Sod Types in California

We offer a variety of sod depending on where you are located. There are a few specific types that are popular and great choices throughout California, often depending on personal preference.

1. Fescue and Bluegrass

Our fescue and bluegrass blends are a great option for several reasons.

• Holds up great in high-traffic areas
• Stays green all year
• Heat and drought tolerant
• Resistant to common disease problems

The fescue/bluegrass blend is made of 90% fescue and 10% bluegrass, with the bluegrass helping to nicely fill in and thicken your lawn and maintain excellent reparability. This type of blend is considered your traditional sod lawn and has a slightly stiffer and thicker blade. If you are located in and having sod delivered to areas near Sacramento, Redding, or the Bay Area, we also carry another type of fescue/bluegrass blend. This blend has a finer, softer, taller blade, along with the other qualities of the traditional fescue/bluegrass blend described above. We also have the option of 100% fescue sod in these same locations.

2. Bermuda

Another popular sod choice is Bermuda. We offer a few different types of Bermuda depending on your location.

• Excellent for high-traffic areas
• Both drought and heat tolerant
• Resistant to common disease problems
• Can typically be watered less than other sod varieties

Bermuda can also be cut lower (usually 1/2″-3/4″) and will look best when cut with a reel mower (forward-moving blade that cuts close to the ground) as opposed to a rotary mower. Bermuda does go dormant (turns brown) during winter months but can be overseeded with perennial ryegrass. One type of Bermuda, Tifgreen, has a very fine blade, is dense, dark green, has a carpet-like appearance, and is often used in locations like school playgrounds. Another type, Tifway, also has a fine blade, adapts well to shade and sun, and is often used for golf courses and football fields. Our Celebration Bermuda has a blue/green color, a soft fine blade, establishes and recovers quickly, and can be used on a variety of sports fields, playgrounds, and residential areas.

3. St. Augustine

Another sod variety is St. Augustine (offered in specific locations).

• Establishes and grows quickly
• Has thick, coarse, and tight blades
• Both heat and drought tolerant

It has a carpet-like appearance, and like most Bermuda grasses, it needs to be cut with a reel mower and can go dormant in the winter.

While most sod types need a minimum of 5-6 hours of sunlight per day, we do offer a special Shade Blend that consists of fescue, bluegrass, and various shade blends. It can withstand up to 40% daily shade but will also do well in full sun.

4. Mow-Free

Another specialty sod type is our Mow-Free sod.

• Relaxed meadow look
• Slow-growing, narrow, lax blades
• Dark green and glossy
• Does well in the shade and is often used for slopes
• Usually left unmowed or mowed once a year

5. Bluegrass

Bluegrass (a four-way bluegrass blend) is a nice dark green sod that offers uniform growth.

• Quick healing and recovery from heavy traffic and damage
• Does well during colder months and in cooler climates
• Not as heat tolerant as other sod options
• Requires more frequent watering and mowing
• Performs well at crowding out weeds

6. Blue-Rye

Blue-Rye is a 50% bluegrass and 50% premium ryegrass blend. This blend has a nice blue-green appearance all year.

• Heat and drought tolerant
• Grows well in sandy or clay soil
• Performs well in high-traffic areas
• Provides quick healing and uniform growth

Because of this excellent quality, it is often used on golf courses and sports fields.

These are just a few of our most popular sod varieties that are offered throughout the state. When selecting your sod, consider your climate, location, and how the area will be used. These factors, along with your own personal preference, will help determine your sod choice.

If you living in Southern California, be sure to check out our list of the best grasses for your area.