What To Know About Turf Grass

Whether you know it or not, you’re likely incredibly familiar with turf grass. Why? It’s practically everywhere, and almost assuredly in your yard — that is, unless you live in a dry climate and have chosen a more drought-friendly alternative for your landscape.

Not to be confused with artificial turf which is a synthetic ground covering made to look like real grass, turf grass is a type of grass that is grown to form a layer of turf, or a surface of earth held together by the roots of the grass growing on top of it. Think an all-natural emerald carpet that feels good beneath your feet, provides plenty of play space for pets and kids, and complements an ornamental garden well.

But while beautiful, turf grass comes with unique maintenance requirements homeowners should be aware of before they choose it. Here, experts explain everything you need to know, plus offer tips on installing and caring for turf grass.

What Is Turf Grass?

“While ‘grass’ is a general term for plants in the Poaceae family, turf grass refers specifically to grasses that are chosen and maintained for lawns, sports fields, golf courses, and other areas where a dense, even, and resilient ground cover is desired,” explains Troy Hake, lawn expert and owner of Outsidepride Seed Source, an online lawn and garden seed supplier.

Grass seed mixtures are often customized to tackle specific problems such as disease resistance, tolerance of drought, shade, or heavy foot traffic. Turf grass encompasses various species of lawn grass designed to be mowed regularly and stepped on repeatedly.

Types of Turf Grass

There are various turf grass species and cultivars, each with specific features and functions. They are generally categorized according to three major climates:

• Cool Season Grasses, which prefer the less-intense summer weather in the North and include Bentgrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Red Fescue, and Annual and Perennial Ryegrass.
• Warm Season Grasses, which thrive in the hot and humid weather of the South and include Bahia, Bermuda Grass, Buffalograss, Carpetgrass, Centipede, St. Augustine Grass, and Zoysia.
• Transition Zone Grasses, which succeed in areas in between both climates. These include Cool Season crossovers Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass, as well as Tall Fescue and Warm Season crossover Zoysia.

Pros and Cons of Turf Grass

“Turf grass is a great option if you want a lawn that looks uniform and can handle regular use,” Hake says. Healthy and well-maintained turf grass also provides negative space to balance a landscape that might otherwise appear busy. And you can do a lot with a lawn — playing croquet and badminton with the kids, throwing the ball for your dog, or lying on the soft carpet and watching the clouds roll by.

But despite practically being an American institution, turf grass is not embraced by everyone. Specifically, some homeowners would prefer less yard work.

“One potential drawback of turf grass is the upkeep it requires,” Hake says. This includes staying on a lawn care schedule that includes frequent mowing (a real hassle in the hot weather or when you’re headed out of town) and watering (an ecological burden), as well as raking, weeding, and fertilizing.

How Much Does Turf Grass Cost?

The cost of installing turf grass depends on whether you’re using seed or sod, hiring professional help, or addressing drainage issues. Here are some general estimates, which may be higher or lower depending on where you live:

Cost of Turf Grass Seeding

Planting grass seed generally costs less than installing sod and gives you a greater selection of grass varieties, an important consideration if you’re dealing with sunny and shady spots. But you need to protect the seedbed from erosion and bird browsing. Plus, weeding will be necessary.

Grass seed generally costs $3 to $10 per pound, depending on variety. A 25-pound bag of seed covers about 5,000 square feet. Professionally seeded lawns are usually hydroseeded — a special sprayer distributes the seed along with a papery mulch and, sometimes, a starter fertilizer. It costs more than hand-seeding but less than sodding. The average cost for hydroseeding is about six to 20 cents per square foot, or $300 to $1,000 for a 5,000-square-foot area.

Cost of Turf Grass Sod

Turf grass sod is more expensive, but it provides immediate results and is favored by many new home buyers hoping to avoid a muddy quagmire in their yard if it rains. It’s available from sod farms and big box stores.

The cost of sod varies according to type of grass and where it’s sold. For example, Kentucky Bluegrass sod costs between 36 and 54 cents per square foot, while St. Augustine Grass is 64 to 96 cents per square foot. Professional installation will at least double the cost. Sod is usually sold by the pallet, with an added cost if delivered to your driveway.

DIY Turf Grass Installation

If you’re tackling a turf grass installation on your own, choosing the best grass for your conditions and region is key, Hake says. A helpful tool like Outsidepride’s Grass Seed Selector is a great place to start. Once you have determined the best seed for your climate, here’s how to install it:

How to Install Turf Grass from Seed:

• Before reseeding, till the soil and smooth it with a garden rake, removing debris such as rocks and roots.
• Apply seed with a spreader (handheld or push model) and apply a starter fertilizer. (Note: Some seed mixes include a starter fertilizer, so check the label).
• Apply straw to help hold moisture and discourage birds.
• Water your lawn every day to keep the soil moist. As the lawn fills in, cut back watering to every other day at first, then twice a week.
• Gently rake up excess straw to allow grass to fill in.

How to Install Turf Grass Sod:

• To prep for sod installation, till the soil and level the ground with a garden rake, then apply a starter fertilizer.
• Lay sod in a staggered pattern, like laying bricks, so the joints of one row are offset from the joints of the next row. This looks more natural and prevents water from running down the seams.
• Using a drum roller, remove air pockets and press the sod into firm contact with the soil.
• Irrigate every other day for the first two weeks, dropping down to once a week after that. Irrigate deeply, pulling up a corner of grass to ensure the soil beneath is receiving water.

FAQs

How do I prepare my yard for turf grass?

“To prepare your yard for planting new turf grass seeds, start by leveling the seedbed to eliminate high or low spots by bringing in clean, rich topsoil and rolling to firm the soil,” Hake says. “If your lawn has uneven spots or compacted areas, tilling and adding amendments like compost or gypsum can help loosen the soil and improve root development. Just keep in mind that tilling may stir up weed seeds, so it’s best to allow time for regrowth and removal before planting.”

How do I prevent dead patches in my turf?

“Dead spots often show up when parts of the lawn aren’t getting enough consistent water,” Hake says. “Irrigation systems can miss areas, especially around edges or slopes. Make sure sprinklers cover the full lawn evenly and water deeply rather than frequently to encourage strong root systems.”

Expert

Troy Hake is a horticultural expert and the owner and founder of Outsidepride Seed Source, an online lawn and garden seed supplier. With decades of hands-on seed gardening experience, Troy is also an active member of the National Garden Bureau and GardenComm.