Lite Sod is our name for a sod production process technically known as “substrate.” The sod is grown on a bed of composted green waste spread about 1/2″ thick on a plastic barrier sheet. As the grass grows, the barrier forces the roots laterally thus forming a naturally interwoven mat. The sod weights about half as much as field grown sod, hence the name “Lite Sod.”
Twenty years ago we were looking to lower transportation and installation costs. Today we would name it Sustainable Sod because beyond the lighter weight, there are important sustainability advantages to the production process. Using green waste as the growth media is a significant contribution to recycling. The composted material is the ideal combination of water holding capacity, aeration and natural fertility, thus creating an optimum growing environment, which minimizes water and fertilizer inputs. The resulting sod is not only more sustainable but it is almost unnaturally dense and uniform.