Any lawn grass species that is grown by seed can also be planted as sod. Sod is mature lawn grass that has been cut into sections that include root systems and top soil. It is laid over a prepared surface to create green, mature turfgrass. Sod produces instant results, eliminates weed growth during establishment and can be used year-round. Popular lawn grass species that are sold as sod include Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, Bermuda Grass and Centipede Grass.
Kentucky Bluegrass is a cool-season turfgrass that requires moderate to direct sunlight, frequent fertilization and irrigation, and well-drained soil. Kentucky Bluegrass sod is popular for high-traffic areas, including athletic fields and recreational areas. Kentucky Bluegrass sod is commonly sold as a blend of two or three distinct Kentucky Bluegrass species.
Tall Fescue is a cool-season grass with broad blades and coarse texture. Tall Fescue is drought- and shade-resistant, and it can tolerate a wide variety of soil conditions. Unlike Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue is not appropriate for heavily trafficked lawn areas. Tall Fescue sod is commonly sold as a Kentucky Bluegrass-Tall Fescue blend.
Bermuda grass is a warm-season, drought-tolerant lawn grass that prefers full sunlight. At the first frost of winter, Bermuda grass turns into a straw color and remains dormant throughout the winter. Bermuda sod is traffic-resistant and is used on golf courses, athletic fields and other high-traffic areas that don't require winter use.
Centipede grass is a slow-growing, coarse lawn grass that prefers full sunlight, low-traffic areas and moist, nutrient-rich soil. The slow growth of Centipede grass requires little mowing or fertilization. Centipede grass is popularly harvested as a sod because initial seed establishment may take an entire growing season.