Choosing the right sod for your landscaping project is an important step. There are several different varieties to choose from. When selecting your sod, you should consider the climate that you live in. Your professional landscaping company can advise you as to what would best suit your needs as well as install the sod for you.
Warm Weather Grasses
Several options for sod types for southern climates are available. Bahia grass is a tough, insect-resistant grass that can handle high traffic and requires little watering. Bermuda grass is drought-resistant, insect-resistant and requires full sun. During the winter, this grass turns brown and then greens up come springtime. A slow growing grass that is good for warm climates is Zoysia. In dry conditions, this must be kept watered. A popular choice in the South that does not like cold weather at all is St. Augustine grass. Each type of grass has unique qualities and a different appearance.
Cool Weather Grasses
A cool climate calls for sod that thrives in lower temperatures. Cool weather grasses have a low tolerance for heat and may become dormant if they get too warm. During a warm spell, they must be kept watered. One of the popular grasses that do well in cool areas is Kentucky Blue-grass. This grass usually grows well in a shady area of loose soil. Many times, it is mixed with other grasses. One of the problems with this type of grass is that it is not uncommon for it to become infected with damaging leaf rot. A fungicide should be used regularly.
Fine Fescue grows well in cool shady areas and requires plenty of water if it becomes warm. There are three types of this grass: hard, creeping red and chewings. Tall Fescue is a great choice for sporting fields, commonly mixed with other grasses to create a more uniform look. If used on its own, it grows in bunches. Perennial Ryegrass is often used in warmer climates as a mix with grasses that become dormant in the winter. It doesn’t need full sun to thrive and may be mixed with other grasses to improve uniform growth.
Caring for Your New Lawn
If you take the proper steps to care for your new lawn, it will build a good root base and fill out properly. Depending on the grass that was installed, you may need additional fertilizers or fungicides. Many landscaping services offer continued care for newly sodded lawns. They have the expertise to understand exactly what the needs are for the type of grass that you have chosen, the area that you live in and the current weather conditions.