How to Care for New Floratam Sod in Florida

Floratam is a variety of St. Augustine grass that was developed by the University of Florida and Texas A&M University. Unlike other St. Augustine grass cultivars, Floratam does not do well in either cold temperatures or in the shade. It also attracts chinch bugs and is susceptible to several turfgrass diseases. Despite these problems, Floratam is the most commonly grown grass in Florida, according to turfgrass specialists at the University of Florida.

Fertilizer
Lawn mower
Fungicide

Instructions

- 1
  Water the newly laid Floratam sod daily for the first three weeks after installation. The top inch of soil should be moist at all times. To check that you are supplying enough water, lift a corner of the sod and probe the soil with your finger. On particularly warm Florida days you may need to water two or three times a day.
- 2
  Fertilize the Floratam sod 30 days after planting with a 10-10-10 formula. Fertilize at the rate and in the manner suggested on the fertilizer package.
- 3
  Mow the newly laid lawn three weeks after installation, to a height of between 3 and 4 inches.
- 4
  Spray the new Floratam sod lawn with a broad-spectrum fungicide two weeks after planting, and then every other month during the rainy season, summer and fall, in Florida.

How to Plant Grass in Connecticut

How To Buy Zoysia

Lawn Planting