The Best Types of Sod for Southwest Florida Lawns: Pros, Cons & Installed Pricing
Choosing the right sod is the foundation of a beautiful and functional lawn—especially in Southwest Florida, where the intense sun, sandy soil, and coastal influences can impact performance. Whether you’re installing a new lawn or replacing an old one, your grass must match your property’s conditions and your lifestyle.
At Precision Landscaping, we offer full-service sod installation, from grading and removal of existing grass to expert placement and long-term maintenance plans. Below is your complete guide to the most popular sod types in Southwest Florida—including installed pricing per pallet (400 sq. ft.), key benefits and drawbacks, and what to expect.
Floratam St. Augustine
Ideal for: Full-sun residential front and backyards
Installed Price Range (per pallet): $385–$495
Advantages:
Affordable and highly recommended for residential use
Grows quickly and spreads through runners for fast coverage
Produces a dark green, dense turf with broad, flat blades
Adapts well to a variety of soil conditions and climate shifts
Disadvantages:
Requires consistent irrigation to stay green and healthy
Prone to pests like chinch bugs and fungal issues like brown patch
Coarse leaf texture
Does not stay green during drought without supplemental watering
Palmetto St. Augustine
Ideal for: Partial-shade areas or mixed-sun conditions
Installed Price Range (per pallet): $482–$619
Advantages:
Rapid-spreading growth habit and deep green color
Finer leaf blade density and lower growth than Floratam
Demonstrates excellent shade tolerance
Good cold tolerance and soft underfoot
Disadvantages:
Susceptible to common pests and diseases like gray leaf spot and brown patch
Coarse texture may not appeal to all homeowners
Requires moderate watering and maintenance for optimal appearance
Bahia Grass (Argentine)
Ideal for: Large, low-maintenance properties or budget-conscious installations
Installed Price Range (per pallet): $316–$405
Advantages:
Very affordable and well-suited to large areas
Extremely drought-tolerant due to its deep root system
Fewer pest problems than other lawn grasses (except for mole crickets)
Durable under moderate foot traffic and tolerant of poor soils
Disadvantages:
Difficult to mow due to tough leaves, stems, and seed heads
Requires frequent mowing with heavy-duty equipment during growing season (May–Nov)
Struggles in high pH or salt-affected soils
Tends to appear yellow in spring and fall due to low iron levels
Zoysia Grass (Empire)
Ideal for: High-end residential lawns, shaded areas, and properties with moderate activity
Installed Price Range (per pallet): $543–$698
Advantages:
Known as one of the most attractive lawn grasses in the southern U.S.
Adapts well to most soils and tolerates both shade and salt
Excellent wear tolerance for pets, kids, and entertaining
Slow vertical growth means less mowing once established
Produces a thick, uniform appearance with a luxurious feel
Disadvantages:
Extremely slow to establish and recover after damage
Struggles on compacted soils due to shallow roots
Requires frequent irrigation and fertilization for optimal health
High maintenance; not ideal for low-care settings
Bermuda Grass (Celebration)
Ideal for: Full-sun areas, sports lawns, and active family yards
Installed Price Range (per pallet): $385–$495
Advantages:
Dense, vibrant green turf that withstands heavy wear
Adapts well to most soils and weather conditions
Excellent salt and drought tolerance—great for waterfront homes
Commonly used on golf courses, tennis courts, and athletic fields
Fine texture and clean, low-growth appearance
Disadvantages:
Not ideal for shaded areas—requires full sunlight to thrive
High maintenance with frequent mowing, edging, and irrigation
Turns brown in cooler weather
Needs pesticide management and proper cultural practices to avoid pest and nematode issues
Sod Comparison at a Glance
| Sod Type | Best Use | Installed Price (Per Pallet) |
Key Benefits | Main Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floratam | Full sun, traditional lawns | $385-$495 | Fast-growing, lush, dense coverage | Pest-prone, drought-sensitive, coarse blades |
|
Palmetto
|
Partial-shade residential lawns | $482–$619 | Shade-tolerant, rich color, low growth habit | Disease-prone, needs regular care |
| Bahia | Large, low-maintenance spaces | $315–$405 | Drought-resistant, low cost, durable | Coarse texture, tough to mow, yellowing in off seasons |
| Zoysia (Empire) | High-end or shaded yards | $543–$698 | Luxurious, uniform, shade/salt tolerant | Slow growth, shallow roots, needs intensive upkeep |
| Bermuda | Full sun, athletic/high-use areas | $385–$495 | Tough, drought-tolerant, excellent recovery | No shade tolerance, turns brown in cold, high maintenance |
Note: Prices reflect full installation. Sod removal, grading, and irrigation adjustments may increase final cost.
Don't Forget Sod Removal & Site Prep
Before any sod can be installed, existing grass and weeds must be removed, and the ground properly graded. Precision Landscaping includes sod removal as part of our full-service package, and we always ensure that your soil is prepped for long-term success—not just a quick fix.
Why Choose Precision Landscaping for Sod Installation?
Our team handles every step:
Sod removal and disposal
Grading and soil prep
Delivery and pallet installation
Irrigation checks and scheduling
Ongoing seasonal maintenance options
Need more than sod? We also offer Landscape Design Services to help you transform your entire outdoor space and Seasonal Maintenance to protect your investment year-round.
Let’s Build a Lawn That Works for You
From durable Bahia to lush Zoysia, we'll help you choose the sod that fits your property, lifestyle, and aesthetic. Whether you're redoing your front yard or refreshing a rental property, Precision Landscaping brings craftsmanship, quality, and care to every job.
👉 Contact us today for a quote and site consultation in Naples, Bonita Springs, or anywhere in SWFL.