Sod vs. Turf — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 3, 2024
Sod consists of pre-grown grass with a soil layer, ready for immediate landscaping, whereas turf refers to the grass surface used for sports or decoration.
Difference Between Sod and Turf
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sod is a section of grass that is pre-grown and harvested with a thin layer of soil and roots, making it ideal for quick lawn establishment. Whereas turf, in a broader sense, refers to any piece of grass-covered soil held together by its roots, which can be naturally grown in place or laid as sod.
Sod is typically used for immediate lawn installation and can be purchased in rolls or squares from nurseries or garden centers. On the other hand, turf might refer to larger areas of grass used for sports fields or golf courses, and isn't necessarily pre-grown or ready for immediate installation.
The installation of sod provides an instant lawn, which is beneficial for erosion control and aesthetic improvement quickly. Whereas establishing turf in sports arenas or residential properties might involve seeding, which takes time to grow and mature.
Maintenance of sod includes regular watering, especially in the first weeks after installation to ensure the roots establish properly. Whereas turf maintenance, depending on its use (like sports fields), might involve more intensive care including fertilization, aeration, and specific mowing patterns.
Cost-wise, sod is generally more expensive than growing turf from seed because of the labor and care required to grow it before it reaches the consumer. Turf grown from seed may be cheaper initially but might incur more maintenance costs and effort over time.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Pre-grown grass with soil for immediate use.
Grass surface, grown in place or laid as sod.
Primary Usage
Residential lawns, quick landscape fixes.
Sports fields, golf courses, general landscaping.
Installation
Instant lawn, quick erosion control.
Can be instant (if laid as sod) or require time to grow (if seeded).
Maintenance
High initial watering, standard lawn care.
Varies; often intensive, especially in sports settings.
Cost
Higher due to pre-growth and harvesting.
Lower if grown from seed, higher if purchased as sod.
Compare with Definitions
Sod
Pre-grown turf ready for installation to create a new lawn quickly.
Sod must be watered frequently after installation to ensure it takes root.
Turf
Grass and the surface layer of earth held together by its roots.
The football game was played on real turf.
Sod
A section of pre-cultivated grass used mainly for landscaping.
The landscapers used sod to create a lush, green park overnight.
Turf
Natural or artificial grass used in various landscapes.
They decided to install artificial turf in their front yard for low maintenance.
Sod
A layer of earth with grass growing on it that is cut into sections for transplanting.
They laid sod in their backyard for an instant green lawn.
Turf
A term often associated with areas used for athletic purposes.
The new stadium features state-of-the-art turf.
Sod
Grass and a part of the soil beneath it cut into squares or strips.
The gardener ordered fresh sod to repair patches in the lawn.
Turf
A surface layer of ground containing a mat of grass and grass roots.
The landscaper recommended planting native grasses to improve the turf’s resilience.
Sod
Instant solution for lawn problems or new lawn establishment.
Sod offers a quick fix to unsightly yards by providing immediate coverage.
Turf
The grassy layer covering the ground, especially in sports.
Maintaining turf on a golf course requires meticulous care.
Sod
Sod, also known as turf, is grass. When harvested into rolls it is held together by its roots and a thin layer of soil.
Turf
A surface layer of earth containing a dense growth of grass and its matted roots; sod.
Sod
A section of grass-covered surface soil held together by matted roots; turf.
Turf
An artificial substitute for such a grassy layer, as on a playing field.
Sod
The ground, especially when covered with grass.
Turf
A piece cut from a layer of earth or sod.
Sod
A sodomite.
Turf
A piece of peat that is burned for use as fuel.
Sod
A person regarded as obnoxious or contemptible.
Turf
The range of the authority or influence of a person, group, or thing; a bailiwick
"a bureaucracy ... concerned with turf, promotions, the budget, and protecting the retirement system" (Harper's).
Sod
A fellow; a guy
"Poor sod, he almost got lucky for once" (Jack Higgins).
Turf
A geographical area; a territory.
Sod
To cover with sod.
Turf
The area claimed by a gang, as of youths, as its personal territory.
Sod
To damn.
Turf
A racetrack.
Sod
(uncountable) That stratum of the surface of the soil which is filled with the roots of grass, or any portion of that surface; turf; sward.
Turf
The sport or business of racing horses.
Sod
(uncountable) Turf grown and cut specifically for the establishment of lawns.
The landscapers rolled sod onto the bare earth and made a presentable lawn by nightfall.
Turf
To spread with turf
Turfed the front yard.
Sod
(countable) A piece of this.
Turf
Chiefly British Slang To throw out, as from a place or position; eject
"when Adam and Eve got turfed out of Eden" (Malachy McCourt).
Sod
Sodomite; bugger.
Turf
(Slang) To kill
"These guys can't ... make sure nobody gets turfed" (Scott Turow).
Sod
A person; often qualified with an adjective.
You mean old sod!
Poor sod
Unlucky sod
You silly sod
Turf
(uncountable) A layer of earth covered with grass; sod.
Sod
Any trifling amount, a bugger, a damn, a jot.
I don’t care a sod.
Turf
(countable) A piece of such a layer cut from the soil. May be used as sod to make a lawn, dried for peat, stacked to form earthen structures, etc.
Sod
A damper (bread) which has failed to rise, remaining a flat lump.
Turf
(countable) A block of peat used as fuel.
Sod
To cover with sod.
He sodded the worn areas twice a year.
Turf
A territory claimed by a person, gang, etc., as their own.
Sod
Bugger; sodomize.
Turf
A racetrack, hippodrome; or the sport of racing horses.
Sod
Damn, curse, confound.
Sod him!, Sod it!, Sod that bastard!
Turf
To cover with turf; to create a lawn by laying turfs.
Sod
(obsolete) seethe
Turf
(Ultimate Frisbee) To throw a frisbee well short of its intended target, usually causing it to hit the ground within 10 yards of its release.
Sod
Expression of surprise, contempt, outrage, disgust, boredom, frustration.
Turf
(business) To fire from a job or dismiss from a task.
Eight managers were turfed after the merger of the two companies.
Sod
(obsolete) Boiled.
Turf
(business) To cancel a project or product.
The company turfed the concept car because the prototype performed poorly.
Sod
Sodden; incompletely risen.
Sod damper
Turf
To expel, eject, or throw out; to turf out.
Sod
The rock dove.
Turf
To transfer or attempt to transfer (a patient or case); to eschew or avoid responsibility for.
Sod
That stratum of the surface of the soil which is filled with the roots of grass, or any portion of that surface; turf; sward.
She there shall dress a sweeter sodThan Fancy's feet have ever trod.
Turf
That upper stratum of earth and vegetable mold which is filled with the roots of grass and other small plants, so as to adhere and form a kind of mat; sward; sod.
At his head a grass-green turf.
The Greek historian sets her in the field on a high heap of turves.
Sod
To cover with sod; to turf.
Turf
Peat, especially when prepared for fuel. See Peat.
Sod
Surface layer of ground containing a matt of grass and grass roots
Turf
Race course; horse racing; - preceded by the.
Sod
An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of superoxide into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen;
Oxygen free radicals are normally removed in our bodies by the superoxide dismutase enzymes
Turf
To cover with turf or sod; as, to turf a bank, or the border of a terrace.
Sod
Someone who engages in anal copulation (especially a male who engages in anal copulation with another male)
Turf
Surface layer of ground containing a matt of grass and grass roots
Sod
An informal British term for a youth or man;
The poor sod couldn't even buy a drink
Turf
The territory claimed by a juvenile gang as its own
Sod
Cover with sod
Turf
Range of jurisdiction or influence;
A bureaucracy...chiefly concerned with turf...and protecting the retirement system
Turf
Cover (the ground) with a surface layer of grass or grass roots
Common Curiosities
Is sod more expensive than turf?
Yes, sod is generally more expensive due to the costs associated with growing and harvesting it.
What is the main use of sod?
Sod is primarily used for quick lawn establishment and immediate aesthetic or erosion control.
What kind of maintenance does sod require?
Sod requires significant watering initially to help roots establish, along with regular lawn care practices.
Why might one choose turf over sod?
Turf might be chosen over sod for cost-effectiveness when growing from seed or for specific uses like sports fields that require tailored grass types.
Can turf be used immediately like sod?
Turf laid as sod can be used immediately, but if it's grown from seed, it requires time to establish.
How do you prepare for installing sod?
The area must be cleared of debris and leveled, and the soil should be prepared to receive the sod strips.
Does turf always mean artificial grass?
No, turf can refer to both natural and artificial grass depending on the context.
What is the main difference between sod and turf?
Sod refers to pre-grown grass sections ready for immediate lawn installation, while turf can refer to any grass-covered surface, grown in place or laid as sod.
What are the benefits of using turf in sports fields?
Turf in sports fields offers durability, safety for players, and can be customized for different sports.
Can turf be artificial?
Yes, turf can be artificial, commonly used in locations where maintaining natural grass is challenging.
What factors should be considered when choosing between sod and turf?
Consider factors like immediate needs, maintenance capabilities, budget, and the specific use of the grass area.
How often should turf be replaced in sports settings?
The frequency depends on the usage level and type of sport, but generally, it needs assessment and possible replacement every few years.
Is there an environmentally friendly option between sod and turf?
Both options can be environmentally friendly if managed sustainably, though natural turf may have a slight advantage.
What is essential for maintaining healthy turf?
Regular mowing, watering, fertilization, and aeration are crucial for maintaining healthy turf.
How long does it take for sod to integrate fully?
It typically takes about 2 to 3 weeks for sod to establish firm roots and begin integrating with the underlying soil.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
