Turfgrass sod is intensively managed before it is removed intact with a minimum amount of soil and transplanted in another location. The products used to produce sod and the product application schedule vary by turfgrass species. In Tennessee, bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue and Zoysia are produced as sod. Due to the relatively slow rate of plant growth, Zoysia requires much more time to cover and is more expensive than bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue. Tall fescue plants have a bunch-type growth habit and a limited number of rhizomes. Biodegradable netting is installed immediately after seeding to increase the sod tensile strength and reduce the amount of time from planting to harvest. Sod is sold by the square yard and is harvested in either slabs or large rolls. Before transport, sod is inspected by departmental inspectors and is certified as being essentially free of injurious plant pests, diseases, weeds and mixtures of other grasses by the Director, Division of Plant Industries of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

The following publications provide information on topics related to sod production:

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• Commercial Tall Fescue-Kentucky Bluegrass Sod Production (PB1649)
• Weed Management Recommendations for Professional Turfgrass Managers (PB1539)
  
• Commercial Turfgrass Insect Control (PB1342)