Top 6 Types of Sod Grass for the Arizona Climate
Sod grass comes in many varieties. Although aesthetics is one factor to consider when choosing a type of sod grass, it’s not the only factor to account for. You may also consider how certain varieties of sod grass are more likely to thrive in certain regional climates than in others.
The following are five of the most popular types of sod grass for various climates. Although one of them may be ideal for your property, you may need more information about an option before deciding to purchase it. Discuss this topic with a sod or turf supplier to learn more about the best variety for your needs.
Midiron
Midiron sod is a popular option in Arizona and parts of the country with a similar climate. Midiron sod is very drought-resistant and has low upkeep requirements.
Large families and families with pets sometimes opt for this form of sod because it can withstand heavy foot traffic relatively well. Thus, it’s also an option to consider for spaces on commercial properties that might get significant foot traffic.
Other benefits of Midiron sod to be aware of include:
- Relatively long mowing intervals, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your property and less time maintaining it
- An attractive deep blue-green color
- The ability to remain in good condition despite direct sun exposure in a hot climate
Tifway 419
Tifway 419 is a versatile type of sod with numerous potential uses. It’s a style of Bermuda grass, which performs well in warm climates.
Tifway 419 remains among the most popular styles of sod grass for sports fields and golf courses. However, it’s also a common choice for residential lawns.
Benefits of this option include:
- Versatility, as this form of sod tends to thrive in a range of soil types
- It can self-repair after sustaining minor damage
- Tifway 419 has a dense blade texture that many find results in an attractive and uniform look throughout a property
Tifway 328
Tifway 328 is a similar option to Tifway 419 that often appears on golf course greens. Some find it’s also the right choice for a property owner who desires a manicured appearance.
Additional benefits of Tifway 328 are:
- Tifway 328 is fairly resistant to both disease and pets
- This option is useful for public parks, where a clean appearance can make the right impression on visitors
- Tifway 328 allows for low mowing, something you might prefer
TifGrand
Another factor to consider when choosing sod grass is shade. If your grass isn’t going to receive a lot of direct sunlight, you need to choose a variety that can grow in these conditions.
TifGrand is an option to be aware of. TifGrand is a warm-weather-friendly Bermuda grass that can thrive in up to 60% shade. Typically, it only requires four to five hours of direct sun exposure a day.
Reasons to consider TifGrand include:
- It doesn’t require as much water or fertilizer as others, which could save you time and money
- TifGrand may remain green later into the fall months than some other options
- TifGrand is another sod that can double as sports turf, meaning it stands up to wear and tear
Palmetto St. Augustine
Palmetto St. Augustine is another type of sod that can remain in good condition despite minimal sun exposure. That said, it’s also very heat-tolerant, and can thus survive and grow in direct sunlight if you wish to install it in non-shady sections of your property.
Benefits Palmetto St. Augustine offers include:
- An extensive root system allows this sod to tolerate drought very well
- Palmetto St. Augustine offers a pleasing fine texture
- Many consider the color of Palmetto St. Augustine to be even more impressive than that of other St. Augustine varieties
TifTuf
TifTuf’s name is no coincidence—this variety of hybrid bermudagrass is remarkably durable. Specifically, it’s an ideal option for drought-prone regions. Some have found that TifTuf is also an ideal replacement for TifWay. Additional benefits of this variety of sod include:
- The capacity to become green again with the arrival of spring more quickly than similar varieties of hybrid bermudagrass
- A dark green color with a uniquely fine texture
- The ability to survive on 30% less water than other varieties of hybrid bermudagrass, helping conserve resources
Choosing a Style of Sod Grass: Factors to Keep in Mind
Ensuring your chosen variety of sod grass is right for your climate is essential. Other tips to remember when selecting a style include:
- Confirm you have the resources and time necessary to maintain a particular style of grass before choosing it.
- Check your soil’s pH, and find out if a variety of sod you’re considering for your property requires a certain type of soil to thrive.
- If you have pets, choose a variety of sod that can withstand the damage pets may cause. Along with running around on a lawn, pets can damage some types of sod by urinating or defecating on it. Even if you don’t have pets, you may consider this factor if wild animals cross through your property.
Most importantly, feel free to ask questions of your sod grass supplier. Their expertise can help you select the right sod for your property much more easily and confidently.
Learn About Sod Grass Varieties
At Evergreen Turf, our team would be happy to answer your questions about what type of sod is best for your needs. Contact us online or call us at (480) 456-1199 for more information about what we offer.