Palmetto St. Augustine sod in Miami
A softer St. Augustine that handles full sun and partial shade — the go-to choice for yards with palms, oaks or tall walls. About 500 sq ft per pallet.
- Open 7 days
- English & Español
- Our own delivery fleet
- Equipment & earthwork crews
- Residential, commercial & HOA
Why choose Palmetto St. Augustine
Palmetto is a semi-dwarf St. Augustine with a softer, finer look than Floratam. Its biggest advantage is light: it holds up in full sun and in partial shade, which makes it the go-to St. Augustine for South Florida yards with oaks, palms or a two-story house shading part of the lawn.
UF/IFAS rates Palmetto’s shade tolerance as very good. Floratam, by comparison, needs at least six hours of direct sun a day. Palmetto still needs some sun — it will thin out under dense, all-day shade.
Best for
- Lawns that get sun in one area and shade in another
- Yards under palms, oaks or next to tall buildings and fences
- Homeowners who want a softer, darker St. Augustine than Floratam
- Replacing thin, shaded Floratam
Palmetto vs. Floratam vs. Empire Zoysia
| Palmetto | Floratam | Empire Zoysia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | Full sun to partial shade | Full sun, 6+ hours | Full sun to light shade |
| Look | Softer, medium blade | Coarse, wide blade | Dense, carpet-like |
| Mowing height | 3–4 in | 3.5–4 in | 2–2.5 in |
| Pallet coverage | ~500 sq ft | Confirmed at quote | ~400 sq ft |
Care in brief
- Mow at 3–4 inches with a sharp blade; never remove more than a third of the blade at once
- Once established, water deeply only when the lawn shows stress — folded blades, a blue-gray tint or footprints that stay
- Watch for chinch bugs in hot, dry, sunny spots in summer; Palmetto is not insect-resistant
- New sod: follow our new sod watering guide for the first 3–4 weeks
Sources: UF/IFAS Extension, St. Augustinegrass for Florida Lawns and Mowing Your Florida Lawn.
Estimate your quantity
A quick starting number before you call. We confirm every quantity before delivery.
How many pallets of sod do I need?
Enter total square feet, or length and width. Empire Zoysia pallets cover about 400 sq ft and Palmetto about 500 sq ft. Pick your variety — we confirm coverage for others when we quote.
Recent RGS work
Frequently asked questions
How much area does a pallet of Palmetto cover?
A pallet of Palmetto St. Augustine covers about 500 square feet. Order about 5% extra for cuts, curves and edges — the calculator on this page adds it for you.
Will Palmetto grow in shade?
It handles partial shade very well, which is why we recommend it for yards with palms or oaks. It still needs a few hours of sun and will thin out in dense, all-day shade.
Is Palmetto better than Floratam?
Neither is better everywhere. Floratam is the classic choice for wide-open, full-sun lawns. Palmetto is softer and the stronger choice when part of the yard is shaded. Text us a photo and we will tell you which one fits.
Can I patch Floratam with Palmetto?
You can, but the color and blade width differ, so the patch will show. For a uniform look, replace the whole area with one variety.
How often should I water new Palmetto sod?
Water short and often at first: 2–3 times a day for the first 7–10 days, then once a day, then every other day. Most lawns are rooted in 3–4 weeks. See our new sod watering guide for the full schedule.
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Ready to start your project?
Send a photo of your space, a plant list or your inspiration. Our team will help confirm materials, quantities, delivery and installation.
- Call 786.610.9133Text 786.681.4337 · English & Español
- info@rgsnursery.comEmail plans or plant lists
- 18800 SW 137th Ave, Miami, FL 33177Visit the nursery and walk the inventory
- Open 7 daysMon–Sat 7 AM–5 PM · Sun 8 AM–3 PM