A beautiful, green grass is one of the hallmarks of a stunning yard and attractive curb appeal, but not all lawns are created equally. Perhaps your lawn is patchy and worn out, or maybe the type of grass just doesn’t match your ideal image. Sod can serve as a perfect solution compared to reseeding your lawn, but how do you know which sod is best? Read on to find out!
What Exactly is Sod, Anyway?
Sod provides a way for homeowners to create a nice lawn without needing to plant seed and then wait patiently while it grows. This is possible because sod is actually grass that has already been planted. It’s sold in sections of grass and soil held together by roots and other materials. You should always purchase sod from a sod farm that delivers it fresh for best results.
While sod may have a higher price point than seed, it’s for good reason. Sod provides a cohesive, attractive lawn very quickly, and it remains so lush and even that it has become the preferred choice of golfers. Sod also is reliable and roots easily into your yard without needing excessive watering, and you won’t need to spend your summer pulling weeds.
Find the Sod For Your Yard Based on Climate and Use
One of the first considerations when choosing sod is the climate of your area. Cold, shady areas need very different sod than hot, humid, sunny regions. If you live in the southern United States, you will need a warm season sod that grows in a single, extended period during the summer. Special care is needed during the winter to prevent browning. These warm season sods include St. Augustine, Bermuda, Carpetgrass, and Centipede.
On the other hand, if you live in a different area of the country where the winters are cold and summers warm, you need a cool season grass that grows twice annually, each spring and fall. Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, and Bentgrass are popular options in such places.
It’s also important to consider how your lawn will be used. Will it endure a great deal of foot traffic, like kids playing kickball? If so, Bermuda and Zoysia are very durable and resilient sods that can withstand heavy use. On the other hand, if your grass will remain untouched in full exposure of the sun, Bermuda is the best choice since it thrives on the hot sunlight.
Contact a sod expert to determine exactly which type of sod you should choose, and start enjoying your new lawn!