Best Sod Grass for Lakewood Foothills (Green Mountain) - Ask Extension
We have clay soil in our backyard, it faces northwest, and it has partial shade and sun during the day. We also have 2 small dogs, but my wife would l...
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Best Sod Grass for Lakewood Foothills (Green Mountain) #867915
Asked May 10, 2024, 3:32 PM EDT
We have clay soil in our backyard, it faces northwest, and it has partial shade and sun during the day. We also have 2 small dogs, but my wife would like to use sod for the grandkids to play on the yard when they come to visit. She likes walking barefooted in the grass too. We are looking at a sod type that is low maintenance, has low water needs, and resistant to cold weather. Browning is ok too, and medium fertilizing needs or seeding is ok too. It would be nice to get information on the proper soil preparation, before installing the sod too. In addition, we would like to spread seeds on the front yard, which faces southeast. Any recommendations on the best type and period to spread the seeds?
Jefferson County Colorado
Expert Response
This is a great time to begin planning the reclamation of your backyard. My first suggestion is to get a soil test done (something you can do now). You need to learn what your soil tells you before doing any next steps. Knowing the type and fertility of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong turf that can resist diseases, weeds, moss and insects/grubs and look great without wasting material or $. Soil testing can be performed at the CSU Spur Testing Laboratory. You can deliver the sample to the office instead of mailing, if you wish.
https://agsci.colostate.edu/divi-soiltestinglab/wp-content/uploads/sites/140/2023/02/Soil-Sampling-Instructions.pdf
Sod can be installed this time of year. This article gives some pointers:
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/lawns/1517-sodding-lawn/
There are many new varieties of Kentucky blue grass that are more drought tolerant than
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/lawns/1521-choosing-lawn-grass-colorado/
This article goes into more depth on choosing a turf species:
https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/561.pdf
And finally some guidelines on renovating your lawn.
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/renovating-the-home-lawn-7-241/
Hope this information helps you.
https://agsci.colostate.edu/divi-soiltestinglab/wp-content/uploads/sites/140/2023/02/Soil-Sampling-Instructions.pdf
Sod can be installed this time of year. This article gives some pointers:
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/lawns/1517-sodding-lawn/
There are many new varieties of Kentucky blue grass that are more drought tolerant than
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/lawns/1521-choosing-lawn-grass-colorado/
This article goes into more depth on choosing a turf species:
https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/561.pdf
And finally some guidelines on renovating your lawn.
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/renovating-the-home-lawn-7-241/
Hope this information helps you.
