grasmat

Grasmat, often translated as sod or turf, is a piece or roll of living grass and its root-zone soil harvested from a larger field for transplanting to a new site. It provides rapid establishment of a lawn or sports surface by placing the root-soil block onto prepared ground and ensuring intimate soil contact. Gramsat is produced on specialized fields to keep the turf intact, ready for transport and installation.

Grasmat varieties depend on climate and use. Cool-season grasses such as tall fescue and perennial ryegrass are common in temperate regions, while warm-season grasses like bermudagrass are used in warmer areas. They are sold as rectangular patches or rolls, with sizes varying by supplier. Laying requires a level, well-prepared soil, edge-to-edge placement with seams staggered, and rolling or firming to promote soil contact. Newly laid grasmats should be kept evenly moist until roots establish, after which normal lawn maintenance can begin.

Maintenance involves regular mowing to an appropriate height, consistent irrigation, and periodic fertilization, along with weed, pest, and disease management. Advantages include immediate green cover, erosion control, weed suppression, and quick usability for lawns or sports fields. Disadvantages include higher initial cost, heavier handling and installation, and ongoing maintenance requirements. Grasmat is commonly compared with seed-based lawn establishment and with artificial turf, with the choice depending on climate, intended use, and budget.