Choosing the Type of Sod for Landscaping
Choosing to put in sod has a number of advantages over seeding which is why many people prefer it. A green lawn is easily achievable with sod with little waiting time as you don’t have to wait for the grass to grow in. It also addresses erosion and controls it right away. Using sod instead of planting grass seeds also eliminates dust and mud so it is almost as good as done once you plant it.
Another good trait is that it can be planted all year round so there would be no problems whichever season a homeowner might want to attend to landscape their front yard or backyard. The best reason to choose it over seeding is that it can be used for total installation or smaller pieces can be bought to repair smaller areas.
The first consideration is of course the type of sod to use. Choosing the variety of sod should not only be based on its appearance but the maintenance it needs to thrive should also be considered by the homeowner. There are certain types of sod that do well with shade while others do better with frequent sun exposure. This means that the layout of the house should also be considered to make sure the sod that is chosen will survive.
You must also consider the consider the climate before selecting the type of sod to be used. Not all varieties will do well in cold climates, hot climates, or places where it is rainy all the time. There are also sods that can withstand high traffic areas better than others so if a lot of activities for the future lawn is in mind, it is best to consider those.
Kentucky Bluegrass is great for northern climates but you need to make sure it is watered regularly as it needs more water than warm season grass. Tall Fescue, on the other hand, can do well with much less water and although it is expected to flourish in moist areas, it will be able to adapt to different kinds of soil and it is preferred for high traffic areas. Bermuda grass is one that is high maintenance because it does poorly in shade and is best for southern climates.
Zoysia is also best for southern climates. This type of sod prefers clay and sandy soil and it grows quite well under the sun. The advantage of using Zoysia is that it also satisfactorily performs in shade and is naturally-resistant to weeds. There are also people who like to blend different varieties of sod to improve the adaptability. Sod can either be planted or ordered but it is a good to start to know which type would be best suited to the homeowners space and landscaping plans.
May 14 2009 | Gardening | No Comments »