When I started Turf Scouts back in 2009, one of the most common requests I received was from homeowners wanting to completely transform their struggling lawns. After years of battling Savannah's challenging growing conditions—sandy soil, high humidity, and persistent weed pressure—many were ready to start fresh. What I've learned from renovating hundreds of lawns across Savannah, from historic downtown properties to suburban homes in Pooler, is that successful lawn renovation requires a tailored approach to our unique coastal Georgia conditions.
Lawn renovation in Savannah GA isn't a one-size-fits-all process. Our distinctive climate and soil create both opportunities and challenges that differ significantly from other parts of the country. Whether your lawn has been damaged by shade issues, insect infestations, drainage problems, or years of neglect, a properly executed renovation can completely transform your property's appearance and value.
Before diving into the renovation process, it's important to determine whether your lawn truly needs a complete overhaul or if less drastic measures might suffice. Here are signs that lawn renovation might be the right solution for your Savannah property:
Extensive Weed Takeover: When weeds constitute more than 50% of your lawn area, renovation often provides better long-term results than spot-treating.
Improper Grass Variety: Many Savannah homes have grass types poorly suited to their specific conditions, whether it's too much shade, poor drainage, or heavy foot traffic.
Severe Thatch Buildup: A thatch layer exceeding 1/2 inch prevents water, air, and nutrients from reaching the soil, creating weak, shallow-rooted turf.
Uneven Surface: Years of settling, erosion, and tree root growth can create dangerous dips and mounds that require regrading.
Soil Compaction: Heavy clay soils or areas with significant foot traffic often become compacted beyond what simple aeration can address.
Major Insect or Disease Damage: Sometimes recovery from severe insect infestations or fungal disease outbreaks requires starting fresh.
I remember working with a client in The Landings whose lawn had been established with centipede grass in heavily shaded areas. Despite years of trying various treatments and cultural practices, the lawn continued to thin and decline. After renovating with shade-tolerant zoysia in those areas, the transformation was remarkable—proof that sometimes the right grass in the right place makes all the difference.
A successful lawn renovation in Savannah follows a systematic approach, with each step building on the previous one. Here's the process we've refined over years of renovating lawns throughout the coastal Georgia region:
Before removing a single blade of existing grass, we conduct a thorough assessment of your property:
Soil Testing: We analyze soil pH, nutrient levels, and composition, which is crucial since Savannah soils range from sandy to heavy clay depending on location.
Drainage Evaluation: We identify low spots, runoff patterns, and potential drainage issues that need addressing during renovation.
Sun/Shade Mapping: We track sun exposure throughout the day to select appropriate grass varieties for different areas of your lawn.
Irrigation Assessment: We evaluate existing irrigation systems or plan for new installation to ensure proper coverage.
Weed Identification: We identify persistent weed species to determine appropriate pre-treatment strategies.
This analysis forms the foundation of a customized renovation plan tailored to your property's specific conditions.
Once we've developed a plan, the next step is clearing away the old lawn:
Herbicide Application: We apply appropriate herbicides to kill existing vegetation without leaving harmful residues that might affect new grass establishment.
Timing Consideration: In Savannah, we typically perform this step in early spring (March-April) or fall (September-October) when temperatures are optimal for both clearing and new grass establishment.
Mechanical Removal: For some properties, especially those with heavy thatch buildup or uneven surfaces, we mechanically remove the old turf using specialized equipment.
I recall a major renovation project in Ardsley Park where decades of improper mowing had created excessive thatch nearly 2 inches thick. No amount of regular maintenance would have restored this lawn—complete removal was necessary to create a healthy growing environment.
This critical step addresses underlying soil issues that likely contributed to previous lawn problems:
Grading and Leveling: We correct drainage issues, eliminate low spots, and create proper slope away from foundations.
Soil Amendment: Based on soil test results, we incorporate organic matter, sand, lime, or sulfur as needed to create optimal growing conditions.
Decompaction: We break up compacted soils to improve root penetration, water infiltration, and oxygen availability.
pH Adjustment: Most Savannah grasses perform best in slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-6.5), so we amend accordingly based on test results.
One of our most challenging projects involved a home in Isle of Hope with heavily compacted clay soil. By incorporating generous amounts of organic compost and coarse sand, we transformed a hard-packed surface that shed water into a living, breathing soil structure that supported vibrant turf growth.
Choosing the right grass type is perhaps the most important decision in the renovation process. For Savannah lawns, we typically recommend:
Bermudagrass: Excellent for sunny, high-traffic areas; drought-tolerant once established; available in varieties with different textures and maintenance requirements.
Zoysia: Outstanding performance in Savannah's climate; moderate shade tolerance; excellent wear resistance; beautiful texture but slower to establish than Bermuda.
Centipede: Low-maintenance option for less-trafficked areas; moderate shade tolerance; less fertilizer requirements than other warm-season grasses.
St. Augustine: Best shade tolerance among warm-season grasses; lush appearance; well-suited for coastal properties but less cold-hardy for occasional Savannah freezes.
Installation methods vary based on grass type and project timeline:
Sodding: Provides instant lawn; ideal for erosion-prone areas; higher initial cost but faster results.
Seeding: More economical for large areas; limited to grass types that establish well from seed (primarily Bermuda and centipede in our climate).
Plugging/Sprigging: Middle-ground approach that establishes faster than seed but at lower cost than full sodding; excellent for zoysia and some Bermuda varieties.
A notable success story was a waterfront property on Skidaway Island where salt spray and poor soil had created a perpetually struggling lawn. By renovating with salt-tolerant Platinum Paspalum sod and implementing proper soil amendments, we created a lush, sustainable lawn that withstood coastal environmental challenges.
The first 6-12 weeks after installation are critical for long-term success:
Irrigation Protocol: Newly installed lawns in Savannah require carefully monitored watering—frequent, light irrigation for seed and sprigs; deeper, consistent moisture for sod.
Traffic Restriction: Limiting foot traffic during establishment is essential, particularly for seeded or sprigged areas.
Initial Mowing: The first mowing is timed precisely based on grass type and installation method, typically when sod has rooted or seedlings reach approximately 1/3 higher than desired mowing height.
Early Fertilization: We apply starter fertilizer at specific intervals to encourage root development without pushing excessive top growth.
Weed Management: Early intervention for weeds that emerge during establishment prevents competition with desired grasses.
Timing is critical for successful lawn renovation in our coastal climate:
Spring Renovation (March-May): Ideal for Bermudagrass and centipede establishment, as these grasses benefit from the full growing season ahead. Spring renovations should be completed early enough to allow establishment before summer heat stress.
Fall Renovation (September-October): Often preferred for overall success, as new grass establishes during cooler temperatures with fewer weed competitors. This timing allows root development before winter dormancy.
Summer Renovation: Generally avoided due to extreme heat stress and increased irrigation requirements, though sometimes necessary for specific situations with adequate irrigation.
Winter Renovation: Not recommended for warm-season grass establishment in Savannah, though some preparation work can be done during winter months.
I've found that early fall renovations typically produce the best results in our region, giving new grass time to establish before winter while avoiding the intense weed pressure of spring establishment.
Renovating lawns in coastal Georgia presents several region-specific challenges:
Sandy Soil Management: Savannah's predominantly sandy soils drain quickly but hold few nutrients. We address this by incorporating organic matter and using appropriate soil amendments to improve both water and nutrient retention.
High Disease Pressure: Our warm, humid climate creates perfect conditions for fungal diseases. We select disease-resistant grass varieties and implement cultural practices that minimize moisture on leaf surfaces.
Aggressive Weed Species: Certain weeds like dollarweed, Virginia buttonweed, and torpedograss thrive in our climate and require specialized pre-renovation treatment to prevent quick reinfestation.
Nematode Issues: These microscopic soil-dwelling pests are particularly problematic in our sandy soils. Testing for nematodes before renovation allows us to implement management strategies or select resistant grass varieties.
Shaded Areas: Many Savannah properties feature mature tree canopies that create challenging growing environments. We often recommend different grass types for different areas of the same property based on sun exposure.
I recall working with a client in Thunderbolt whose previous lawn renovation had failed within a year. After soil testing revealed extremely high nematode populations, we implemented a comprehensive management approach including resistant grass selection and soil amendment strategies. The result was a beautiful, sustainable lawn despite challenging conditions.
A successful lawn renovation in Savannah isn't complete without a proper maintenance plan:
Customized Fertilization Schedule: Based on grass type and soil conditions, we create a fertilization plan that provides nutrients when they're most beneficial while minimizing environmental impact.
Appropriate Mowing Heights: Different grass types require specific mowing heights to maintain density and health. For example, most Bermuda varieties thrive at 1-1.5 inches, while St. Augustine performs better at 3-4 inches.
Irrigation Management: We help homeowners develop efficient watering schedules that promote deep root growth while conserving water—especially important given Savannah's sandy soils and occasional watering restrictions.
Preventative Pest Management: Regular monitoring allows early intervention for insect issues common in our region, including chinch bugs, mole crickets, and armyworms.
Core Aeration: Annual or bi-annual core aeration helps manage thatch and soil compaction that naturally develop over time.
The most successful renovations I've overseen have always included detailed maintenance plans. A beautiful new lawn can quickly deteriorate without proper ongoing care, especially in Savannah's challenging climate.
When planning a lawn renovation in Savannah GA, several factors affect the overall investment:
Property Size: Larger lawns require more materials and labor, though some economies of scale apply.
Site Conditions: Properties requiring significant grading, drainage work, or soil amendment will have higher preparation costs.
Grass Selection: Installation methods vary significantly in cost—sodding provides instant results but costs several times more than seeding or sprigging.
Irrigation Needs: Properties without existing irrigation may require system installation, a significant but worthwhile investment for long-term lawn health.
Accessibility: Properties with limited access points or challenging terrain may require specialized equipment or additional labor.
While costs vary widely based on these factors, lawn renovation typically represents a solid investment in property value. Research consistently shows that improved landscaping can increase home values by 5-12%, making renovation a financially sound decision for many homeowners.
Some homeowners consider tackling lawn renovation themselves. While this is possible, several factors make professional renovation particularly valuable in Savannah:
Specialized Equipment: Professional renovation requires equipment most homeowners don't own—sod cutters, power rakes, large aerators, grading equipment, and commercial sprayers.
Regional Expertise: Knowledge of Savannah's specific soil types, grass performance, and climate challenges comes from years of experience in our unique environment.
Access to Quality Materials: Professionals have access to premium grass varieties, soil amendments, and establishment products not readily available to consumers.
Efficiency and Timeline: What might take a homeowner several weekends to complete can often be accomplished by professionals in just a few days, minimizing the period with bare soil subject to erosion.
Warranty Protection: Reputable companies stand behind their work, providing peace of mind that your investment is protected.
After renovating hundreds of lawns throughout Savannah, I've seen that the most successful projects combine professional installation with educated homeowner maintenance. We always take time to educate our clients about proper care practices for their new lawns, ensuring long-term success.
After 15+ years renovating lawns throughout Savannah and surrounding areas, I've seen firsthand how the right approach can completely transform a property's appearance and usability. At Turf Scouts, we combine technical expertise with deep knowledge of local growing conditions to create sustainable, beautiful lawns that thrive in our challenging coastal environment.
Our lawn renovation services include comprehensive site analysis, customized renovation plans, professional installation, and ongoing support to ensure your new lawn establishes successfully. We use premium materials and proven techniques refined through hundreds of successful projects throughout Savannah GA.
Contact us today at 912-595-8873 or visit our website for a free consultation. Let's discuss how lawn renovation can transform your Savannah property into the beautiful, functional outdoor space you've always wanted!
The ideal grass depends on your specific conditions, but Bermudagrass excels in sunny areas with high traffic, zoysia offers excellent appearance with moderate shade tolerance, centipede provides low-maintenance options for less-used areas, and St. Augustine offers the best shade performance. Most Savannah properties benefit from strategic placement of different grasses based on microclimate conditions.
Establishment time varies by method and season: sodded lawns appear established within 2-3 weeks but require 4-6 weeks for proper rooting; seeded Bermuda or centipede lawns typically take 8-12 weeks to achieve full coverage; plugged or sprigged zoysia may require a full growing season for complete establishment. Fall renovations generally establish more quickly than spring projects.
Newly renovated Savannah lawns require special attention to irrigation during the first 4-8 weeks, with gradually decreasing frequency as roots establish. Fertilization follows a specific schedule based on grass type and installation method. Regular mowing begins once new grass reaches appropriate height, typically using higher settings initially. Preventative fungicide application is often recommended during our humid months to protect your investment.
Turf Scouts provides expert lawn care services across Savannah and nearby areas, including Wilmington Island, Tybee Island, Isle of Hope, Skidaway Island, and more. We ensure vibrant, healthy lawns for residential and commercial properties throughout the region.
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