Planning a Sod Project for 2024

By SHANNON HATHAWAY, Landscape Horticulturist and Sod Specialist

If your resolutions for 2024 include a more usable and hardy lawn for your kids, your dogs, or yourself, you have come to the right lawn experts! Every successful project starts with a plan. 

• Sunlight: Determine the number of hours of direct sunlight your lawn receives May through September. Lumos and Sun Seeker are very good apps for this purpose. The minimum number of hours needed to grow sod varies by variety. Fescue needs 3-6 hours per day. Bermudas need 6-8+ hours per day. Zoysias vary with Zenith needing 6+ hours while Zeon needs 4+ hours. No grasses like full shade. If you do not receive adequate sunlight, and you cannot prune or remove obstacles to increase sunlight, then grass is not the answer for you. My advice is to get the app and save yourself money and frustration.

• Water Needs: All plants need water to grow, but some need less than others. Choosing a drought-tolerant grass can save you money and conserve water. Fescue uses more water in central NC than any other grass. TifTuf Bermuda, Zoysia, and Centipede are much more drought-tolerant, and are better suited to our warm climate.

• Traffic Tolerance: Determine how much traffic your lawn will receive before choosing a sod variety. Fescue cannot spread to repair itself, so it does not handle traffic well. Zoysias and Centipede spread slowly, so they can repair themselves with time. TifTuf Bermuda is the fastest growing choice, so it repairs itself quickly, but it also means it requires more frequent mowing.

• Timing: Each sod variety has its ideal planting season. Fescue sod should be laid in cool months. Zeon Zoysia and Centipede need heat! Bermudas and wide-bladed Zoysias like Zenith and Compadre can be laid year-round. 

• Budget: Sod varieties can vary widely in price. The right sod will save money in the long run. If you are concerned about price, consider sodding a smaller area. A healthy small lawn looks better (and performs better) than a large unhealthy lawn. 

• Environmental Impact: Lawns get a bad rap with environmentalists, and let’s face it –  some deserve it! The right sod choice can limit your amount of mowing, water use, and chemical use. The right sod in the right place, leaving room for native plants and drought-tolerant organic gardens, can make you a better steward of our environment. 

If you are concerned that you may not make the right choice, ask a professional! A qualified lawn consultant can help you make the best choice for your site and needs. Get on the schedule early for faster service. May is the busiest month in the sod business. Avoid the rush – Don’t wait until May!