Florida may be known for its lush landscapes and seemingly perpetual sunshine, but behind the glitzy exterior, there is a climate that presents some real challenges for property owners. The environment in the Tampa Bay area is particularly unique thanks to the varying degrees of sandy soil, salt exposure, and more.

In other words, it takes more hard work than many realize to establish and maintain a gorgeous lawn in the Sunshine State. The sun, heat, coastal elements, and inconsistent rain can all factor into the success or failure of a landscape, including the grass composing your lawn.

Don’t worry, dear Floridians; there are several options that can thrive in Florida’s unique climate and elevate your Tampa Bay landscape to levels worthy of the spotlight. Two of the most common staples of lawn building in the region are sod and turf, both of which tackle Florida’s tough environment in their own way.

The question is, which is better?

What is Sod?

One essential aspect of landscaping is ground cover, specifically grass. In Florida, the sandy soil makes it difficult for grasses to take root. The solution to this problem is sod, which is pre-grown grass—soil, roots, and all—that is rolled out onto a fresh lawn. Not only does this help a lawn take shape much quicker than typical methods (such as seeding), but it also helps grass overcome the challenge of finicky soil.

What is Turf?

As an artificial alternative to natural grass, turf is a manufactured product that comes in several forms. The three primary types of turf are nylon, polyethylene, and polypropylene. They check in at differing price points due to their cost to produce, realism, and durability.

Typically, nylon turf is the most expensive but tends to last longer than the other varieties, making it perfect for high-traffic areas. The others are less durable but boast advantages, such as lower price points, a more realistic feel, and so on.

Sod vs Turf – Which is Better for Your Tampa Bay Landscape?

With the basic definitions of these two popular lawn options in mind, we can dive into the differences between the two and begin to dissect which is right for your Tampa Bay property. They both have benefits and drawbacks, but when used correctly, they can transform your landscape into the pinnacle of Florida beauty.

While the guide below is a fantastic resource that can provide you with the insight you need to select between sod and turf for your lawn, the best way to make an informed decision is to work closely with your local Tampa Bay professional landscape company. They have the experience and expertise to ensure the route you choose will make your property shine.

The Pros of Sod

There are several compelling reasons to opt for sod over artificial turf. Whether you’re a diehard plant-lover or someone who is open to artificial alternatives, the advantages of sod make it worth serious consideration. Whether it’s right for your Tampa Bay property is for you to decide based on the following.

• Sod is made of organic material. For many people, this is the end of the argument between sod and turf—they simply prefer natural grass. As a living organism, it is something everyone is familiar with. It’s perfect for children, pets, and regular use.
• Sod controls runoff. In a state known for torrential downpours and storms, water absorption is something that should be considered when choosing a direction for your lawn. Sod is unquestionably superior in this particular contest, as it does a better job of absorbing water and preventing runoff.
• Sod keeps your lawn cool. Artificial turf tends to collect and radiate heat more than natural turf does. Sod does a wonderful job of reducing the impact of heat and making your lawn more useable in the hot Florida summers.
• Sod fights weeds. If you are fighting a thin lawn that is riddled with weeds, laying sod is a phenomenal way to turn things around. A thick, natural lawn serves as a weed blocker, not only making your lawn look amazing but also keeping it healthier with less maintenance.

The Cons of Sod

There is no doubt that the advantages of sod are numerous and compelling. That said, opting for sod does come with its drawbacks, and any Floridian thinking about installing it should think long and hard about the downsides.

• Sod requires a lot of maintenance. As an organic growing organism, grass demands constant attention and care to remain healthy and good-looking. Mowing, irrigation, and more are absolutely necessary.
• Tampa Bay is hard on grass. Because of the sandy soil, sod in Tampa Bay needs to be fertilized, kept free of weeds, and properly watered—preferably with targeted smart irrigation.
• Not all sod is cut out for high-traffic areas. If you are considering sod or turf for areas with high levels of foot traffic, you will want to think long and hard about the sod versus turf debate, then choose the type of sod carefully should you opt for the former.

The Pros of Turf

Advancements in artificial grass have made turf an appealing option, even for those who would previously consider themselves natural grass enthusiasts. The benefits of going the artificial route can be particularly compelling for properties of certain varieties. Check out the pros of artificial turf below to see if your property would benefit from this direction.

• Turf maintenance is extremely low. Once it is installed, turf doesn’t need to be watered, fertilized, treated with pesticides or herbicides, or mowed. In other words, you get to skip all the tedious tasks that accompany the upkeep of natural grass.
• Turf is resilient. When used in high-traffic areas, turf can be shockingly durable. Whether it’s a dog park or a putting green, the longevity of turf can pay dividends in the long run.
• Turf looks great. Despite requiring little to no maintenance and being incredibly durable, turf looks amazing. Part of its appeal is how consistent it is year-round, no matter what the climate throws at it.

The Cons of Turf

Artificial turf certainly has a leg up on its organic counterpart in some areas, but it is not without its faults. The following cons of turf are legitimate reasons to pass on this fake grass and opt for the real thing.

• Turf gets hot. In Florida, one of the main drawbacks of artificial turf is how hot it gets. Because it is inorganic and installed on top of compacted stone, turf can get extremely hot—especially compared to real grass. Because water isn’t absorbed by turf, this heat is only minimally dispelled by rain. This increased heat is a serious thing to consider in Florida, especially if the turf is frequented by children or pets.
• Turf has a different texture. While the technology of artificial turf has grown by leaps and bounds in the last few decades. It is closer than ever to feeling like the real thing, the truth is that turf simply does not match its organic counterpart in texture. The difference is noticeable.

Sod or Turf – Which is Right for Your Property?

We’d love to give you a definitive answer about which lawn option is better for your Tampa Bay landscape. Like nearly every other aspect of great landscaping, however, the question of sod or turf comes down to your unique property and the intended usage of the space.

Because of this, we recommend working with a professional Tampa Bay landscaper to evaluate your property and how the lawn will be used. This will ensure that you have a reputable expert’s opinion on which sod or turf type is right for your needs.

Landcrafters has been helping properties in the Tampa Bay area thrive for over 20 years. If you would like to discuss the future of your landscape with us, feel free to reach out. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free blog, where we share decades of knowledge and insights with anyone who is interested!