Sod may seem simple when looked at on a surface level: a clump of soil with a tiny patch of grass doesn’t sound terribly sophisticated. But there are many things to consider when it comes to this lawn care service, especially in a climate like that of Colorado. In this article, we’ll address the most important qualities of sod, as well as a few interesting facts you may not know.  For information on sod installation services near you, contact our team of landscaping and property maintenance professionals at Green-Way Pro today! 

In addition to serving the Greater Montrose metropolitan area, Green-Way Pro provides top-of-the-line lawn care services throughout the entire Western Slope. Visit our website to explore all of our areas of expertise, including sprinkler systems, hardscape design, and xeriscaping. 

A Brief Overview of Sod

Sod is a landscaping crop consisting of little more than grass and soil, attached by either a thin system of roots or some sort of biodegradable material, both of which function like an organic adhesive. Sod is generally thought to be used only for cosmetic enhancement of landscapes, but its applications and benefits go far beyond curb appeal.

Finding The Right Sod For Your Montrose Property

There are dozens of species of grasses available for sodding of residential and commercial lawns, but only some of them fare well in a Colorado climate. Warm season grasses, as the name might suggest, have quite obviously significant sunlight and warmth requirements and so don’t tend to thrive in places like Montrose. By contrast, cool season grasses are robust, capable of withstanding both drought and frost, and generally grow closer to the ground than more temperate sod species. 

Warm season grasses include Bahia, St. Augustine, Bermuda, and Zoysia. Cool season grasses — the ones recommended by Colorado lawn care experts — include Kentucky Bluegrass, Wheatgrass, and Perennial Ryegrass. Whether you live in the central, southern, or northern regions of the Front Range, there is likely a hardy cool season grass that’s perfect for your property. Try not to focus too much on choosing a sod for its appearance, as the way a grass species looks is not necessarily any indication of how well it will do in your lawn — especially when the first winter storm rolls around.

How To Ensure Your Sod Grows Successfully

Whether you’re planting a plot of harvest vegetables or tending to a rosebush, every gardener knows that when it comes to successful cultivation, the growing conditions are the most critical features. The species of sod you choose for your yard should be determined by the current conditions of the zone you live in, as even cool season grasses have very different personalities and maintenance needs.

For instance, Kentucky Bluegrass is one of the most commonly recommended sod grasses due to its naturally robust root system, but it is especially prone to dry patches and thinning and requires a lot of watering. If you live in a below-average temperature area, Rough Bluegrass may be the choice for you; it is good for areas of Colorado that receive more shade and less sun than other regions of the Western Slope — but the rare sunny spell can scorch it in just a few weeks’ time!

Clearly, there is much to consider about the sod you put in your yard. If you’re considering a sod installation on your Colorado property, you’ll want to keep in mind the following when assessing and comparing options of grasses:

• Irrigation may need to be installed to accommodate the drier periods of the summer and early fall

• Regular aeration and appropriate fertilization will ensure survival through long winters or cold periods

• The sod grass will appear greener in the rainy summer months and yellowish-brown when the temperature drops to 65 degrees and below

• Species of grass have varying degrees of tolerance to foot traffic, sun exposure, soil acidity, as well as different drainage patterns 

For further guidance on selecting the sod that will be best suited for and most likely to thrive in your own backyard, please contact Green-Way Pro today!

Consider Sod For Your Colorado Property’s Lawn

Sod is used in a variety of geographic regions and climates, but Colorado almost always favors the cool season species due to their hardy nature, ease of installation, and low-maintenance requirements, especially in dry environments found in the southern parts of the state.  

Not only is sod an excellent choice for Montrose lawns because of its soil and crop-enhancing value, but it is an easy and cost-effective way to add immense property value to your home or commercial property. 

At Green-Way Pro, we provide top-rated local services in sod installation, yard maintenance, and more. If you’re looking for a trustworthy landscaping company near you, our experienced team is ready and eager to help you develop and sustain the lawn you’ve always wanted. Contact us today!