Needs New Sod (and Which to Choose).

A beautiful lawn can start with seed in some climates, but Florida’s heat and humidity make that more challenging than many new homeowners realize. If you’re dreaming of a dense green lawn but keep finding bare patches instead, sod is a faster route to filling those spaces than overseeding and constant watering. The key is choosing the right sod to ensure that your additions thrive even in the challenging climate.

Signs Your Florida Lawn Needs Sod Replacement

Sometimes existing lawns can’t be saved by targeted overseeding alone. In these cases, removing the existing turf and starting fresh with a new sod installation is usually the best course of action. Signs that your lawn can only be rescued by sod replacement include:

  • Extensive bare patches, especially if grass refuses to grow or struggles to establish in those areas
  • Issues with fungus, disease, or pet damage killing off large portions of your lawn
  • Clear soil quality issues such as standing water, compaction, thatching, and grub infestations
  • Weed growth that has taken over more than 30% to 50% of the total lawn area
  • Drainage issues that lead to standing water or completely sodden soil.

While removing the turf and putting in new sod won’t automatically improve the soil or treat pests and disease, it gives you a chance to do all of these things at once. You can bring in a new layer of healthy topsoil and undergo an intensive fertilization and pest treatment regimen to make sure the new sod for sale has the best chance of succeeding.

Finding the Right Fit: A Guide to Sod Varieties Grown by Duda Sod

At Duda Sod, we’ve spent decades growing premium sod varieties tailored for Florida’s unique climate and customer needs. Whether you’re a homeowner looking for curb appeal, a landscaper seeking durable turf, or a municipality in need of large-scale coverage, we offer a range of options to meet every project.

Here’s a quick look at the standout varieties we grow across our farms:

St. Augustine Varieties
 St. Augustine is known for its thick blades and vibrant green appearance. It thrives in warm climates and is a popular choice for residential lawns.

  • Floratam: Our most widely available variety, Floratam is ideal for full sun, with fast growth and excellent drought tolerance.
  • CitraBlue®: Known for its deep blue-green color and improved shade tolerance. Great for homeowners seeking aesthetic appeal and a hardy lawn.
  • Seville: A fine-textured St. Augustine, Seville is perfect for shaded areas and offers a low-growth profile.
  • Scotts® ProVista™ St. Augustine: A premium variety that stays greener longer, grows slower (meaning less mowing), and provides built-in weed control benefits.

Zoysia Varieties
 Zoysia grass is dense, soft underfoot, and highly wear-tolerant. It’s great for homes and high-traffic areas alike.

  • EMPIRE® Zoysia: Tough yet lush, EMPIRE offers a striking dark green color and can handle foot traffic like a champ.
  • Icon™ Zoysia: This salt-tolerant variety is ideal for coastal areas, combining beauty with hardiness.

Bahia Grass

Bahia is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant grass that’s ideal for pastures, wide-open landscapes, and roadside projects.

The Duda Difference
 With sod farms in Cocoa, Lake Placid, and Oviedo, our team brings local expertise and top-quality turf directly from our fields to yours. Each of our varieties is grown with Florida’s climate in mind, ensuring strong performance, visual appeal, and long-term value.

Still not sure which sod is right for your needs? Contact one of our locations for expert recommendations and to learn more about availability and pricing.