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Dormant Sod in Florida: What Homeowners Need to Know

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If you’ve ever bought sod in the winter and thought, “Why is my new grass brown?” — you’re not alone. Every year, Florida homeowners panic a little when their fresh sod doesn’t look like the bright green carpet they imagined. The good news? In most cases, nothing is wrong at all. Let’s talk about what dormant sod is, why it happens in Florida, and how to take care of it so it wakes up healthy and green. What does “dormant” actually mean? Dormant sod is simply grass that has gone into a temporary resting phase due to cooler temperatures and shorter days. The grass conserves energy by slowing growth and turning tan or brown on top — but the roots and crowns are still very much alive. Think of it like your lawn taking a winter nap, not dying. In Florida, this is most common with warm-season grasses like: St. Augustine Bermuda Zoysia Centipede Even though our winters are mild, a few cold fronts are enough to trigger dormancy. Your location within Florida can also impact whether your s...

What Type of Sod Is Right for Your Lawn? A Seasonal Buying Guide for North Florida

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One of the biggest questions we hear is: “When can I lay sod in Florida?” Here’s the short answer: you can install sod any time of year in North Florida. Thanks to our mild climate, sod is grown and available year‑round. That means if your lawn needs fixing in January, July, or anywhere in between—you’re good to go. So why talk about seasons at all? Because while sod can be installed year‑round, some times of year simply look better faster and establish more easily than others. Think of seasons as the difference between “this will work” and “this will really shine.” Let’s walk through the most popular sod types in North Florida & Southern Georgia— Floratam St. Augustine, ProVista St. Augustine, and Bimini Bermuda —and how they perform throughout the year. North Florida Lawn Conditions (Why Variety Matters) Our lawns deal with: Hot, humid summers Cooler winters (and occasional frost) Sandy soil that drains quickly A mix of sun and shade depending on trees and neighborhoods That me...

The Life Cycle of Sod: From Farm Fresh to Rooted in Your Yard

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 Have you ever pulled into The Sod Lot, looked at a pallet of fresh sod, and wondered how it got there—or what it’s been through before landing in your yard? While sod may look simple on the surface, there’s actually a whole journey behind those perfectly cut rolls of grass. Let’s walk through the life cycle of sod, from its very first days on the farm to the moment it becomes a thriving part of your lawn. 🌱 Step 1: It All Starts at the Farm Every great lawn begins long before installation day—at a sod farm. Farmers start by planting grass varieties specifically selected for durability, climate compatibility, and appearance. In Florida, that might mean St. Augustine, Zoysia, or Bermuda. Once planted, the grass isn’t rushed. It takes 12 to 18 months of careful nurturing before sod is ready to harvest. During that time, it’s watered, fertilized, mowed, and closely monitored. Think of it like raising a kid—it takes patience, consistency, and a lot of care to get it right. ☀️ ...

How to Keep Athletic Fields Game-Ready Year-Round

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  How to Keep Athletic Fields Game-Ready Year-Round A friendly guide for maintenance crews & field managers If there’s one thing every coach, player, and parent appreciates, it’s a field that looks good and plays even better. And for maintenance crews and field managers, keeping an athletic field in top shape isn’t just a job—it’s an ongoing balancing act between weather, foot traffic, scheduling, and turf health. Whether you’re managing a local rec field, a school stadium, or a multi-use sports complex, here’s a clear, easy-to-follow guide to keeping your fields safe, healthy, and game-ready all year long. 1. Start With a Strong Foundation: Quality Turf & Proper Installation A great field starts long before the first kick, pitch, or sprint—it starts with strong, healthy turf. Choosing the right sod variety for your climate, sport, and soil type sets the tone for easier maintenance down the road. Make sure turf is installed on well-graded soil with good drainage and n...

Florida’s Favorite Grasses: A Local Guide to What Grows Best in Your Area

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  Florida’s Favorite Grasses: A Local Guide to What Grows Best in Your Area If you’ve lived in Florida for even a minute, you know our weather has personality . We go from sunshine and sea breezes to afternoon downpours and back again before dinner. And our lawns? Well, they feel it all. That’s why choosing the right grass isn’t just a matter of looks—it’s about finding something that can actually thrive in your specific corner of the state. At The Sod Lot , we hear the same question almost daily: “What’s the best grass for my yard?” So, here’s a simple, friendly guide to Florida’s favorite grasses and where they grow best. 🌿 St. Augustine – Florida’s Go-To Classic If Florida had an “official grass,” St. Augustine would probably win the title. It’s lush, soft, and gives that iconic tropical-lawn look. Best for: Jacksonville, Yulee, St. Augustine, Holly Hill, Casselberry, and coastal areas Why Floridians love it: Handles heat and humidity like a champ Thick, carpet-...

How to Plan for a Healthy Lawn Going Into Spring

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  How to Plan for a Healthy Lawn Going Into Spring Prep now, enjoy a greener tomorrow! Winter might feel like the time your lawn takes a long nap (and honestly… it kind of is), but it’s also the perfect season for you to plan ahead. A little bit of prep now means you can step into spring with confidence— and with a lawn that’s ready to thrive instead of playing catch-up. At The Sod Lot, we spend all year thinking about grass so you don’t have to. Here’s our simple, no-stress guide to getting ahead of the game before spring arrives. 1. Know Your Grass Type (It Matters!) Different varieties wake up at different times and need specific care. Bahia, Bermuda, St. Augustine… they all have their own little personalities. If you aren’t sure which one you have—or which one you want —don’t stress. We can help you figure it out, and our website has full guides for each type. 2. Don’t Panic About Winter Color If your lawn isn’t looking picture-perfect right now, you’re not...

Dreaming of a New Lawn? Design Ideas for 2026

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Thinking about giving your yard a fresh start next year? You’re not alone! As we head into 2026, more homeowners are dreaming big about their outdoor spaces—and the lawn is finally getting the spotlight it deserves. Whether yours is patchy, tired, or just not giving “dream yard” vibes, a new lawn can completely transform your home’s curb appeal (and your daily mood). Here are some inspiring, lawn-focused design ideas to help you start visualizing the upgrade you’ve been imagining. 1. Go Big With a Lush, Full-Coverage Lawn Minimalism is out —full, healthy, carpet-like grass is in . Homeowners are shifting back to wanting those classic, thick, green stretches of lawn that look amazing from the street and feel even better under bare feet. If your lawn has struggled in the past, 2026 is the year to choose the right variety for your lifestyle and sun exposure. For Florida homeowners, warm-season grasses like St. Augustine, Zoysia, Bermuda, or Bahia bring different textures and colors ...