CALIFORNIA GOLD - Native Bentgrass Lawn Sod
Agrostis pallens, San Diego Bentgrass, Thingrass, California bentgrass etc.
California Bentgrass - Agrostis pallens is a True California Native Meadow Grass
It can handle heat and survive drought. This gold-tipped bentgrass is the closest thing to conventional sod that native grass is currently capable of (check out this recent LA Times article for what's next). A bimonthly mowing schedule all the way down to 2-4" high is recommended for bentgrass to maintain it's verdency after the first year.
50% more Drought Tolerant than Conventional Lawn Sod
These gorgeous grass lawns are resilient to California climate extremes and can handle a little soccer (without the cleats)! Mow them like a conventional lawn
What's unconventional about Bentgrass?
Native bentgrass browns a little in spots in high summer heat. But quickly greens up when the weather cools. If you prefer an old-fashioned lawn look (close cropped and year-round green) than Alt Lawn Ultra is your best bet until grass breeders come up with something new.
Mowing: Mow on a regular schedule to 2-6" as desired (2" heights are suitable but may require additional watering). Or let it grow to its natural 12-16" height for the first year. Then start mowing the following season to renew growth for the freshest look. If you want to keep it long like a meadow, over-seeding every 2 years is recommended.
This Grass's drought-tolerance improves when left long. Great in full sun or part shade. Over-watering can attract insects.
FAQ's
Around one week. Select your preferred delivery date at checkout and we'll do our best to make it happen! Please note: Alta Lawn Ultra - Kurapia Groundcover plugs are delivered on Wednesdays only.
Kurapia & California Meadow products come in sod or plugs. Plugs are small plants that you plant every square foot with the help of a bulb auger drill bit. Sod is like a green carpet you roll out and apply heavy pressure to bond with soil.
Kurapia grows very slowly when temperatures are cool, so rarely spreads much at all from late November to about February. If you're thinking you'd like to do plugs, just be advised that you will have to wait a little extra (and weed regularly in the mean time) for it to fill in fully. Sod on the other hand gives instant coverage.
California Meadow on the other hand has a mix of warm and cool season grasses so will fill-in at about the same rate most times of year. Though in general most plants spread faster with generous warmth.
Plugs are spaced at 12" but you can space further (just lower your squre footage order) if you're not in a rush. Or want to fill in with something else later. We have a 200 sq.ft. minimum on all lawn options. Orders under 400 sq.ft. are subject to a slight price increase to accomodate current shipping rates.
More or less the same as regular sod or lawn except with less fertilizer. Here's some basic guidelines:
HOW TO PREP YOUR DIRT
Remove Nasties: Pull out weeds, stumps & any plants you don’t want
Loosen ‘er Up: Use a shovel or tiller to loosen the top 4-6 inches of soil. If you have sandy or uncompacted soil this isn't necessary.
Groom: Remove smaller rocks & roots. clean it up so it’s smooth and buttery as possible.
Rake-in Amendments: Rake a light dressing of organic compost, lime &/or Mycorrhizae evenly across
the ground.
Wet soil: to a minimum of 6” deep to before laying down your sod. This will give a nice moist surface for the roots to bond with when lain down.
Irrigation requirements: sprinkler irrigation is recommended for all sod and most plug products (except in shadey or passively irrigated conditions). Hand-watering not recommended.
The first 2 weeks establishment requires multiple daily waterings. First month's establishment progresses to once a day watering. Then reduce to a regular 2x a week watering schedule (more may be required if planting in hot times of year). Native grasses typically need 2x a week waterings for heat waves in Southern California. Kurapia survives on 1x a week watering in times of water shortages but looks better with 2.
About half of these lawns require no winter irrigation! Contact us for details.
