Reseeding vs. Resodding St. Augustine in Florida

Pinellas County, FL: Vacant house, dead St. Augustine. Asks if grass seed can replace sod realistically.

Florida Warm-Season Reality

Why did St. Augustine die?

Soil test ($20) before investing.

Soil test → amend
Glyphosate kill dead areas
Choose grass by priority:
- Best look: Hybrid Bermuda sod
- Best value: Common Bermuda seed
- Lowest maintenance: Bahiagrass seed
- Shade areas: St. Augustine plugs/sod
Prep: Till, grade, organic matter
Establish: Water 2-3x daily light until rooted

Seed works for Bermuda/Bahia/Centipede. St. Augustine requires vegetative planting. Match grass to site conditions and maintenance commitment.

Lawns: Troubleshooting Grass Seed Failure in Tucson's Desert Climate; Year-Round St. Augustine Care in Southern California; St. Augustine Decline: Torpedograss, Nutsedge, Chinch Bugs, Spittlebugs; Letting Lawn Go to Seed: Impractical for Home Lawns; Choosing the Best Grass Seed for Sun, Shade, and Traffic: Warm vs. Cool Season Options; Natural Chinch Bug Control in St. Augustine Lawn; St. Augustine Yellowing After Brown Patch Treatment in Florida; St. Augustine Yellowing After Rain? Likely Brown Patch Fungus—Organic Cure; Managing a Cottage Lawn During Drought: To Mow or Let Seed Heads Mature?; St. Augustine Lawn Care: Diagnosing Brown, Straw-Like Grass and Fire Ant Issues

Garden Articles

Plants

Grass	Seed?	Quality	Maintenance	Best For
Common Bermuda	Yes	Medium	Moderate	Large areas, budget
Hybrid Bermuda	Limited	High	Moderate	Premium lawns
Bahiagrass	Yes	Low-Med	Very Low	Low input, acreage
Centipede	Yes	Medium	Low	Acidic soils