Sod comes in several varieties. Some prefer shade, others prefer sun, and others perform well in high traffic areas. If you are thinking about ordering or planting sod, it’s important to know the difference between the varieties. That way, you’ll be able to achieve the lawn you desire in the most cost-effective and timely manner.
Kentucky Bluegrass
Kentucky bluegrass thrives in northern climates and has a lush, dark green color. It is a soft, thick grass. Kentucky bluegrass needs more water than warm season grass and must be carefully watered to keep it green. Often sod farmers use a blend of Kentucky bluegrass seeds to improve its adaptability. For example, if the sod is laid in a lawn that gets more shade than sun, the shade tolerant variety blended in the sod will take over and allow the sod to flourish.
Tall Fescue
Tall fescue has a lighter green color than Kentucky bluegrass and is more tolerant to drought. It grows well in moist areas, but adapts to a wide range of soil types. It adapts particularly well to areas with in between climates where winters too cold for warm season grasses and summers are too hot and muggy for cool season grasses. Fescue is a successful grass for high traffic areas. Often, fescue is blended with Kentucky bluegrass to make it more adaptable.
Bermuda
Bermuda is a green, dense high maintenance sod. It grows well in sunny, hot terrain and performs poorly in the shade. Bermuda is often sold in southern states. It grows well in high traffic areas and is often used on outdoor playing fields.
Zoysia
Zoysia is another sod type suited to southern climates. It grows slowly and prefers clay or sandy soil. Zoysia grows well in sun, but also performs well in the shade. In addition, Zoysia has a resistance to weeds.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine is another grass that does not handle cold weather well. It is usually found in the southeastern United States as well as Mexico, Australia and Africa. Its texture is coarse, and it grows well in hot, moist climates. When maintained well, it provides a thick, dark green lawn that does well in full sun to moderate shade.
Centipede
Centipede is a low maintenance sod which makes it ideal for hot, dry or moist climates. It grows slowly and resists weed invasion. As it grows, the light, green centipede spreads aggressively.
For more information on Southern types of sod see
Southern Lawn Care
For more information on seeding your northern lawn see
For more information on Sodding your lawn see
Measuring a Lawn and Ordering Sod
Christy Mroczek - Christy Mroczek is a Professor of English, specializing in business communication, design publication, and technical editing. She earned ...
