Landscape Showroom / RLC Selection Guide
St. Augustine Sod for Tampa Landscapes
St. Augustine gives many Tampa yards their familiar broad-bladed green lawn. New sod can transform the surface quickly, but lasting results depend on the cultivar, site preparation and establishment care.
AI-generated illustration. Actual plants and materials vary; confirm the supplied selection with RLC.
At a glance
Plant
Stenotaphrum secundatum
Light
Cultivar-specific; deep shade remains a limitation
Starting format
Cut sod pieces or pallets; coverage is confirmed by supplier
Cost
Quoted by area, preparation, access and selected sod
Match the grass to the yard
Look at daily sunlight, tree competition, wear and irrigation coverage before selecting the cultivar. Floratam, CitraBlue, Palmetto and other selections have different characteristics. A cultivar with better shade tolerance still needs light; changing sod alone may not fix the original problem.
Installation on clean dirt
If the area is already cleared and the grade is suitable, the work may involve light hand grading, debris removal and laying the sod. The finish should connect correctly to paths and adjoining lawn. Clean-looking dirt still needs a check for drainage, compaction and irrigation coverage.
Tear-out and replacement
An existing lawn may need removal before the new sod goes down. Discuss weeds, failed turf, roots and unwanted material. Added soil, substantial machine grading, hauling and drainage work are separate potential additions, not assumptions hidden in a basic installation price.
Establishment is a separate stage
Fresh sod needs close attention to moisture while roots connect with the soil beneath it. Keep unnecessary traffic off and follow the site-specific establishment instructions and local watering requirements. A wet surface is not proof that water has reached the root zone.
Mowing and ongoing care
Use the recommended height for the actual cultivar. Many standard St. Augustine cultivars are maintained higher than dwarf types. Avoid scalping and adjust maintenance as the lawn establishes. Brown patches need diagnosis; more water or fertilizer is not always the answer.
Prepare for an estimate
Share the approximate lawn area, photos of thin or dead spots and what you know about irrigation. Mention access limits and any grade changes you want. Ask the estimate to distinguish sod installation from tear-out, soil additions and machine work.
Common question
Can new sod go straight over the old lawn?
That does not provide a well-prepared rooting surface. RLC should assess and prepare the existing area before replacement.
Bring the right details together
RLC Lawn & Landscape is based in Lutz and serves Tampa Bay. Share photos of your yard, approximate measurements and the options you like. We’ll discuss what fits the site and the work involved.
Reference: Plant or product information. Planning guidance reviewed September 2026. Availability and installed prices are confirmed by quote.