Sod is a type of grass that has been allowed to grow before being put in place. The root system keeps it attached and creates an effective seal, preventing water from escaping back into the ground while also providing nutrients through absorption.
Sod is a mature, leafy turf that has been put through the mill of growing and cut into square pieces. Sod or turf has different types, and before going for it, one must have the answer for “what are the different types of sod?” Let’s take a deep dive into this article to know.
Different Types of Sod
Grass maintenance practices vary depending on the location you’re in, climatic conditions, soil type, and what kind of grass has grown there before. Therefore, knowing different sod types will help with your decision-making process to plant something right.
Warm-Season Grasses
The warm-season grasses (C4 grass) retain their beauty and greenery in hot climates, i.e., southern climates. However, they die due to the long exposure to cold temperatures. Following are the types of warm-season grasses.
Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is common in the south and requires plenty of sunshine. This drought, bug-resistant grass can grow in areas with high traffic without any problems. In addition, the coarse texture makes it last longer than most other types.
Bahia Grass
Bahia grass is perfect for Florida and Southern Atlantic coastlines. It grows best in regions with average temperatures between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit; however, it will still thrive if planted outside its preferred range (50°F). It requires very little water to stay healthy (make sure not to leave them dry either).
Zoysia Grass
Zoysia is a hardy, reliable grass that grows well in the southern and transitional zone. However, it requires sufficient sunlight and adequate watering to do its best work. Thus, it cannot withstand dry conditions and drought.
Centipede Grass
Centipede is a slow-growing and low-maintenance grass that performs well in acidic soil. Its shallow roots are vulnerable to bugs.
St. Augustine Grass
This dense green sod is common in the south and does not handle cold weather. Therefore, it is not for high-traffic areas and grows the best in sunny and warm areas.
Cool-Season Grasses
The cool-season grass (C3 grass) performs best in cold climate regions such as northern and coastal climates. It grows best in fall when the soil temperature is around 10–18℃. The following are the types of cool-season grasses.
Kentucky Bluegrass
This cool-season grass grows the best in loose soil and with shady conditions. It is one of the most popular grass in the northern parts of America.
Unfortunately, these grass types are prone to leaf spot disease and other similar ailments like Pythium soil infection or sooty mold fungus infections on their leaves.
It needs to be treated with a good fungicide, i.e., Scotts DiseaseEx Lawn Fungicide.
Perennial Ryegrass
Perennial Ryegrass does not need to be exposed to full sun to survive, and it’s mixed with other types for uniformity. As a result, it can often be found in the south, where plants will go dormant during cold seasons.
Fine Fescue
Fine Fescues grow in the most shade-loving climates but require more water and maintenance when temperatures exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 Celsius).
Tall Fescue
Tall Fescue is the type of turf that grows in bunches instead of a uniform pattern. It’s low maintenance and can handle high traffic very well, making it an excellent choice for sports fields with lots going on around them!
Choose the Right Type of Sod
Before deciding sod type, there may need some research into whether or not your location has an appropriate environment for growing a specific kind. Here we’ve listed a few factors that help you to choose the right grass for your area.
Local Climate
One of the most important things to do when looking for grass is determining what climate you will be placing it in. For example, if your climate is cold throughout the year, certain types will be more appropriate than others: transitional grass such as Kentucky bluegrass, Ryegrass, or Tall Fescue.
For hot and humid climates, you should choose plants or grass which can withstand short periods without water. For example, St. Augustine, Bermuda, Centipede, or Carpet grass retains their rich green color throughout summers due to dense concentrations near roots.
Soil Condition
Soil condition is another important factor when sodding your garden. Sod doesn’t work well in acidic soil except for centipede grass. You can choose a grass type that grows well with low pH soil, or you have to increase the pH level by adding organic matter or lime to the soil.
Sunlight
To help us decide the grass type, we need to know how much sun exposure each grass gets. If sunshine isn’t sufficient, Centipede Grasses or St. Augustine may survive long. However, those requiring plenty of sunshine, i.e., Bermuda turf, would not do better in this environment.
Foot Traffic
The best way to keep your lawn from becoming damaged by foot traffic is by installing the right type of sod. For example, Zoysia grass and Bermuda grass can withstand heavy foot traffic. However, if you have a pet that urinates in the yard, this grass will cause more harm than good as it absorbs nitrogen. Ryegrass/Fescue would be perfect for people who own animals!
Watering Requirements
To ensure your lawn is in top shape, assess beforehand how much time you can spend on it. For example, some types of turf require more attention, watering or maintenance, while others are easier to take care of.
Conclusion
Sod gives an instant green and luxuriant garden but choosing the right one for your lawn is crucial. The different sod types have specific longevity and retention capacity depending upon the soil type, climate condition, temperature, etc.
- Bermuda grass, Centipede grass, St; Augustine grass, Zoysia grass, Dichondra are different warm-season grasses.
- Kentucky Bluegrass, Fine Fescue grass, Perennial Ryegrass, and Tall Fescue are cool-season grasses.
Please refer to the comment section below and know what is best for your lawn.