Sod

The professionals at Alternate Environments understand that sod and seed 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. Let the professionals at Alternative Environments, your sod installation company, install Bermuda sod or seed at your home or commercial property this season.

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 lawn grass. Maintenance is similar to that of Bermuda sod; however, Zoysia requires less mowing during the growing season than the other types. Let the professionals at Alternative Environments, your sod installation company, install Zoysia sod or seed at your home or commercial property this season.

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 lawn 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. It is generally resistant to weeds and can tolerate a high volume of traffic. 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. Let the professionals at Alternative Environments, your sod installation company, install Fescue sod or seed at your home or commercial property this season.

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. Let the professionals at Alternative Environments, your sod installation company, install Centipede sod or seed at your home or commercial property this season.

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