Sod Types: How to choose the right sod for your home or business landscaping

Choosing the right sod type for your home or business can be a challenge when you are unfamiliar with the different varieties of sod available. Chances are, you just want something affordable and low-maintenance that will beautify your landscape. With the right information, you can find the best sod type for your purposes.


Sod comes in many different varieties. In order to ensure your yard is healthy and vibrant, you will first want to determine what type of sod is best for your particular environment. Consider some of these questions about where the sod will be placed:

•    What type of soil do you have? Is the topsoil rich or do you have clay or a sandy soil bed?
•    What are the sunlight conditions for the area? Will the sod be in the shade or receive direct sunlight?
•    Will the sod be in a high-traffic area?
•    Is your basic climate characterized as cool, warm or transitional?
•    Do you have irrigation ready to water the new sod?


If you are unsure about the answers to these questions, you may find it helpful to discuss them with a turfgrass professional at Modern Turf who can easily determine the best sod type for your yard. Knowing this information is important in making the decision for the ideal sod types that will thrive in your yard’s environment.


For cool climates, you will find sod types that can withstand climate fluctuations, including some drought conditions.  Grasses such as perennial ryegrass, fescues and Kentucky bluegrass are resilient and are also able to push out weeds.


For warmer climates, the primary growing season is summertime. There are far more options to suit a variety of needs when you consider the host of warm season grasses available today.  In warmer climates, the grasses may go dormant in the winter, but in summer they will provide a beautiful yard. Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Autustine and Centipede are all warm season grasses.


Transition zones are the middle-ground between cooler and warmer climates. In these zones, a variety of sod types grow well. Choose between cool and warm season grasses, depending on where you are located and whether your climate leans toward cooler or warmer temperatures.


Choosing the best sod types for your home or business is the first step to achieving the lawn of your dreams. Some grasses grow more quickly than others, so if you are in a hurry to experience that velvety, green carpet, be sure to inquire about grass varieties that will take less time to establish.


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