Choosing Between The Different Types Of Sod

Oh, the Midwest. With its scorching summers and biting winters, picking the perfect sod for your yard can be quite the puzzle! But don't let the changing weather worry you, SES Landscape is here to break down the world of sod into bite-sized pieces, so you can choose the best grassy goodness for your next project.

Warm-Season Sod: The Heat Lovers

These bad boys are all about Kansas City's hot summers. Our top three picks in this category are Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, and St. Augustine grass.

Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass is the go-to choice for many people, as it's tough as nails and can handle heavy foot traffic. Oh, and it's also a champ when it comes to drought tolerance, which is a nice bonus to have!

Zoysia Grass

Zoysia grass brings the glam with its thick, lush growth, perfect for those looking to make a statement. And guess what? It's drought-resistant too! Zoysia grass is very adaptable and commonly used in the southern two-thirds of the U.S., which is perfect for Kansas and Missouri residents.

St. Augustine Grass

And finally, we have St. Augustine grass. St. Augustine grass works miracles for those shady spots in the yard. It thrives in low-light conditions and handles the heat with ease. This grass is often seen in yards further south.

Cool-Season Sod: The Cold Enthusiasts

Now, let's talk about the grasses that don't mind a little bit of a chill. We've got Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass.

Kentucky Bluegrass

Kentucky bluegrass features soft, fine blades and a vibrant green hue. And it's got your back during dry spells with its drought-resistant powers. However, this breed of grass may require more maintenance than others.

Fescue

Fescue is the versatile all-rounder, thriving in both sun and shade. Plus, it's quite adept at fighting off diseases in humid conditions. Fescue is quite common in northern parts of the country but it is perfect for areas that experience both warm and cool seasons.

Ryegrass

Ryegrass is a bit of a speed demon when it comes to growing and germinating, making it perfect for overseeding (that's when you plant new grass seeds over existing grass). This method may come in handy when trying to give your lawn some more color in the winter months.

Specialty Sod: The Problem Solvers

For those hard-to-figure-out landscaping conundrums, specialty sod has got you covered. We're talking shade-tolerant grasses, drought-resistant varieties, and sports turf.

Some popular shade-tolerant options include St. Augustine grass (yep, it's versatile) and fescue. For drought-resistant heroes, look no further than Bermuda grass and Zoysia grass. And for the rough and high-traffic world of sports fields and playgrounds, we recommend Bermuda grass and ryegrass.

SES Landscape Is Here For Sod Installation Services

There are a ton of factors to think about when choosing sod for your yard or business! Climate, soil type, sunlight exposure, intended use, maintenance requirements, and budget are all key aspects to consider. Do you want a low-maintenance option? Maybe a grass that requires less watering or mowing is the way to go.

Picking the right type of sod is key to creating a gorgeous and functional landscape. Warm-season, cool-season, or specialty sod—there's a grass out there for every need! When our team checks out the job site, we will make sure to take note and ask the right questions to help determine which sod will have your space thriving.

Contact SES Landscape today to schedule your sod consultation!