Figuring out what the best sod is for you and your landscape can be a challenge when there are so many options to choose from. There is a potentially endless combination of variables and variations to consider and that can be overwhelming. For that reason we believe it’s often smart to start with basics and go from there.
What is sod exactly?
Sod, also known as “turf”, is the upper layer of soil and grass that is distributed in rolls or squares. Typically used to replace old grass or to expand one’s lawn, laying sod is one of the quickest ways to improve your outdoor living space.
When is the best time to lay sod and how?
So long as the ground isn’t frozen, sod can be laid throughout the year. In Georgia, the best time to lay warm season grass is in the late spring or early summer. Meanwhile, cold season grass unsurprisingly benefits from being put down in the early winter.
Ultimately, the timing should correspond with the type of grass and type of lawn you’re trying to cultivate. Regardlesss, before laying the sod, you should make sure your topsoil is nutrient-rich. It should have appropriate pH levels and be smoothed out to set your lawn up for its best chance at success. Laying sod during an overcast day is also recommended, as it reduces the amount of stress put on the grass from the first day.
Does the type of sod really matter?
Yes. The type of sod you choose effectively refers to the type of grass you are choosing, which should be appropriate for your climate, shade level and sun exposure. The direction your lawn faces is also important as a west-facing lawn typically absorbs more sunlight in the noon, while an east-facing lawn absorbs more light in the morning.
Georgia falls in the warmer planting zone region, meaning the most popular grasses are typically drought resistant, stay green in high temperatures, whilst tolerating a variety of shade levels. These include Zeon Zoysia, Bermudagrass and Fescue.
Zeon Zoysia
Zeon Zoysia is a variety of Zoysia, popular for its fine texture, lasting color and general versatility. It is a warm season grass that can tolerate cold spells as well as grow in light shade, drought and full sunlight. Their resilience stems from the their thick root systems, which makes it dense and soft underfoot. When watered and fertilized properly, Zeon Zoysia is fairly disease resistant. It also retains its color for longer as the seasons shift through fall.
Bermudagrass
Bermudagrass is a fast-growing grass that is very tolerant to heat, salt and heavy traffic. It recovers quickly from damage and can tolerate low rainfall. It benefits from full sunlight and maintains a low tolerance to shade. Bermudagrass needs to mowed weekly, due to the rate at which it grows. Like Zeon Zoysia, this grass goes dormant during the cold months, but it generally less cold hardy. People primarily appreciate Bermudagrass for its speed, color and soft texture.
Fescue
Unlike the others, Fescue is a cold season grass, which is best applied in the early winter. It is less drought resistant than Zeon Zoysia or Bermudagrass, but it stands up well to disease and high traffic. With the right maintenance, Fescue retains its dark green color all year round. It is the most shade tolerant of the three. However, during the hotter months, it does require more consistant watering.
How to decide
Timing is a big factor when it comes to the type of sod that will most likely succeed in your outdoor living space. It is also important to take into consideration how much direct sunlight your lawn absorbs throughout the day. Rainfall, pH balances and appropriate fertilization will also affect the health and appearance of your lawn. Note that some grasses require more maintenance than others.
Find the best sod for your lawn today by calling or clicking for a free quote from a North Metro Landscapes speciailist.
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