CHOOSE A DIFFERENT MARATHON FOR DIFFERENT NEEDS
When deciding which Marathon Sod variety is best for your home, it is important to realize that Marathon I, II and III have progressively slower growth rates.  The distinction is most obvious between Marathon I, II, III. Marathon III grows significantly slower, resulting in fewer clippings and allowing less frequent mowing.  While this is an important advantage, it can also be a disadvantage. 

Think of turf as a self-renewing surface and growth rate as the speed of the renewal process.  Slow growth results in more time needed for recovery from injury or disease.  This means that if Marathon III is damaged it will show the brown spot longer.  If the lawn is going to be subject to lots of play of traffic of adverse growing conditions, then the faster growing Marathon I and II are better suited.  Where usage is light and appearance and fewer clippings are top priorities, opt for Marathon III.

All members of the Marathon Family stay green year round and are deep rooted, drought resistant and very well adapted to varying Southern California / Los Angeles climates and soils.

MARATHON® SOD I
Marathon Sod® I has a standard tall fescue.  It is very durable and easily tolerates daily wear and tear.  It grows at a very fast rate and is excellent at recovering from injury.  The texture is coarse and tends to be a medium green color.  Marathon Sod® I can tolerate up to 40% shade. Ideal for recreation and family use.

MARATHON® SOD II
Marathon Sod® II is a dwarf tall fescue that is very durable in nature.  It can tolerate high levels of weekend activity and grows at a slightly reduced rate.  It has good injury recovery and is medium to coarse in texture.  Marathon Sod® II can tolerate 25% shade and has a medium dark green coloring. With it's slightly more refined appearance and high durability, Marathon Sod® II is the most popular choice of Los Angeles home owners.

MARATHON® SOD III
Marathon Sod® III is an extra dwarf tall fescue that is predominantly used where there are low activity levels.  It has a slow injury recovery and substantially reduced mow clippings.  Its texture is medium to fine and its coloring is a dark green.  This particular type of sod should not be used in the shade.The most beautiful in appearance, Marathon Sod® III has the least amount of mow clippiongs.

OTHER VARIETIES OF EVERGREEN SOD:

PUREBLUE™
Pureblue™ is an enhanced elite bluegrass blend with a fine texture. It is dense in nature, which provides an elegant appearance. It requires care regularly and does best in moderate coastal areas such as the pacific cost and should not be used in valleys, deserts or other warm and dry regions. Pureblue™ thrives in well-drained soils and cannot endure much shade or salinity. Remains green year-round. Pureblue is only available in soil-less Lite Sod.

RYEBLUE™
Ryeblue™ is a combination sod of 80% Pureblue™ and 20% perennial rye. While very similar to Pureblue™, it has a slightly higher resistance to disease and appears lighter in color and glossier in texture. Remains green year-round. Ryeblue™ is only available in soil-less Lite Sod.

WINTER DORMANT SOD VARIETIES:

DICHONDRA SOD
Dichondra provides a unique and elegant texture and appearance. With clover-like rounded leaves growing close to the ground, it is ideal as a ground cover. Used popularly with stepping stones, or other low traffic areas. Grow in partial shade, where saline content is low. Dichondra requires well drained soil and must be cared for regularly and remains green year-round.

ST. AUGUSTINE SOD
St. Augustine offers a very coarse and thick texture and can be used in conditions that provide little or no shade. Native to warm and humid climates, it cannot tolerate cool seasons or temperatures. Thatches a good deal, providing a thick layer above soil. Must be contained by concrete borders. Dormant in winter.

TIFGREEN SOD
Tifgreen is a hybrid Bermuda grass found extensively on athletics fields, golf courses and putting greens. It is a very dense and low growing grass with a fine texture. When trimmed and taken care of consistently, it provides a uniform and manicured look. Must be contained by concrete borders. Tifgreen sod is dormant in winter.

ELTORO ZOYSIA SOD
Dense and similar to Tifgreen, El Toro Zaysia should be mowed at a slightly higher height of 1"-2". It's texture is medium to fine with a relatively light green color. It develops a thick thatch and requires concrete borders for containment. Has a longer dormancy in the winter than Tifgreen or St. Augustine.

ZOYSIA TENUIFOLIA SOD
Growing in an undulating manner, Zoysia Tenuifolia creates small hill like waves when left un-mowed. Finely textured, it provides a natural, unique look though is very slow growing. Used often in oriental style gardens amongst rocks and trees as a ground cover. Dormant in the winter.

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