best grass sod

If you live in a mild winter area, feed your grass in the early spring. The fact is, you can save money and be successful starting a new lawn from seed. A thick matrix of roots that don't tear easily. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. A top seed variety and brand that most customers rave about. MG Construction & Decks has been rated as one of the top contractors in the Los Angeles area year after year. However, if you are planting a new lawn or trying to reinvigorate a very damaged, thin, or unhealthy stretch of grass, take the time to prepare the soil thoroughly, which means removing any existing grass, weeds, or other plants, before sowing the new seeds. Lush rolls with no bare patches or thatch. % of people told us that this article helped them. Depending on the type of grass, this could be anywhere from a few days to a week or more. They probably say that starting a new lawn is hard work best left to professionals. A bag of mixed grass seeds provides the healthiest, lowest-maintenance lawn for most homeowners. The U.S. transitional zone obviously sits between the cool and warm season zones — so, basically from Maryland and Virginia to southern California. Mixed seeds don’t create a lawn as uniform as single variety or blended seeds, but they do provide the benefits of different varieties and are generally more disease-resistant. Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) do best in Northern climates, while warm-season grasses (St. Augustine, zoysia) fare better in Southern climates. Even excels in clay soil if you aerate or till. Water deeply -- Water your lawn deeply (but not too often) to promote the growth of deep roots.Apply about 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) of water, only when needed (usually no more than once a week). Sod offers many advantages over a reseeded lawn, since it is installed while in optimum health and sown closely to limit weed infiltration. While you’ll pay more for pre-fertilized grass seeds, you’ll save time. And since we never accept free products from manufacturers, our recommendations are 100% our own. Break up soil clods that are larger than 2 inches in diameter. I began doing research on lawn leveling and after watching a few You Tube videos on professional lawn leveling, I was officially obsessed. A. What are the shipping options for sod & turf? Water the planted area lightly, and if it doesn’t rain, continue to lightly water the area daily until you see growth. Bermudagrass is the seed of choice in the South. Melissa & Michael Gabso. All sod & turf can be shipped to you at home. Your lawn requires nutrients, and … TruGreen offers the broadest variety of plans across the broadest region, along with a convenient online chat function and mobile app for ease in customer service. This capitalizes on the strengths of each grass variety but still gives a uniform appearance, as different varieties of the same species will usually be close in appearance. Scotts Turf Builder Southern Triple Action 4,000 sq. Where shade is an issue, St. Augustines are your best option. Now it’s time to plant. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Mow high -- Cut your grass to a height of 6 to 8 centimetres (2.5 to 3 inches).This height (instead of cutting shorter) will promote growth, prevent weeds, and discourage insect pests. However, this is far from the truth. Once the new turf is around three inches high, it’s time to mow. It’s admittedly tough to grow grass in a heavily shaded area, but there are varieties that tolerate partial shade, meaning just a few hours of sunlight per day. Does your lawn get heavy foot traffic? 7 October 2020. backyards this spring. (See our policy) At this point, the grass should be able to tolerate light foot traffic. The Best Zoysia Grass for Shade in Florida. This so-called bluegrass mix is mostly fescue. Are you just patching up holes or damage? Bahia Grass. With over ten years of experience, they specialize in exterior and interior remodeling and redesign, including kitchen, bathroom, and deck construction. There are many types of grass commonly grown for lawns, but they generally fall into two categories: warm season grasses and cool season grasses. A set-up in no more than 1 inch (2.54 cm) of rich, damp soil. It feels right at home when temperatures reach 90 degrees F, and it hardly whimpers when the mercury exceeds 100 F. Look for new, improved varieties like Scotts Turf Builder Bermudagrass. The cost of premium grass seed is much less when compared to the cost of sod for the same size lawn. The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. MC Construction & Decks also provides plans and permitting services and is known for backyard beautification projects. The article was extremely helpful because I know my grass options and will be confident inspecting what they bring. The U.S. warm season zone runs approximately from the coastal Carolinas to southern Arizona. Melissa and Michael Gabso are the Owners of MC Construction & Decks based in Los Angeles, California. This article has been viewed 49,943 times. May need some babying and extra watering at first, but grows up strong once established. Before cutting the sod, make sure your cutting utensil (such as a machete, razor, or carpet knife) are very sharp. Generally speaking, you don’t need to rip away every blade of old grass, but you do want to churn up the surface soil. Each one is top quality and has its own unique benefits. Warm season grasses thrive in the mild winter/hot summer areas of the U.S., including the South, the Southwest, and Southern California. If it’s a large lawn, however, buy or rent a push lawn spreader for even sowing. Your solution might be to grab the first bag of grass seeds you see. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Its thick growth suppresses weeds. You could seed with Zoysia and it will fill in with the existing grass, it is very low maintenance. Uniform, deep-green blades at least 2 inches (5.08 cm) long. While there are types of grass that are more drought-resistant than others, no grass is truly drought-proof. Milorganite Organic Nitrogen Lawn Fertilizer. Bermuda grass grows best in the summer and turns yellow in the winter. ACCEPT. All grasses will do well in rich topsoil, but homeowners in arid and subtropical regions may have limited options when choosing new sod. A green, healthy, lush lawn: every homeowner wants one. Bigger yards also cost more to maintain, so consider lower-maintenance grass varieties. Are there any shady spots underneath trees? Customers brag of fast and robust growth. All types of grass require regular water for the healthiest appearance. Buying guide for best grass seeds, Pollinator Friendly Alternative Grass Seed, Turf Builder Grass Seed Centipede Grass Seed, Tall Fescue Shady Mix-Blue Tag Grass Seed, Turf Builder Grass Seed Pennsylvania State Mix. Find the right match and recommendations in this guide. Can I spread grass seeds over an existing lawn? Follow the directions on the package regarding how thickly to spread the seeds. Which type sod thrives best in limited light? What does “cool season” and “warm season” mean? Break up clods, remove rocks, and pull any weeds or undesired growth. In the U.S., the cool season grass zone stretches roughly from southern New Jersey to central California. Mixed seed grass seeds contain several different types of grass. Expert Interview. When it comes time to buy, look for sod that is growing in a similar type of soil to what you have at home, when possible. Kentucky Bluegrass is also … You’ve purchased the right grass seeds for your area, your specific yard, and your lifestyle. Yes, sod & turf can be returned and have a 180-Day return period. Blended grass seeds contain several different varieties of the same grass species. These will die off when the hot weather returns. Handles deep shade like a champ yet doesn't wilt in the sun. That all depends on your climate. Expanded grass choices. Fescue varieties are a good choice for shadier areas. The instructions should state how many square feet the grass seeds will cover. Some homeowners will sprinkle a different grass seed variety over Bermuda grass in the autumn so that the lawn stays green (this process is called "overseeding"). St. Augustine: St. Augustine grass tolerates heat, sandy soil, and shade. We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers. They think that good sod or grass seed is enough to get the job done. Versatile. … Melissa and Michael Gabso are the Owners of MC Construction & Decks based in Los Angeles, California. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Sod can begin to spoil if you do not install it within 24 hours of its initial harvest. However, the filler should be less than 2%. The aerator is 48 inches wide with 32 galvanized knives, and it can support up to 140 pounds in its weight tray. Generally, only warm season grasses are sold as single variety seeds. Centipede, the "lazy man's" grass, also can withstand acidic soil. Let’s take a look at what to consider when deciding which grass seeds are right for your yard. Bahia: Bahia grass is disease-resistant and tolerates sandy soil, heat, drought, salty conditions, and heavy foot traffic. In spring, the Bermuda comes back. But it does usually cost more and it takes a bit of work to install, so it’s important to make the right sod choice. But if you’d like to learn more about the different types of grass seeds and their best uses, read on. Or you should bite the bullet and pay for sod. Any bag of grass seeds will have a certain amount of inert filler, such as dirt or chaff. Work the soil in the area to be planted. Bermuda: Bermuda grass tolerates heat, drought, and heavy foot traffic and grows quickly. Best for yards with mixed sun and shade. At most, you should water your lawn twice a week. The P20-500BH broadcast lawn spreader holds 50 lbs. We use cookies and similar technologies to run this website and help us understand how you use it. When it comes to growing a lush lawn, many people overlook the importance of soil quality. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. Climate, sun exposure, and foot traffic are all important factors. If you are placing sod over a sprinkler or pipe, cut out a section of the sod that matches the piece, and lay the cut-out portion over the item. Kentucky Bluegrass is one of the hardiest grasses available, and it thrives in most growing locations. and give us feedback about your visit today. Often needs tilling to truly flourish. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Golf course quality fertilizer and weed control. Some homeowners opt for reseeding their yards, but many choose to lay new sod. Without good soil, your lawn won’t grow well. Consistent quality seed that grows well overall but especially for difficult patches in shaded areas. Grass seeds labeled for specific conditions, such as “Shade,” “High Traffic,” or “Sun & Shade,” are typically mixed seed. Centipede and Bentgrass, however, often don’t do as well under heavy traffic, so they may be better suited for a “show” lawn. Your local university's extension service or even the state department of agriculture can give you localized advice. Not recommended. Cool season grasses prefer the milder summer temperatures of the northern states, and they tend to turn brown if temperatures get too hot. Many people in warm winter areas overseed their lawns with annual rye or similar “temporary” grass seeds to keep the lawn looking good through winter. Check out the germination rate of the seeds, which means how many seeds you can reasonably expect to actually sprout. A diverse blend of grasses that includes tall fescues, perennial ryegrass, and Kentucky Bluegrass. Naturally, as the lawn grows, it takes up nutrients from the … With a coating that protects, fertilizes, and helps absorb water, these seeds show an uncanny ability to grow in both sun and shade. Fill with Top Soil. Starts fast and gets lush in no time, especially if you aerate. Please take our 3-minute survey, In the U.S., Kentucky Bluegrass, Annual Ryegrass and Tall Fescue often perform best in transitional regions. Other grasses best suited for hotter climates are zoysia grass and tall fescue. You may want to have a few people assisting you. Before you buy, consider the time of year, your region and the sod farm that the sod comes … Perennial Ryegrass: Perennial ryegrass germinates and grows very quickly and tolerates heavy foot traffic. If your lawn is mostly in good shape, but you want to fill in a few small holes or damaged spots, you’ll find a wide range of seed blends mixed with fertilizer to quickly cover the spot with new grass. Most varieties of grass need at least one inch of water per week or more if it’s especially hot or windy. Plant warm season grass seeds in the spring. When shopping for grass seeds, it helps to understand the difference between single variety, blended, and mixed seed. Its rapid growth rate, hardy nature, and ability to recover quickly after being trampled make it a great choice for many owners. It depends on where you live. Is it a good idea to buy grass seeds with fertilizer already included? While any variety of lawn grass should tolerate at least light foot traffic, some varieties are much more forgiving than others. Last Updated: October 29, 2020 The best overall grass seed is Barenbrug Perennial Ryegrass Seed (view at Home Depot), which produces healthy, thick grass in a matter of weeks. Cover the seeds with straw or a very light layer of compost after sowing. Works nicely for full lawns, or to patch bare spots in both sunny and shady areas. An expert can tell you what type of grass it is and make suggestions on whether that variety or another might work better for you. Get exclusive content, advice, and tips from BestReviews delivered to your inbox. If you’re ready to seed, check out our top picks in the product list above. All of our lawn care services actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes everything from checking reviews, ratings, reputation, history, complaints, satisfaction, trust and cost to the general excellence.You deserve only the best! It boasts a high-quality, professional … Plant cool season grass seeds in the late summer through early fall. At BestReviews, we’ve done the research for you, gathering advice from landscapers, grass seed growers, and proud owners of beautiful lawns. Once your grass has sprouted, cut back on the watering but don’t let the soil dry out completely. Remodel & Redesign Experts. Germination rate varies, and some report weed seeds in the mixture. You may need to seed the sod with cool weather grasses for the cooler months in this region. Milorganite is one of the … Some of the most popular warm season grasses include the following. we never accept anything from product manufacturers. Buy now on Amazon. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. A great grass for hotter climates at a decent price from a leading brand. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. For warmer climates, we recommend Ferns and Ficuses, which grow rather quickly. Check out local garden centers, and go straight to sod growers as well. Single-variety grass seeds, also labeled “straight” grass seeds, contain one type of grass. A popular favorite that blends a spot of Kentucky Bluegrass with other varieties for a versatile grass that's especially good at patching trouble areas. It tolerates cold and heavy foot traffic and fills in quickly. The best time to lay sod, however, is in late summer and early fall when temperatures are cooler but grass continues to grow. Bermuda grass also chokes weeds where it … But don’t do it more than a day or two ahead of time — otherwise, rain or animals may create ruts and holes. You just need a little preparation, quality grass seed ideal for your growing conditions, well-prepared soil, and a little patience. Not as heat-tolerant as others on our list. If the varieties aren’t listed, pass on that brand. After all, grass is grass, right? Be careful not to tear or rip the sod before you install it. A grass variety recommended for one area of the country may be discouraged for use in another area. With over ten years of experience, they specialize in exterior and interior remodeling and redesign, including kitchen, bathroom, and deck construction. The best lawn care companies in the industry are TruGreen and Sunday. Some common cool season grasses include the following. A. One of the best products for this task is the Agri-Fab 48-inch Plug Lawn Aerator, a pull-behind model that will make quick work of even the largest yards. This article was co-authored by Melissa & Michael Gabso. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5. Get your free quote today! {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Choose-Sod-for-Your-Yard-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Choose-Sod-for-Your-Yard-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Choose-Sod-for-Your-Yard-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid1707508-v4-728px-Choose-Sod-for-Your-Yard-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"