Rooted in Tradition, Growing Toward the Future: Tri State Sod Flourishes in Jackson County

By Madelin Garcia, Jackson County Times

In the rural heart of Malone, Florida, green fields signal the steady growth of a family business deeply rooted in tradition. Tri State Sod, a locally owned and operated farm, is the result of three generations’ worth of hard work, resilience, and a love for the land.

“We’re third generation in the sod business,” says Danielle Newson, who co-founded Tri State Sod in 2021 alongside her brother Hutch, his wife Nicki, and her husband Mark. “Our grandparents started in the 1950s in Miami. Then our parents took over in the late ’60s, eventually relocating the operation to Central Florida in the late ’70s.”

The Newson family brought that legacy to Malone with a mission: to grow quality sod while supporting their local community. Today, the farm cultivates a diverse mix of grasses including Centipede, St. Augustine, Zoysia, Bermuda, and Bahia. Each type requires specific care and conditions, and as Danielle explains, the process is far more intricate than many might realize.

“It takes anywhere from nine to eighteen months from seed or sprig to harvest,” she says. “But the fields grow back in, and we can cut it several times over before needing to replant. The grass tells you what it needs, whether it’s water, mowing, fertilizer, or even aerating. That helps us get the most out of all the things we feed our grasses.”

Despite their deep expertise, the team has faced its share of challenges, starting with building a business from the ground up in a new place where they didn’t yet have connections.

“We didn’t know anyone here,” Danielle notes. “And on top of that, we’ve dealt with high fertilizer costs and a shortage of available labor. It’s pushed us to get creative and be more efficient in how we fertilize.”

To that end, the farm follows Best Management Practices (BMPs), aiming to reduce water use and limit the need for herbicides and pesticides.

“Every grass is different,” Danielle explains. “They each have unique traits—different weed and pest vulnerabilities, drought and cold tolerances. It takes constant observation and care.”

Tri State Sod doesn’t just grow grass, they cultivate community. The business supplies sod to landscapers, builders, homeowners, and municipalities throughout the Tri-State area, including Jackson County. In turn, they support the local economy by sourcing their agricultural supplies from nearby vendors, employing local workers, and giving back to area schools and programs.

“Although we’ve faced many challenges, we’re proud to supply our community with quality sod at a reasonable price,” Danielle says. “We’re excited to see where we go from here, and we’re incredibly thankful, for the Lord, and for our parents and grandparents whose sacrifices brought us to this point.”

From fertile soil to fresh starts, Tri State Sod is more than just a farm, it’s a testament to perseverance, family legacy, and the promise of greener days ahead.