Best Sod For Shade In Florida (2024 Updated)

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Are you looking for the best sod for shade in Florida? There are a few key points you should consider before making your decision. First, it's important to understand that not all sod is created equal when it comes to shade tolerance. Some varieties may thrive in full sun but struggle in shady areas, while others are specifically bred for use in low-light conditions.

When searching for the best sod for shade in Florida, here are five key points to keep in mind:

1. Choose a variety that is specifically bred for shade tolerance. Some popular options in Florida include St. Augustine grass, Zoysia grass, and Bahia grass.

2. Consider the amount of shade your lawn receives. Some varieties may perform better in partial shade, while others can handle full shade conditions.

3. Look for sod that is disease-resistant and low-maintenance. This can help ensure that your lawn stays healthy and vibrant even in shady areas.

4. Consider the soil type and pH of your lawn. Some sod varieties may perform better in acidic soil, while others prefer alkaline conditions.

5. Work with a reputable sod supplier who can provide guidance on the best options for your specific needs and conditions.

By taking these key points into consideration, you can find the best sod for shade in Florida and enjoy a lush, vibrant lawn even in low-light conditions.

10 Best Sod For Shade In Florida

1. St. Augustine 'seville' Sod – 72 Live Plugs – Drought, Salt & Shade Tolerant Turf Grass

Florida Foliage offers a premium turf grass option for homeowners looking for a fine-textured, blue-green lawn that can withstand varying soil pH levels and environmental conditions. The St. Augustine 'Seville' Sod, packaged and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage, comes in a pack of 72 live plugs and is known for its shade tolerance, drought resistance, and salt tolerance.

Seville is a dwarf cultivar of St. Augustine grass that boasts excellent color retention and a unique leaf blade appearance. Compared to Floratam, Seville has a finer texture, making it a preferred choice for many homeowners. What sets Seville apart from other St. Augustine grass cultivars is its ability to tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, from acidic soils found inland to high pH soils in coastal areas.

Seville is considered one of the most shade-tolerant turf grasses among St. Augustine grass cultivars. It can persist in areas within a lawn with only 6 to 7 hours of sunlight, making it a popular choice for landscapers looking for lawns with moderate shade. It is also known to establish quickly in most environments.

Seville is often found in full sun locations, but it can also thrive in shady areas of the lawn. With proper routine maintenance during the establishment period, Seville will root in the soil and fill out to create a beautiful, natural-looking lawn.

Seville St. Augustine grass is an ideal choice for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance lawn that still adds greenery and curb appeal to their property. Seville is drought-resistant, salt-tolerant, and can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, making it a hardy turf grass option for a variety of environments.

Overall, the St. Augustine 'Seville' Sod is a premium turf grass option that can withstand varying environmental conditions while still providing a beautiful, natural-looking lawn.

2. Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade Grass Mix 7 Lb

Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade Grass Mix is the perfect solution for homeowners who want to grow thick, green grass in areas of their lawn that don't receive much sunlight. This product is a mixture of Tall Fescue and Fine Fescue, which thrive in shady conditions.

One of the best things about this grass mix is that it requires only 2 to 6 hours of sunlight, making it ideal for shady areas. This means that homeowners can now grow a lush lawn in areas that were previously barren due to lack of sunlight.

The Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade Grass Mix also contains just the right amount of fertilizer to help your lawn succeed. This means that you don't have to worry about purchasing and applying additional fertilizers, as this product has got you covered.

Furthermore, this grass mix is disease and traffic-resistant, ensuring that your lawn is strong and durable. This is especially important for areas of your lawn that receive heavy foot traffic, as the grass will be able to withstand the wear and tear.

Another great feature of this product is that it can help homeowners save up to 30% more water year after year versus ordinary grass seed. This is because the Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade Grass Mix has been specially designed to require less water than other grass seed varieties.

The Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade Grass Mix is also guaranteed to grow. Homeowners can expect to see results in just 8 to 16 days, which is significantly faster than other grass seed varieties.

Each bag of Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade Grass Mix covers up to 1,750 sq. ft. This means that homeowners can enjoy a thick, green lawn in even the shadiest areas of their yard.

In conclusion, the Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade Grass Mix is a great investment for homeowners who want to grow a thick, green lawn in shady areas of their yard. It requires only 2 to 6 hours of sunlight, contains the right amount of fertilizer, is disease and traffic-resistant, and can help homeowners save up to 30% more water year after year. With guaranteed results in just 8 to 16 days, this product is a must-have for homeowners who want a lush, green lawn.

3. Zoysia Sod Plugs – Large 3" X 3" Plugs – 18 Count Tray – Drought, Salt & Shade Tolerant Turf Grass

Florida Foliage offers a superior turf grass option for those seeking a thick, deep green lawn with impressive performance and beauty – Zoysia Sod Plugs. These plugs are an ideal choice for family outings, backyard picnics, and a variety of activities without showing extensive wear and tear. The grass is drought, salt, and shade tolerant, making it perfect for any climate and soil type.

Zoysia grass performs best with at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight and offers year-round color in frost-free climates, with seasonal dormancy. It absorbs impact, tolerates wear and resists weeds, making it ideal for high traffic areas. This grass thrives in hot weather and is perfect for home lawns, golf courses, sports fields, and commercial landscapes.

The Zoysia Sod Plugs come in a tray of 18 large 3"x3" plugs, which are intended to be planted spaced 15 inches apart, and grow together over time. When planted and cared for, these Grass plugs can cover an area of 32 square feet. The mature plugs are already producing runners, which will grow into a beautiful, minimal maintenance lawn.

It is important to note that Zoysia plugs ordered in fall/winter will arrive dormant and won't be in full color until warmer weather returns. It is recommended to plant Zoysia Sod Plugs in the spring or summer for optimal growth and color.

In summary, Zoysia Sod Plugs offer a superior turf grass option for those seeking a beautiful, durable, and low maintenance lawn. With its drought, salt, and shade tolerance, it is perfect for any climate and soil type. Florida Foliage offers Zoysia Sod Plugs in a tray of 18 large 3"x3" plugs, which can cover an area of 32 square feet when planted and cared for. Order now and enjoy a lush, green lawn for years to come.

4. Pennington One Step Complete Dense Shade Bare Spot Grass Seed, 10 Pounds, White

Pennington One Step Complete Dense Shade Bare Spot Grass Seed is an innovative solution for repairing bare spots in lawns. This product is designed to provide everything you need to grow lush, thick grass in just two weeks or less. With a pre-mixed formula of premium Smart Seed grass seed, professional-grade fertilizer, and mulch, this product offers a convenient, easy-to-use solution for homeowners looking to improve the appearance and health of their lawns.

The combination of premium Smart Seed grass seed, professional-grade fertilizer, and mulch provides an all-in-one solution for growing healthy, dense grass in areas where it may be difficult to establish. The grass seed is selected for its ability to thrive in shady areas, making it an ideal choice for repairing bare spots in lawns that receive limited sunlight. The professional-grade fertilizer provides the necessary nutrients for healthy growth, while the mulch helps to retain moisture and protect the seedlings during the germination process.

Pennington One Step Complete Dense Shade Bare Spot Grass Seed is easy to use, making it an ideal choice for busy homeowners who want to improve the appearance of their lawns without spending a lot of time and effort. The product is pre-mixed and ready to use, so all you need to do is apply it to the bare spots in your lawn. It covers up to 150 sq. ft. with 7-14 day seed germination, so you can quickly and easily repair bare spots and enjoy a lush, healthy lawn in no time.

In conclusion, Pennington One Step Complete Dense Shade Bare Spot Grass Seed is a convenient, easy-to-use solution for homeowners looking to improve the appearance and health of their lawns. With its pre-mixed formula of premium Smart Seed grass seed, professional-grade fertilizer, and mulch, this product provides everything you need to grow healthy, dense grass in areas where it may be difficult to establish. Whether you're repairing bare spots or just looking to improve the overall health of your lawn, Pennington One Step Complete Dense Shade Bare Spot Grass Seed is an excellent choice.

5. Scotts Ez Seed Patch & Repair Blends Mulch, Grass Seed, And Fertilizer To Rejuvenate Bare Spots In Your Lawn; 20lb.

Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade is a revolutionary product that helps homeowners achieve a lush and healthy lawn. This grass seeding product is designed to fill in bare spots and repair lawn damage without requiring extensive lawn care knowledge or experience.

The EZ Seed Patch & Repair combines high-performance grass seed, mulch, controlled-release fertilizer, tackifier, and a protectant to help keep seedlings safe. The mulch expands to surround the seed, ensuring that it stays in place and is protected from the elements. The controlled-release fertilizer provides the necessary nutrients for the grass seed to grow, while the tackifier helps keep the seed from washing away.

Scotts EZ Seed Sun and Shade grass seed is designed to grow in tough conditions such as full sun, dense shade, high traffic areas, and on slopes. This makes it an ideal solution for homeowners who want to improve the appearance of their lawn but struggle with challenging growing conditions.

To achieve the best results, homeowners should plant the seed in the spring or fall when daily average soil temperatures are consistently between 55°F and 70°F or air temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. This ensures that the grass seed has the best chance of germinating and growing.

The EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade contains a combination of mulch, grass seed, and fertilizer that can cover up to 445 sq. ft. in three easy steps. First, prepare the area by removing any debris and loosening the soil. Second, apply the EZ Seed Patch & Repair to the area, making sure to follow the instructions on the package. Finally, water the area regularly to ensure that the seed stays moist and has the best chance of germinating.

In conclusion, Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade is an excellent solution for homeowners who want to improve the appearance of their lawn without requiring extensive lawn care knowledge or experience. By combining high-performance grass seed, mulch, fertilizer, tackifier, and protectant, this product provides everything needed to fill in bare spots and repair lawn damage. With its ability to grow in tough conditions and cover up to 445 sq. ft. in three easy steps, Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade is a must-have for any homeowner looking to achieve a lush and healthy lawn.

6. Fishing Hat Bucket Hat With Neck Flap And Upf 50+ Sun Protection For Men And Women-Green

The Fishing Hat Bucket Hat with Neck Flap and UPF 50+ Sun Protection is a high-quality product designed for men and women who love outdoor activities like fishing, mountaineering, cycling, camping, hiking, and sports. Made of breathable, quick-drying, lightweight, and comfortable material, this hat ensures comfort and protection while you are enjoying your activities.

The hat's fabric is UV-resistant, offering excellent sun protection with a UPF 50+ rating. The hat's design includes a neck flap, which provides extra protection against the sun's harmful rays, making it ideal for extended outdoor activities. The hat's universal design makes it suitable for all genders, ensuring it is versatile and meets the needs of different users.

The Fishing Hat Bucket Hat features an adjustable chin drawstring that allows the hat to be fixed in place, even on windy days. The drawstring behind the fishing hat is adjustable, enabling the hat's circumference to be adjusted to fit the wearer's head size. This feature ensures the hat is secure on the head, preventing it from falling off during activities.

The hat's lightweight and portable design make it easy to carry around. It can be easily folded up and stored in a backpack or bag, making it convenient for travel. Once unfolded, the hat retains its original shape, ensuring it is ready to wear again.

In summary, the Fishing Hat Bucket Hat with Neck Flap and UPF 50+ Sun Protection is an excellent choice for anyone who loves outdoor activities. Its breathable, quick-drying, lightweight, and comfortable material, combined with its UV-resistant, sun-protective fabric, ensures comfort and protection while enjoying outdoor activities. The hat's adjustable chin drawstring and circumference drawstring provide a secure and comfortable fit, making it suitable for all head sizes. Its lightweight and portable design make it easy to carry around, ensuring it is always ready for use.

7. Zoysia Sod Plugs – 72 Large 3" X 3" Plugs – Drought, Salt & Shade Tolerant Turf Grass

Florida Foliage exclusively packages and ships Zoysia Sod Plugs. This turf grass is perfect for those seeking a lush, deep green lawn that can withstand a variety of activities without showing extensive wear and tear. With its lush, densely packed blades, Zoysia beckons barefoot walks and welcomes family outings and backyard picnics.

To thrive, Zoysia needs at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight, making it an ideal choice for sunny locations. It is also drought, salt, and shade tolerant, making it a versatile option for a range of outdoor spaces. Zoysia is a perfect choice for high traffic areas as it absorbs impact, tolerates wear, and resists weeds.

When planted and cared for properly, Zoysia Sod Plugs can grow into a beautiful and minimal maintenance lawn. The plugs are intended to be planted 15 inches apart and will grow together over time to create a lush and dense carpet of grass. The coverage of these Grass plugs is 32 square feet when planted and cared for.

While Zoysia is a great option for year-round color in frost-free climates, it does experience seasonal dormancy. Zoysia plugs ordered in fall and winter will arrive dormant and won't be in full color until warmer weather returns. However, once mature, Zoysia plugs are already producing runners, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a low-maintenance lawn.

In summary, Zoysia Sod Plugs are a superior choice for those seeking a lush and durable lawn. With its drought, salt, and shade tolerance, it is a versatile option for a range of outdoor spaces. Zoysia plugs, when planted and cared for correctly, will grow into a dense and beautiful carpet of grass, perfect for high traffic areas and family activities.

8. Zoysia Plugs – 100 Full Zoysia Grass Plugs | Mature Roots | Individually Grown

The Zoysia Plugs – 100 Full Zoysia Grass Plugs with Mature Roots and Individually Grown are a great option for those looking to grow Zoysia grass in their lawns. These plugs are carefully grown and individually inspected to ensure that they are of the highest quality.

It is important to note that Zoysia Plugs shipped between December and April will arrive dormant and golden brown. This is normal and does not indicate that the plugs are unhealthy or damaged. However, it is recommended that customers water the plugs daily for the first 14 days after planting.

To ensure that the Zoysia Plugs are of the highest quality, the U.S. Department of Agriculture inspects and certifies each plug. As a result, customers can be confident that they are receiving a product that meets the highest standards of quality and safety.

It is important to note that the Zoysia Plugs have a slightly longer lead time than other products due to the inspection and certification process. However, this extra time is well worth it, as it ensures that customers receive a healthy and thriving product that will enhance the beauty and health of their lawns.

When planting the Zoysia Plugs, it is important to follow the recommended watering schedule. Customers should water the plugs daily for the first 14 days after planting, and then water them for an hour per day for the next two weeks. This will help to ensure that the plugs establish healthy roots and thrive in their new environment.

Overall, the Zoysia Plugs – 100 Full Zoysia Grass Plugs with Mature Roots and Individually Grown are an excellent choice for anyone looking to grow Zoysia grass in their lawn. With careful attention to quality and a rigorous inspection process, customers can be confident that they are receiving a product that will enhance the beauty and health of their lawn for years to come.

9. Multi-Award Winning Nad+ Boosting Supplement For Cellular Energy Metabolism And Repair, Promoting Vitality, Muscle Health, And Healthy Aging. More Efficient Than Nmn And Nicotinamide Riboside. 30ct/300mg Patented Formula.

Tru Niagen is a multi-award winning, patented NAD+ boosting supplement that supports healthy aging by promoting cellular energy metabolism and repair. It embodies over two decades of scientific innovation and research around aging and longevity. Tru Niagen's key ingredient is Niagen, a form of nicotinamide riboside (NR) that is patented and one of the most efficient NAD+ boosters available.

NAD+ is a molecule that is essential to life and plays a critical role in cellular function and energy production. As we age, our levels of NAD+ naturally decline, which can affect our healthspan, or our ability to stay healthy as we get older. Tru Niagen supports healthspan by boosting NAD+ levels, which helps cells function optimally and stay resilient in the face of life's many stressors.

Using Tru Niagen daily to boost cellular NAD+ can have many positive effects on overall health and well-being. It is clinically proven to elevate NAD+ levels by approximately 40-50% after 8 weeks, and thousands of customers report experiencing improvements in vitality, muscle health, and healthy aging. However, everyone's experience may differ based on their individual stressors and needs.

Tru Niagen is scientifically proven to raise NAD+ levels and is backed by multiple published clinical trials, with 40+ registered human studies ongoing. Studies support that Niagen is more efficient at raising NAD+ levels than other NAD+ precursors, including NMN, nicotinamide mononucleotide, nicotinamide/niacinamide, and niacin. The chemical structure of Niagen allows for more efficient absorption and utilization than other NAD+ precursors, making it a highly efficacious supplement.

Quality is a top priority for Tru Niagen, and every batch is made in the United States and tested for potency and safety. A total of 22 tests, both internal and third-party, are conducted in the testing and release of Tru Niagen. Unlike NMN, Niagen has been successfully notified to the FDA three times, twice as an NDI (New Dietary Ingredient), and once as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe).

In summary, Tru Niagen is a safe and effective supplement that supports healthy aging by boosting cellular NAD+ levels. Its key ingredient, Niagen, is patented and scientifically proven to be more efficient at raising NAD+ levels than other NAD+ precursors. Tru Niagen is committed to quality and safety, with every batch tested for potency and safety.

10. 36 Extra Large Live St. Augustine Floratam Sod Plugs – Drought, Salt, And Shade Tolerant Turf Grass.

Florida Foliage presents St. Augustine 'Floratam' 3 Inch Sod Plugs, a high-quality turf grass that is drought, salt and shade tolerant. This product contains 36 extra-large live plugs that are perfect for residential or commercial needs.

Floratam is a vigorous and coarse textured variety of St. Augustine grass. The stolons of Floratam are large, purplish-red in color with internodes averaging 3 inches in length. Leaf blades are wider and longer than common St. Augustine grass, making it an ideal choice for lawns or landscaping.

Although Floratam may appear coarser when viewed up close, it is actually less noticeable when viewed as a lawn. It is recommended to maintain a mowing height of no more than 1 1/2 inches. However, if the grass is not watered in dry weather, it is recommended to increase the mowing height to 2 inches or higher if possible.

Floratam is one of the most cost-effective St. Augustine grasses available in the market. It is believed to be native to the coastal regions of both the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean. This grass is established by vegetative propagation only, which includes sod, plugs, or sprigs. Vegetative propagation means that plant parts with growing points are used for planting rather than seeds.

It is crucial to provide irrigation on the correct schedule when planting Floratam grass. Multiple, short (5-10 minutes) irrigations throughout the course of the day for 7-10 days following planting helps the grass establish without drying out. For the next 7-10 days, irrigate once a day to apply ¼-½ inch of water. After this, frequency should be reduced to 2-3 times weekly, again applying ¼-½ inch of water.

In summary, St. Augustine 'Floratam' 3 Inch Sod Plugs are an excellent choice for those seeking a durable and resilient turf grass. With its drought, salt and shade tolerance, it can withstand harsh weather conditions and still maintain its lush green appearance. Its cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance make it a popular choice for both residential and commercial landscaping projects.

Best Sod For Shade In Florida FAQs

Can certain sods thrive in both sunny and shady areas of a lawn in Florida?

Yes, certain sods can thrive in both sunny and shady areas of a lawn in Florida. St. Augustine grass is a popular choice for Florida lawns and can tolerate both shade and sun. However, it is important to note that different varieties of St. Augustine grass have varying levels of shade tolerance. Floratam St. Augustine, for example, is more suited to sunny areas, while Palmetto St. Augustine can thrive in more shaded regions. Other sods that can tolerate both sun and shade in Florida include Zoysia grass and Bahia grass. It is essential to choose the right type of sod for the specific conditions of your lawn, including soil type, drainage, and amount of sunlight. Consulting with a professional landscaper or lawn care provider can help you select the best sod for your lawn's unique needs.

How does the shade tolerance of various sod types compare in Florida?

The shade tolerance of various sod types in Florida varies depending on the specific type of grass. St. Augustine grass is known for its moderate shade tolerance, making it a popular choice in Florida. Centipede grass and Zoysia grass have a higher shade tolerance than St. Augustine and are suitable for areas with more shade. Bermuda grass is the least shade-tolerant of the sod types commonly used in Florida and requires a high amount of sunlight to thrive. It is important to note that even shade-tolerant grasses require some sunlight to grow properly. When selecting sod for a shaded area, it is essential to consider the amount of shade present in the area and the specific characteristics of the grass species being used. A professional landscaper can help determine the best sod type for a specific location.

What are some key factors to consider when choosing the best sod for shade in Florida?

When choosing the best sod for shade in Florida, some key factors to consider include the amount of shade the area receives, the soil type, the level of maintenance required, and the overall aesthetic appeal. St. Augustine grass is one of the most popular choices for shaded areas in Florida due to its ability to tolerate partial shade and adapt to a variety of soil types. Other options to consider include Zoysia grass, which is more drought-tolerant and requires less mowing, and Bahia grass, which is more resistant to pests and diseases. It is important to research and choose a sod that is well-suited to the specific conditions of the shaded area, as well as to properly prepare the soil and provide adequate irrigation and fertilization to ensure optimal growth and health.

What is the best type of sod to use in shady areas of Florida?

In Florida, the best type of sod to use in shady areas is St. Augustine grass. This grass variety is known for its shade tolerance and ability to thrive in both sunny and shady environments. It can also handle high levels of heat and humidity, which are common in Florida. Additionally, St. Augustine grass is relatively low maintenance and can be mowed to a variety of heights. Other grass varieties, such as Bermuda or Zoysia, may struggle in shady areas and require more maintenance to keep them healthy. Overall, St. Augustine grass is the best choice for a lush, green lawn in shady areas of Florida.

Which sod varieties are well-suited for Florida's hot and humid climate?

There are several sod varieties that are well-suited for Florida's hot and humid climate. These include Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, and St. Augustine grass. Bermuda grass is a popular choice due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and drought conditions. It also has a high tolerance for foot traffic, making it ideal for sports fields and golf courses. Zoysia grass is another popular choice in Florida due to its ability to grow in sandy soils and tolerate salt spray from the ocean. It also has a dense growth pattern, making it ideal for lawns and landscaping. St. Augustine grass is a warm-season grass that is well-suited for Florida's hot and humid climate. It has a high tolerance for shade and salt spray, making it ideal for coastal areas. It also has a thick growth pattern, making it ideal for lawns and landscaping. Ultimately, the best sod variety for a specific location in Florida will depend on factors such as soil type, sun exposure, and intended use.

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