What type of sod will be used to restore my property after construction?

Contractors typicallly use two types of sod, Bahia grass and St. Augustine grass. Contractors are required to restore the swale area with the type of sod that existed prior to construction. The most common types of sod used in the City are Bahia and St. Augustine.

What is Bahia grass?

Increasingly popular with homeowners, Bahia grass has fewer pest problems than other Florida lawn grasses. It is very durable and withstands moderate traffic. It needs little watering and performs well in shady areas. The sod placed on your lawn may look slightly brown and dry when first put down. However, Bahia grass grows into a thick turf that fends off weeds. As it starts to grow, Bahia develops an extensive root system which makes it one of the most drought tolerant lawn grasses. It normally goes semi-dormant in the winter.

What is St. Augustine grass?

Although it requires frequent watering, St. Augustine grass produces a dark to blue-green dense turf that is well adapted to most soils in Florida. It works well in hot climates and starts growing from sod quickly and easily. It can tolerate some shade and has large flat stems and broad coarse leaves. It is highly competitive against weeds, usually smothering them. It does well under salt stress and in moderate shade.

What factors determine the type of sod that will be planted on my property during the restoration process?

Before a new construction project begins in a neighborhood, the contractor takes pre-construction videos to document the areas which will be involved in construction. The contractor then uses this visual aid to determine which type of grass should be replaced on your property. In addition, the City will use St. Augustine grass only if there is a working irrigation system in the swale area if the St. Augustine grass was not present before.

I don’t want a lawn anymore. I would rather concrete in front of my house. Can’t the contractor just restore my property with concrete instead of grass?

If grass was present before the construction began, the contractor will restore your property with grass. If concrete was there before construction, the contractor will replace the concrete.

What if the contractor makes a mistake and doesn't properly restore my property to the way it was prior to construction?

The contractor will make every attempt to properly restore your property. If you feel the contractor has made an error in the restoration process, contact the WaterWorks 2011 Program Management Office at 954-522-2604. A Construction Inspector will review your property and work with the contractor to properly address the situation.

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