Jacksonville Sod Guide: Best Grass Types, Installation & Lawn Care Tips

1. Jacksonville’s Climate

Jacksonville sits in a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters that can still see frost. Rainfall is abundant but uneven - long wet spells followed by dry periods. Sandy soils dominate, which drain quickly but don’t hold nutrients well. This mix means lawns need warm-season grasses that tolerate heat, humidity, and occasional cold snaps (UF/IFAS).

2. Best Sod Types for Jacksonville

Several warm-season grasses thrive here:

• St. Augustinegrass – The most popular choice. Quick establishment, good shade and salt tolerance. Susceptible to chinch bugs and disease if overwatered. Cultivars like Floratam, Palmetto, and Seville suit different needs.

• Zoysiagrass – Dense, attractive turf with good drought and wear tolerance. Slower to establish but excellent for high-traffic lawns. Cultivars like Empire perform well (UF/IFAS Zoysia Guide).

• Bermudagrass – Handles full sun and heavy traffic, making it ideal for athletic or play areas. Poor shade tolerance and higher maintenance needs. Newer cultivars like Bimini improve drought tolerance.

• Bahia – Low-input, coarse grass that thrives in sandy soils with little care. Best for utility areas, not showpiece lawns.

3. Local Factors That Affect Sod Choice

• Shade: Choose Palmetto, Seville, or BitterBlue St. Augustine for dappled yards. Floratam requires full sun.

• Coastal Salt: St. Augustine tolerates salt spray best.

• Soils: Jacksonville’s sandy soils benefit from soil testing and amendments (UF/IFAS soil testing).

• Weather Extremes: Warm-season grasses will brown in winter but rebound quickly in spring. Choose cold-tolerant cultivars to avoid winter kill.

4. Seasonal Sod Maintenance

Winter (Dec–Feb): Growth slows. Water only in dry spells, mow less often, and avoid fertilizing.
Spring (Mar–May): Resume mowing at proper height (St. Augustine 3.5–4 in). Fertilize mid- to late April. Apply pre-emergent for weeds.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Peak growth. Mow weekly, irrigate deeply but less frequently, and monitor for chinch bugs and sod webworms. Fertilize again if needed.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Fertilize in early fall to prepare for dormancy. Keep mowing until growth slows. Repair bare spots or lay sod in September–October.

For St. Augustine specifically, see the UF/IFAS homeowner’s guide.

5. Best Time to Lay Sod in Jacksonville

The ideal planting windows are spring (April–May) and early fall (September–October).

• Spring sod benefits from warm soil and regular rains.

• Fall sod avoids summer heat and weeds, while still rooting before winter.

Avoid mid-summer (stressful heat) and mid-winter (slow rooting). Always install sod within 24 hours of delivery and water thoroughly (UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping).

6. General Sod Tips

• Test soil first to adjust pH and nutrients.

• Follow Duval County fertilizer ordinances to protect waterways (City of Jacksonville).

• Water wisely: For established lawns, irrigate early morning with ½–¾ inch per cycle, only when grass shows stress.

• Mow high, mow often: Never remove more than one-third of the blade.

• Monitor pests and diseases: Chinch bugs in St. Augustine and webworms in Bermuda are common.

• New sod care: Water lightly 2–3 times daily for the first week, tapering off as roots establish. Avoid heavy traffic until rooted.

Final Word

With its hot summers, sandy soils, and mild winters, Jacksonville offers a great environment for warm-season grasses. St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Bermuda dominate, but the best choice depends on shade, traffic, and maintenance goals. With the right sod and seasonal care, you can enjoy a resilient, green lawn year-round.