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.
Some of the most common choices for this part of Georgia are:
Bermuda
Bermuda is the most popular of sod grasses available. It is widely used because of its low maintenance requirements and its good tolerance to regional weather conditions. It is a rapidly spreading variety that becomes extremely dominant and discourages weeds if maintained properly. Bermuda takes root very quickly and grows well in clay conditions.
It needs less water than other grasses, and its ability to withstand frequent traffic contributes to its desirability. Bermuda sod provides a green dense luster in the growing season and reverts to a light wheat color during its dormant period in the winter months. It is a favorite of golf courses, and again, if maintained properly gives a beautiful appearance.
RECOMMENDED SUNLIGHT: 10-12 hours per day
PROS:
* Least Expensive of the Five Sod Types
* Low Overall Maintenance
* Highest Tolerance to Sunlight
* Good Tolerance to Traffic
* Takes Root and Spreads Rapidly
* Aggressive Growth
* Grows Well in Clay
CONS:
* Loses Color During Winter Dormancy
Zoysia
Zoysia has been referred to as the Premier sod. When at its best, Zoysia looks nothing short of spectacular. It is a slow-growing, fine-textured, dense turf grass. Maintenance is similar to that of Bermuda sod; however, Zoysia requires less mowing during the growing season than the other types. It is generally resistant to weeds and can tolerate a high volume of traffic.
When properly cared for, Zoysia's appearance is impeccable, but if not properly maintained, it can gain a semi-dormant look. Zoysia has been referred to as the Premier sod. When at its best, Zoysia looks nothing short of spectacular. It is a slow-growing, fine-textured, dense turf grass.
Maintenance is similar to that of Bermuda sod; however, Zoysia requires less mowing during the growing season than the other types. It is generally resistant to weeds and can tolerate a high volume of traffic. When properly cared for, Zoysia's appearance is impeccable, but if not properly maintained, it can gain a semi-dormant look. Some types of Zoysia sod available are MEYERS, EMERALD, and ZEON.
RECOMMENDED SUNLIGHT: 5-6 hours per day
PROS
* Dense, Fine Texture
* Resistant to Weeds
* High Drought, Shade & Traffic Tolerance
CONS
* More Expensive than Other Types
* Slow to Establish
* Can be Hard to Cut
Fescue
Fescue is a fast-growing turf that is green the full year around. Because of its continual luster and performance throughout every season, Fescue has become a popular choice of industrial and commercial customers.
Fescue sod is generally grown with a blend of three or more varieties in order to increase appearance benefits and decrease vulnerability to disease.
Today's varieties have become much more tolerant of sun, heat, watering conditions, and cutting methods. While Fescue is the most shade tolerant of all sod types, it can still become weakened or damaged with too much shade.
RECOMMENDED SUNLIGHT: 4-5 hours per day
PROS
* Green Throughout the Year
* Highest Level of Shade Tolerance
* Fast Growing
* Improved Tolerance to Weather Conditions
* Can be established by Seeding (Although Time Consuming)
CONS
* High Maintenance
* Requires Heavy Watering During Warm Season
* Does Not Spread
Centipede
Centipede is a warm season grass. Its most favorable attribute is its low maintenance requirement. It requires less mowing than the other sod types, and is highly resistant to weeds.
Although it has a strong growth habit, it is slow to replenish weak areas and is not as traffic tolerant as Bermuda. Centipede can tolerate a moderate amount of shade, but does its best in full sun.
The color is normally paler than other sod types and requires a consistent watering schedule to achieve a lush green appearance. Like Bermuda, it goes into dormancy during the winter.
RECOMMENDED SUNLIGHT: 7-8 hours per day
PROS
* Low Maintenance
* Grows Well in Poor Soil
* Requires Less Mowing
* High Resistance to Weeds
CONS
* Builds a Heavy Thatch
* Course Texture
* Appearance Not as Lush as Other Grasses
