When it comes to choosing the right type of sod for your North Texas lawn, there are several things to consider. Our unique climate and soil type can make it challenging to grow that thick, green, luscious lawn we all dream of. But fear not – because, with the right sod type and installation method, it is possible to maintain healthy turf without spending a ton of money on maintenance. 

To help you on your journey to a beautiful lawn, this post will run through the best sod types for your outdoor space, our expert installation tips, and a bunch of helpful hints to help you get the most from your lawn. 

What Different Sod Types are There?

Before we launch into the best type of sod for your lawn, let’s define exactly what we mean by “sod”. Put simply, sod is a patch of grass with a small slice of the soil underneath it. In most cases, the grass and soil are held together by roots or by a thin layer of biodegradable material. This allows the sod to be laid onto the lawn quickly and easily like a jigsaw puzzle. 

Since grass is the primary ingredient of sod, there are as many different types as there are varieties of grass. That is to say, hundreds! 

Fortunately for us here in Texas, we have a smaller selection to choose from, due to the weather and soil that we’re working with. This makes it easier to pick exactly the right variety for your outdoor space. 

At College Fund landscaping, we have narrowed this selection down to three main varieties:

  • Bermuda
  • St. Augustine
  • Zoysia

All three of these grass types do great in our climate and offer a relatively low-cost, low-maintenance alternative to synthetic turf.

But how do you choose the right type for your outdoor space?

You’ll need to consider your outdoor space’s unique characteristics to figure out what type of sod to use. 

Ask yourself: 

  • How much direct sunlight will my lawn receive?
  • Is this a high or low-traffic area? Ie. will a lot of people be walking, running, or playing sport on the turf. 
  • Are you looking for an ornamental lawn, or is this a practical space that needs to be able to withstand a lot of action?

All these factors play a part in deciding the best sod type for your specific needs. It’s important to consider all of them when choosing what variety of grass to use on your lawn.

Sod types for North Texas

Once you have a clear idea of the conditions you’re working with, you can choose the best sod type for your lawn. Let’s take a look at which grass variety will thrive in your outdoor space. 

Best for high traffic areas with minimal shade and lots of direct sunlight

Bermudagrass sod is a fantastic option for lawns that experience a lot of footfall, and receive lots of sunlight. It is an extremely drought-tolerant species, meaning it can withstand long Texan summers with very little rainfall. It is one of the most popular varieties for athletic fields and golf courses in states with lots of sunshine because it recovers from damage more quickly than most grass types.

Best for manicured lawns with little foot traffic

St. Augustine grass is a popular lawn grass all across Texas and the Gulf states because it can withstand high temperatures and humidity. It also has a stunning blue-green color and dense-growing pattern, which means your lawn will look thick and lush without a ton of effort on your part. One of our favorite things about St. Augustine grass is that it looks beautiful very quickly after installation. It doesn’t take long to reap the benefits of a St Augustine turf!

Best all-rounder for low-maintenance lawns

Zoysia grass is one of the most diverse sod types out there, with more than a dozen varieties that can be used to plant lawns. Its ability to tolerate high temperatures, withstand drought, and recover from heavy foot traffic makes it a great choice for multi-use lawns. What’s more, Zoysia grass doesn’t require much maintenance, making it a cost-effective option for most spaces. 

Texas Sod Installation Tips

Choosing the right sod type is the first step to creating a beautiful lawn. However, for long-lasting, high-quality grass, it’s also important to make sure your turf is installed correctly. With the right installation technique, your lawn will be instantly transformed into a lush, healthy area of thriving grass. 

As mentioned earlier in this post, the sod comes in squares or rectangles made up of grass, soil, and a layer of roots or biodegradable material to hold it all together. Generally, these patches are sold in pallets. At College Fund Landscaping, each pallet contains 450 square feet of sod. How many pallets you will need depends on the size of the area you’d like covered. 

Although sod can be installed at any time of year, we generally aim to do so in the spring or fall. This is because the weather conditions in these seasons give your grass the best opportunity to quickly green up and establish a strong root system in preparation for the more challenging conditions it will face during the winter and summer months. 

In order to get the smoothest lawn possible, we will hand till, grade, and rake the area to erase any weeds or existing grass. This helps remove any potential competition to your new turf!  

Additionally, we recommend applying starter fertilizer. This will help your new grass to develop a healthy root system quickly. The quicker your sod establishes, the quicker you’ll see fresh green growth!

Once your turfgrass sod is in place, it is crucial to give the area a final tamp with a weighted lawn roller. This not only helps to press out any pockets of trapped air but also makes it easier for your sod to adhere to the ground beneath. Other landscapers ignore this step, but if you want to see results that last, this should never be skipped.

Sod Installation Service in North Texas

Healthy, lush grass can dramatically improve the look and enjoyment of your outdoor space. As well as increasing the value of your entire property, a properly installed sod lawn can reduce the amount of maintenance (and associated costs) of managing your turf. 

As experts in lawn care and installation, College Fund Landscaping is here to help. Request a free online quote on our website or get in touch via Facebook Messenger.