Choosing the Right Sod for Your Colorado Lawn | Types & Benefits by Green Valley Turf

A man installing sod in Colorado lawn
A dog running on a Colorado lawn

Choosing the Right Sod for Your Colorado Lawn: Types and Benefits

Since there are diverse types and benefits of sod, choosing the right blend for your Colorado lawn can be a confusing and stressful process. With assistance from our experienced team at Green Valley Turf Company, we have the answers and solutions to your questions and homegrown sod products to create an outstanding lawn.

Choosing Sod - How to Do It

There are several factors to consider when selecting the right blend of sod for your Colorado lawn. These important factors include the climate (hot, dry, and cold seasons), how the sod will be used (residential with lower traffic or commercial, such as an outdoor sports arena or a golf course that experiences high traffic), how much maintenance the sod will require to maintain its growth and appearance, and what type of environment the lawn experiences, such as being exposed to all-day direct sunlight or if the lawn is in partial shade. Whichever type of sod you choose, consider the features and benefits each type has to offer, so you can find the perfect fit.

Types of Sod

The next step is to choose the type of sod best suited to creating a lawn that can manage your preferences and requirements. At Green Valley Turf Company, we offer several high-quality sod products grown at our plant. These include Colorado Blue, RTF® Water Saver Sod, and Tahoma 31™, each with specific features that can help when deciding on which type of sod to choose.

Colorado Blue

Whether your plans for the installation of sod are for a residential or commercial property, Colorado Blue is a viable choice. The sod is a blend of multiple Kentucky bluegrass varieties that grow well in Colorado’s dry climate, and it is drought tolerant. It is also resistant to disease. While Colorado Blue sod features a fine texture, itis durable, grows well in light shade or full sunlight, and is ideal for areas prone to receiving high levels of traffic. Visually, the semi-aggressive blend is appealing with its rich color of dark green.

RTF® Water Saver Sod

If you are looking for a type of sod that requires minimal maintenance, yet remains healthy, is resistant to heat and drought conditions, and is environmentally friendly because the sod uses less water, then RTF® has the attributes you require. Thanks to its deep and extensive root system, moisture retained deeper in the ground is easily accessed by the roots, resulting in less frequent watering of the lawn. The RTF® Water Saver Sod is a patented tall fescue that is self-repairing, which means when the dark green fescue creates dense and durable turf, it results in an evenly dispersed thick lawn surface that does not have bare, patchy, or clumpy patches. The rhizomatous tall fescue is versatile, which allows hearty growth in the full sun, as well as in the shade.

Tahoma 31™ Sod

Tahoma 31™ Bermudagrass has everything you need to create an exceptionally beautiful lawn that can handle heavy traffic, pets, and children without a lot of hands-on care. If you want a lawn that uses less water and mowing time, this is it. The cold-tolerant grass likes full sun and has no problem with shade, it can survive during the summer using ½ inch of water once a week, and if bare spots occur in the lawn, the grass will fill in the area. Water-wise, Tahoma 31™ takes environmental friendliness to another level, as the grass uses 50 percent to 75 percent less water. If you want a lawn that doesn’t need frequent mowing, but still looks good, this grass fills the bill as it only grows to a height of 4 inches. This means mowing each week, or mowing every two weeks. If you prefer the look of a manicured lawn, mow once a week. Since the grass does not get too tall, it can be mowed once during the spring and then left alone to create a natural-looking lawn. From April until October, the soft, narrow, and dark green blades dominate the lawn, creating an inviting, lush, and lovely area. When October arrives, the cold-tolerant lawn goes dormant.

Contact Our Team

At GVT, we are an experienced team of specialists that know and understand how to grow and maintain the type of sod that works well for Colorado lawns. When you choose our company for your lawn needs, you can rely on us to not let you down. Since starting the business in 1962, we have grown excellent sod products, and we have expanded our knowledge base for care and maintenance. Contact us so that through our dedication to quality customer service, which includes pick-up and delivery of the selected sod, and its installation, we can share our knowledge and provide help with your project from start to finish.

Trim the Sod

There’s no need to trim your sod until it has grown to three inches in height. Instead of using a traditional lawn mower, opt for a push mower. Old-fashioned push-style mowers are ideal as newly installed sod patches are fragile.

Fertilize Your Sod Once Again

Add more fertilizer to your lawn after the initial mow. Fertilization provides the soil with fresh nutrients necessary for healthy growth.

Green Valley Turf Company has Your Sod Needs Covered

Our sod headquarters is your one-stop destination for front and backyard perfection.

Check out our sod inventory, shop our online store and take advantage of our services. Better yet, give us a call at (303) 798-6764 or contact us online to learn more.

Instantly transform your yard into a lush, green oasis with sod—enjoy immediate curb appeal, erosion control, and eco-friendly benefits for a healthier, low-maintenance landscape

Improve your garden’s health and appearance by learning more about topsoil delivery options and expert tips.

Even more info here.

Supporting Local: Why Buy Sod from Colorado Sod Farms?

RTF® Water Saver tall fescue sod was selected for all bunker faces and would transition to bluegrass outside the bunker.

Supporting Local: Why Buy Sod from Colorado Sod Farms?

The quality of your sod shapes your property’s curb appeal and also your personal satisfaction as a homeowner. A house surrounded by low-quality grass is not a true home.

Choose Colorado sod farms for your sod and you will be proud of your property’s aesthetic. This mature grass is locally grown by experienced Colorado professionals for a picture perfect and fully functional lawn.

Supporting Local: Why Buy Sod from Colorado Sod Farms?

Why buy sod from Colorado sod farms? The answer is multifaceted.

As is the case with everything in life, it is the “why” of the matter that matters most.

Sod from Colorado farms has its roots intact at the time of harvest. This is the fresh sod your lawn needs to look its best.

Choose between Colorado sod roll and squares, lay it over your property and you will enjoy a beautiful instant lawn. The fact that you are supporting a local Colorado business is icing on the cake.

Sod sold in Colorado supports local farmers. In turn, those farmers stimulate the local economy for mutual benefit.

Colorado Sod is Superior

Compare the sod options and you will find sod sold from Colorado farms is better than the rest. Our local sod is fresh and ready for application. The hue is a crisp, gorgeous green that catches the eye.

Press down on local Colorado sod and you will find it has the right amount of give. The sod is soft to the touch yet resistant enough to provide sufficient support for heavy foot traffic from people and pets alike.

Colorado sod experts go to the extent of providing different sod qualities and varieties. Consult with an expert so you can select the perfect sod for your yard.

Take a look at the different options and you will find Colorado sod providers are laser-focused on you, the end consumer. Local Colorado sod varieties are characterized by durability, lushness, and minimal maintenance.

Sod Unique to Colorado

It is no secret that Colorado has a diverse and sometimes challenging climate. The winters are frigid and snowy while the summers have the potential to be scorchers.

Colorado sod is idiosyncratic in that it is grown for high-altitude. This unique sod withstands local conditions no matter how extreme the weather gets.

In the end, Colorado-grown sod is as resilient as it gets.

Take Your Sod Pick

Do your due diligence to find the perfect new sod for your Colorado home. Check out the options and you will find a variety of quality sod tailored to Colorado’s distinct climate.

From sturdy fescue mixes to durable bluegrass blends and dependable bentgrass, there are all sorts of sod options available.

When making your choice, prioritize local Colorado sod capable of adapting to varying sunlight. Sod that is hardy enough to withstand sub zero temperatures is also optimal for local Colorado properties.

Additional factors to consider include your preferred level of maintenance, lawn traffic and lawn usage.

Examples of local Colorado sod include:

  1. Colorado Blue/Bluegrass Blend
  2. Tahoma 31
  3. RTF Water saver
  4. Bentgrass variations
  5. Hybrids and more

Colorado Blue is resilient and versatile. This popular selection for local Colorado lawns has a rich green hue and fine texture. Bluegrass sod also tolerates the cold and even self-repairs, making it perfect for areas with high traffic.

Tahoma 31 sod Bermudagrass tolerates the chilly weather without faltering. Moreover, this sod uses 50% to 75% less water as compared with grasses of the cool-season variety.

RTF Water Saver Sod is a tall fescue variety with a unique design. This self-repairing rhizomatous tall fescue sod is characterized by a deep root system. The design significantly boosts your monthly water savings.

Fescue Bentgrass blends are low-maintenance and tolerant to drought conditions. The blend is comprehensive in that it has the fine Bentgrass texture with density and deep roots. This variety of sod is optimal for those who want sod that requires minimal watering and maintenance.

Some Colorado homeowners and business owners choose the sturdy and heat-resistant Texas Hybrid option. This sod is optimal for Colorado’s warm regions as it withstands heat while maintaining density and hue. The hybrid variety provides the perfect balance of visual appeal and durability.

T-1 Bentgrass is adaptable and high-performance. This unique sod variety is resistant to disease, meaning it remains vibrant while standing the test of time. Choose T-1 Bentgrass and you will find the sod is quick to establish, providing a consistent and thick surface.

Penncross Bentgrass is a premium option for those looking for a lawn that is finely manicured. If you desire sod that is similar to a carpet yet soft with ample density, Penncross is ideal.

Colorado’s Sod Experts are at Green Valley Turf Company

When in doubt, ask someone in the know. Pose questions to our local Colorado sod providers and you will take a shortcut to the information edge.

Our sod experts will help you choose the right sod for your unique maintenance preference, foot traffic and more.

Check out our sod inventory, shop our online store and take advantage of our services. Better yet, give us a call at (303) 798-6764 or contact us online to learn more.

Improve your garden’s health and appearance by learning more about topsoil delivery options and expert tips.

Explore essential sod maintenance tips for Colorado to ensure your lawn stays healthy and vibrant all year.

Even more info here.

Where to Buy Sod Near Me: Your Guide to Quality Turf in Colorado

Rolls of sod

Where to Buy Sod Near Me: The Ultimate Guide for Colorado Lawns and Sports Fields

If you’re searching for “where to buy sod near me” in Colorado, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a homeowner dreaming of a lush lawn, a golf course manager, or in charge of a sports venue, finding the right sod supplier makes all the difference. With locations in Littleton and Platteville, our turf farm specializes in premium sod for every need-from backyards to Broncos Stadium.

Why Choose Sod for Your Lawn or Sports Field?

Sod is pre-grown grass with roots and soil attached, ready to be rolled out for instant green spaces. Here’s why sod is the smart choice:

  1. Instant Results: No waiting for seeds to sprout. Enjoy a green, usable lawn right away.
  2. Erosion Control: Sod helps keep soil in place, perfect for slopes and areas prone to washouts.
  3. Durability: Thick, healthy sod stands up to heavy use, making it ideal for sports fields and busy yards.
  4. Curb Appeal: Instantly boosts the beauty and value of your property.

What Types of Sod Are Available in Colorado?

Colorado’s climate can be tough, so choosing the right sod variety is important. Here are some of the most popular options for our area:

  1. Kentucky Bluegrass: Known for its rich color and dense growth, perfect for home lawns and sports fields.
  2. Bermuda Grass: Drought-resistant and great for sunny spots, often used on golf courses.
  3. Zoysia Grass: Tolerates shade and drought, making it a versatile choice for both lawns and sports venues.

Our farm grows and supplies these top varieties, ensuring you get turf that thrives in Colorado’s unique conditions.

What Types of Sod Are Available in Colorado?

Golf courses and sports fields need turf that can handle a lot of action. We specialize in sod varieties designed for high performance:

  1. Wear Resistance: Handles heavy foot traffic and equipment without thinning out.
  2. Smooth Playing Surface: Ensures safety and consistent play for athletes and golfers.
  3. Fast Recovery: Recovers quickly from damage, so fields look great even after big games.

We’ve supplied sod for major venues, including professional stadiums, so you can trust our expertise for your next project.

Professional Sod Installation: Why It Matters

Getting the best sod is only half the job-proper installation is key for a healthy, long-lasting lawn or field. Here’s how our expert team ensures success:

  1. Site Prep: We grade and clear the area, removing rocks and debris for a smooth surface.
  2. Seamless Laying: Sod is placed tightly together for a flawless look and strong root growth.
  3. Watering Plans: We set up watering schedules to help new sod establish quickly.

For large projects like sports fields or golf courses, professional installation is a must for the best results6.

Extra Products for a Healthy Lawn

Beyond sod, we offer everything you need to keep your turf looking its best:

  1. Fertilizers: Custom blends for each grass type.
  2. Compost and Soil Amendments: Improve soil quality before and after installation.
  3. Weed Control: Keep unwanted plants out of your new lawn.
  4. Edging Materials: Create clean borders around flower beds and walkways.

You’ll find all these products in our stores and online shop, making us your one-stop turf solution.

How to Care for Your New Sod

Once your sod is installed, a little care goes a long way:

  1. Watering: Soak the sod right after installation and keep it moist for the first few weeks.
  2. Mowing: Wait until the grass is about 3 inches tall before the first mow.
  3. Fertilizing: Apply fertilizer after 4–6 weeks to encourage strong roots.
  4. Weed Prevention: Use weed control products sparingly at first to avoid stressing new grass.

Following these simple steps will help your lawn or field stay green and healthy all season.

Why Buy Sod from a Local Colorado Supplier?

When you search for “where to buy sod near me,” choosing a local farm comes with big benefits:

  1. Freshness: Locally grown sod is cut to order, so it arrives healthy and ready to thrive.
  2. Expert Advice: Our team knows Colorado’s climate and soils, offering tips tailored to your location.
  3. Fast Delivery: Shorter travel means your sod spends less time on trucks and more time taking root in your yard.
  4. Support Local: Buying from local farms supports Colorado’s economy and ensures you get the best service.

Transform Your Lawn or Field Today

Whether you’re updating your home, building a golf course, or managing a sports stadium, finding the right sod supplier is the first step. With top-quality turf, expert installation, and all the products you need, our farm in Littleton and Platteville is your answer to “where to buy sod near me” in Colorado.

Ready to get started? Contact us or visit our locations to see the difference fresh, local sod can make for your next project!

Discover how sod installation in Denver offers instant beauty, erosion control, and long-term lawn health for your home or business.

Learn how to transform your yard with residential sod installation offers instant beauty, erosion control, and long-term lawn health for your home or business.

Even more info here.

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Colorado Blue™ Kentucky Bluegrass Sod

Colorado Blue™ is a drought tolerant blend of elite Kentucky bluegrasses that is a fine textured and very dense turf.

Genetic diversity, top varieties

Colorado Blue™ is a drought tolerant blend of elite Kentucky bluegrasses that is a dense, fine textured turf. Kentucky bluegrass is a cool season grass that is well adapted to northern climates. Green Valley Turf Co. has selected four top trial varieties of Kentucky bluegrass to form our Colorado Blue™ Kentucky bluegrass sod. The varieties selected are top performers in the mountain west region and are well adapted to Colorado’s erratic weather. Colorado Blue™ thrives in moderate to high heat and tolerates extremely cold temperatures. The use of multiple Kentucky bluegrass varieties in the Colorado Blue™ sod adds genetic diversity for improved pest resistance and enables the sod to be used for a wide range of applications.

Ability to survive drought

Colorado Blue™ forms a dense, dark green sod with a fine leaf texture. Deep roots are produced in the early spring and again in the fall. During extreme summer heat, Colorado Blue™ sod has the ability to go into dormancy and survive extended periods without water. Our Colorado Blue™ Kentucky bluegrass can be maintained at mowing heights of 3.5 inches to as low as a half an inch, making it the perfect choice for home lawns, parks, and sport complexes. Kentucky bluegrass has excellent wear tolerance, and produces the safest surface for family activities and athletic events.

Thick, dense turf

The semi-aggressive nature of these elite varieties in our Colorado Blue™ produces the highest wear rating of any of our sods. Great year round color and thick density makes this sod an attractive choice for a wide variety of applications.

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Different Grasses for Colorado Lawns

A dew drop on a blade of Kentucky Bluegrass in Colorado.

Bluegrass

Kentucky Bluegrass is the most widely used turfgrass in the Denver metro area. About 95% of all lawns and parks are Kentucky Bluegrass. Bluegrass produces a fine, dense textured turf that can stand up to heavy traffic and use. Bluegrass is a rhizomatous turf that spreads through underground roots or rhizomes and produces new grass plants to stay dense and thick. It is deep green and is very heat and cold tolerant, and is the best choice for high elevation use. Bluegrass also is very drought-resistant and will go dormant in the heat of the summer if not watered. Once it cools down in the fall and warms up in the spring, bluegrass fills itself in. If you want a fine lawn that can take a lot of abuse from kids and dogs, bluegrass is an excellent choice.

  • Can become dormant & survive 1 to 2 months without irrigation once it is established
  • Uses 24″ to 26″ of supplemental irrigation per year for high-turf quality
  • Uses 15″ to 20″ of supplemental irrigation per year for lower turf quality
  • Best grass for high-use areas and dogs

Tall Fescue

Turf Type Tall Fescue is becoming more common in the Denver metro area due to its ability to go longer between waterings. If Tall Fescue develops a deep root system in properly amended soil, it can capture water from a greater soil depth. This can translate into less irrigation or fewer waterings per week. Tall Fescue is very heat and cold-tolerant, it has a good green color and a medium size blade. When mowed lower and more regularly, Tall Fescue can come close to a bluegrass texture and appearance. Tall Fescue can become clumpy if it is not watered or cared for properly.

  • Uses 20″ to 22″ of supplemental irrigation per year for high turf quality if rooted deeply and subsurface moisture is present
  • It can root very deep and pull water from deeper down in the soil. Deep soil prep is recommended before sodding
  • Good turf quality, medium green, medium texture

Buffalograss

Buffalograss is a native, low-growing warm-season turfgrass that, once established, uses very little water. Buffalograss develops a very deep root system and likes clay soil. Because of this deep root system, it can draw water and nutrients from a large area. Buffalograss thrives on 1/4 inch of water per week during the heat of the season. Buffalograss is light green and has a soft fine blade that stops growing around 6 inches. It is slow-growing and only needs mowing every two to three weeks or can be let go for a native look. Buffalograss spreads and fills in with stolons or above-ground runners. Buffalograss goes dormant in the fall, September/October after the second frost and greens up in April. Natural rainfall will dictate when and if additional water is required for a buffalograss lawn.

  • Uses 8″ to 10″ of supplemental irrigation per year for good turf quality that will tolerate moderate traffic
  • Not best for the traditional lawn. It is brown and dormant from October to April. More of a native-type lawn.
  • Good turf quality, light green, medium texture, very soft to the touch.
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Legacy Buffalograss Sod

Legacy is a second generation turf-type buffalograss that forms a moderately dense stand of turf.

A slow growing grass

Buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides) is a warm season grass that is native to Colorado.  Uniquely adapted to our semi-arid climate, buffalograss performs well at elevations up to 6,500 feet. In Colorado, buffalograss begins to green up around May.  The peak growing season is during the heat of the summer, and fall dormancy is initiated with frost typically during the month of September. Buffalograss has a slow, vertical growth that reaches a maximum height of about 6 inches. Because of this, Legacy does not require a set mowing schedule. If you’re looking for a more natural look, Legacy can be left un-mowed without ever looking matted or neglected. However, a more manicured look can be achieved by mowing every 2 weeks at a mowing height of 2 inches. The unique characteristics of Buffalograss led to extensive research at the University of Nebraska to develop varieties for commercial production that contained the same traits that attracted people to buffalograss initially. The Legacy variety of buffalograss originated from Nebraska’s research and won the “Green Thumb” award in 2001 for the top new plant introduction of the year.

Requires substantially less water and mowing

Legacy is a second generation turf-type buffalograss that forms a moderately dense stand of turf. The vegetatively propagated all-female grass has very few seed and pollen heads and is only available in plugs or sod. Legacy has a soft and narrow blade, making it ideal for lawns. Legacy requires substantially less water than other sod forming grasses, thriving on only ¼ an inch of water per week. Once established, there can be up to an 80% reduction of water requirements compared with traditional cool season lawn grass. Be sure not to over water established buffalograss since it encourages weed invasion and makes the grass less aggressive. Legacy buffalograss spreads through stolons, which are above ground lateral runners that allow the grass to fill in bare areas. There are low fertility requirements, needing only ½ lbs to 2 lbs of nitrogen per year, applied in May and July. Buffalograss needs full sun to really thrive.

Turf-type Buffalograss sod

Legacy is in a league of its own when it comes to efficient water use and low irrigation requirements. Properly established and maintained Legacy buffalograss will form a beautiful and quality sage-green sod lawn with far less effort than other traditional cool season grasses.

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RTF® Water Saver Sod

RTF® Water Saver sod is a self-repairing rhizomatous tall fescue that has a deep root system for increased water savings.

Self-repairing Tall Fescue sod

RTF® Water Saver Tall Fescue is an exciting new self-repairing grass.  RTF stands for “Rhizomatous Tall Fescue.”  Rhizomes are underground plant structures that cause the grass to spread and fill in weak or damaged areas.  The rhizomes in RTF are similar to the runners on strawberry plants, only these are underground.  Aesthetically, RTF is a pleasing dark green color.  RTF exhibits excellent spring green up and maintains good color throughout the summer and into late fall.  With a slightly courser leaf texture than traditional sod, RTF adds a pleasant texture to home lawns and commercial landscapes.

Deep root system

RTF is characterized by an extensive fibrous root system that excels at extracting water from deep within the soil profile.  Trials conducted at the University of New Mexico show that RTF can maintain high turf quality and use up to 30% less water.  RTF performs well in full sun and in sites with moderate to high shade.

Sun and Shade

RTF is well adapted to mowing heights of 2.5 inches or can be left un-mowed for a wispy, natural look.  Additionally, RTF is a low thatch producing grass and does not require core aeration for organic thatch removal as frequently as other grasses.   RTF® Water Saver Tall Fescue is an all around performer and another great option for Colorado landscapes.

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SPF30 Texas Hybrid Sod

SPF30 is a hybridized bluegrass that combines the turf quality characteristics of Kentucky bluegrass and the drought tolerance of Texas bluegrass.

Drought stress and high heat

SPF30 sod is a hybridized bluegrass that combines the turf quality characteristics of Kentucky bluegrass and the drought tolerance of Texas bluegrass. The strong spreading rhizomatous nature of this grass provides accelerated recovery from extreme heat and drought situations. Rhizomes originate from the crown of the plant, the central growing point, and spread laterally underground. From rhizomes, new plants are produced that fill in bare spots and form a thick knitted sod. SPF30 is also characterized by an extensive root system that performs better in high heat than traditional Kentucky bluegrass. Similar to Kentucky bluegrass, SPF30 will enter dormancy during extended periods of drought.

Full sun to moderate shade

Growing traits of SPF30 include a fine leaf texture characterized by a pleasant deep green color. SPF30 grows well in a wide range of soil types.  The heat and cold tolerance is also excellent.  Adaptable to a wide range of climatic regions, Thermal Blue performs well from northern climates to the southern transitional zone.  From full sun to moderate shade, SPF30 is a uniquely adaptable grass that produces high quality turf. 

Lower maintenance sod

Maintenance of SPF30 is similar to Kentucky bluegrass. Fertilizer applied at 3 to 4 lbs. of nitrogen per year will produce a high quality lawn. At reduced fertility, SPF30 maintains acceptable turf quality. Fertilization should be applied primarily in the spring and fall to encourage extensive root growth in preparation for summer stress periods.