Landscape contractor Jenn Nawada heads to a Rhode Island sod farm to look at some alternatives to traditional sod products to achieve the perfect lawn.
Sod Has Been the Go-To Product
Traditionally, homeowners look to sod to create a perfect green lawn. It’s cut into sheets and rolled tightly for shipping, and then unrolled and watered in, making a fast impact. But there are alternatives—especially for those who want something a bit more sustainable.
Wildflower Turf is Here
One of the newest experimental sod alternatives is a wildflower turf. Blended with perennials, annuals, and bi-annuals, there is almost always something in bloom. Mixed with sheep fescue, the meadow mix sod is as durable and easy to install as traditional sod, but much more pollinator-friendly.
Applications for Wildflower & Sheep Fescue Mixed Turf
There are a lot of applications for wildflower turf. Homeowners with beehives love it for around their hives, while commercial properties and universities appreciate the low-maintenance aspect. After a killing frost, a quick mowing will reseed the field, helping rejuvenate the grass for next year.
Sheep Fescue Sod
Sheep fescue sod is another attractive alternative. The blades are finer than traditional grass, and they’re suitable for homes, golf courses, and other settings. It’s also a great option for erosion control on hillsides and for use in drought-prone areas.
Resources
Plants and additional expert assistance provided by: SODCO
Wildflower mixed turf – SODCO currently sells trays of wildflower mix. They hope to develop rolls of wildflower sod in the future.
Sheep Fescue Grass–Jenn saw SODCO’s manicured fine fescue blend sod field.
