Picking sod for a Lafayette or Acadiana yard comes down to a handful of decisions: how it looks, what it costs, how much maintenance you want to do, and how it handles the South Louisiana climate. Walk through these factors before you order and the grass that fits your property practically picks itself.
Appearance and look of the grass
This is probably the most important factor when choosing a grass for your lawn. You have to live with and look at your lawn daily for years, so make a choice that you can live with for years.
Each grass variety has different colors, textures, and blade structures. Consider the look you want for your lawn and choose a grass that fits your lifestyle.
How much does the sod cost
The cost of sod varies depending on the grass variety and your location. Premium varieties like Empire Zoysia run higher per pallet than Centipede or Classic St. Augustine.
Decide which grass types you like first, then select from those. Determine a budget for your project and choose a grass that fits within it. Call us at 337-326-5558 for current pricing on any of the four warm-season grasses we deliver.
Lawn maintenance requirements
Some grass varieties require more maintenance, such as frequent mowing and fertilization, while others are low-maintenance. Consider your schedule, free time, and energy when deciding how much maintenance you are willing to do.
Go for an easy to maintain grass like St. Augustine, Zoysia, or Centipede if you want fewer hours behind the mower. Bermuda is a hardy tough grass, but it needs more maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Climate at your property
South Louisiana has a hot, humid climate with high temperatures in the summer and mild winters. The area receives long periods with heavy rainfall, and also periods with very little. These swings make survival challenging for certain species.
With these factors in mind, select a grass that can withstand the heat and humidity of the area. All four grasses we deliver are matched to USDA hardiness zone 9a per the LSU AgCenter Louisiana plant hardiness reference, so any of them will survive — the differences are in how they perform.
Sun exposure
Consider the amount of sun your lawn will receive. Some grass varieties require more sun than others. Observe your property throughout the day to see which areas are shaded and for how long.
If you have trees, you will want to choose a variety that can tolerate shade. Thinning branches in large trees can also open up the canopy to let more sunlight in. For shaded yards, Palmetto St. Augustine handles oak canopy better than the other three. For full sun new builds, Tifway 419 Bermuda or Empire Zoysia perform best.
Foot traffic tolerance
If you have children or pets that frequently play on the lawn, choose a grass that is durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic. Heavy foot traffic stresses your grass and causes bare areas to develop.
Pets can do double damage with their play and their waste. Use hardy varieties that can tolerate these conditions. Empire Zoysia and Tifway 419 Bermuda are the two grasses we deliver that hold up best to active family yards.
Drought tolerance
South Louisiana can experience floods and droughts, so choose a grass that can tolerate both conditions. Select a turf that is drought-tolerant and can survive without excessive watering.
TifTuf Bermuda is one of the most drought-tolerant warm-season grasses available, which is why it shows up on so many of our new-construction delivery sheets across Acadiana.
Soil type
The soil in South Louisiana varies from heavy clay to sandy loam, often within the same neighborhood. Heavy alluvial clay sits along the bayous; prairie loam runs across much of the Acadiana uplands; sandier pockets show up in newer subdivisions and toward the coast.
When installing a new lawn, make sure you use turf proactively. Choose a grass that is adaptable to the soil type on your property. St. Augustine and Centipede tolerate heavier moist soils better than Bermuda. Centipede in particular handles the acidic sandy loam common across rural Acadia and Vermilion Parish acreage.
Still not sure?
Send us a photo of your yard with a quote request, or call 337-326-5558. We deliver across Lafayette, Broussard, Youngsville, Carencro, Scott, Breaux Bridge, New Iberia, and the surrounding Acadiana parishes — and we can tell you which grass fits your specific lot before you order.