Yes, You Can Switch Grass Types Without Starting from Scratch
Is your lawn not quite living up to your expectations? Whether it's patchy in places, dull in color, or simply too high maintenance, the solution doesn’t always mean tearing it all out and starting over. For many homeowners, there’s a smarter, more gradual way forward.
Switching to a new grass type is entirely possible—and in many cases, it’s the best move for adapting to shifting lawn conditions, such as more shade, heavier foot traffic, or simply wanting a more resilient or visually appealing lawn. Instead of going all-in on a full sod installation, you can ease into the transition in phases.
SodPods® grass plugs provide a practical middle ground between the cost of sod and the unpredictability of seed. They allow you to test and introduce a new variety without the labor of replacing your entire lawn. Over time, this approach can save water, reduce maintenance, and give you a lawn that better fits your climate, lifestyle, and vision.
Why You Might Want to Switch Grass Types
Lawns are dynamic—and so are the conditions around them. Whether it’s natural changes like growing trees or lifestyle changes like adding a new outdoor space, your grass may no longer be the best fit for your yard. Sometimes it’s not that your lawn is failing—it’s just not the right type of grass anymore.
Climate or Shade Conditions Have Changed
Maybe the tree you planted five years ago has finally matured, casting shade over a large portion of the yard. Or perhaps you’ve added a pergola or fencing that blocks the sun. These changes affect how much light your grass gets—and not all varieties can adapt.
For example, bermudagrass thrives in full sun but may struggle in shaded areas. On the other hand, CitraBlue and Palmetto St. Augustine are shade-tolerant options that work well under tree canopies or next to buildings.
Performance or Maintenance Preferences
Some grasses grow fast and require frequent mowing. Others are prone to disease, need more water, or develop thatch easily. If you're spending more time and money on your lawn than you'd like, switching to a low-maintenance variety—like a drought-tolerant Bermuda or a slower-growing Zoysia–can make life easier.
Curb Appeal Goals
Your current lawn may function well, but it may not have the aesthetic you desire. A finer blade texture, darker green hue, or tighter density might be your goal—especially in high-visibility areas like the front yard. Changing your grass type can help elevate your home’s overall appearance.
Foot Traffic Needs
Backyard barbecues, energetic kids, or dogs on the run—some lawns just get more wear and tear than others. Durable varieties like bermudagrass offer better resistance to foot traffic and bounce back quickly after use, making them a great option for active households.
Yes, You Can Transition Without Starting Over
Replacing your entire lawn with new sod or reseeding from scratch isn’t your only option. You can transition to a new grass type gradually. This approach is ideal if you have a large yard, a tight budget, or want to test a new variety before committing fully.
This is where grass plugs stand out. They allow you to introduce small amounts of new grass into your existing lawn, filling in bare areas or gradually overtaking the existing turf. Plugs grow outward and establish root systems that strengthen over time. Compared to starting from seed—which is less predictable—or resodding—which is labor-intensive and has a higher upfront cost—plugs strike a balance between ease and effectiveness.
Why Mixing Grass Types Can Be Risky
Introducing a new grass type should be approached strategically—especially if you’re thinking of mixing it with an existing lawn. While it may seem like a convenient shortcut, mixing grass types often leads to long-term headaches. Different varieties come with distinct growth habits, care requirements, and visual characteristics, which can result in an uneven, difficult-to-maintain lawn
Competition Between Varieties
Some grasses are more aggressive than others. For example, bermudagrass spreads vigorously and can easily invade slower-growing grasses like zoysiagrass. Unless carefully managed, one type may overtake the other, resulting in an uneven lawn.
Inconsistent Appearance and Growth Habits
Blades of varying width, texture, and color can make your lawn look patchy. Worse, different growth rates mean your yard might never look evenly mowed, no matter how often you trim it.
Maintenance Conflicts
Different grass types often require different mowing heights, fertilization schedules, and irrigation levels. Trying to manage two or more types in the same space can be confusing and time-consuming.
When It’s Okay to Use More Than One Grass Type
Rather than blending grasses randomly, it’s better to be strategic. Using different grass types can work if they’re intentionally placed to meet the needs of specific zones in your yard.
Strategic Zoning
Install shade-tolerant grasses under large trees or along the northern side of the house. Use more resilient, sun-loving varieties, like bermudagrass, in open, high-traffic areas. This zoning approach lets each grass type thrive where it performs best.
Microclimate Management
If your yard includes sloped areas, low spots, or partial sun exposures, it may make sense to assign different varieties based on these conditions, so long as they’re separated into distinct sections.
Backyard vs. Front Yard Approach
Some homeowners opt for low-maintenance grasses in the backyard for functionality, while choosing more attractive varieties in the front for visual appeal.
How to Make the Switch: Plugs vs. Seed vs. Sod
Let’s break down the pros and cons of each method for introducing a new grass type.
Grass Plugs
Grass plugs are one of the easiest ways to introduce a new grass type into your lawn, especially if you want to do it without disturbing the entire yard. They can be planted directly into your existing lawn by digging small holes and inserting the plugs into the soil. No need to till or remove the old grass completely—just space them out, water consistently, and let them get to work.
They’re also cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Because plugs are small sections of live grass with full-grown roots, there’s less material waste compared to full sod pallets, and you don’t have to invest in removing your existing lawn. Over time, the plugs grow outward and begin to take over, slowly blending into the old grass or replacing it entirely. For faster establishment, pair SodPods® grass plugs with NutriPod®, a slow-release grass fertilizer that delivers nutrients right at the root zone and helps the plugs take hold with less risk of burning.
Seed
Seeding is often the most affordable method of establishing a lawn, but it’s not always the most reliable. For successful germination, you’ll need to start with bare soil, which often means removing existing turf and weeds entirely.
Seeding also requires consistent moisture and timing. Miss a watering cycle or plant during the wrong season, and you might be left with patchy coverage or bare spots. Young grass seedlings are also vulnerable to weed competition, erosion, and pests. If your current lawn is already established, seeding is typically not recommended unless you’re doing a full renovation, because the seeds will not take hold well among mature grass.
Sod
Sod offers the fastest results of any lawn-establishing method. It’s essentially an instant lawn: thick, uniform sheets of grass that are laid down to cover bare ground. It’s ideal for complete makeovers or new construction sites where you want immediate curb appeal and erosion control.
However, sod comes with a higher price tag and more labor. You typically need to remove the old turf, level the soil, and prepare the ground before laying sod. This process can be time-consuming and physically demanding. Plus, if you’re only trying to replace sections of your lawn, sod may not blend well with the existing grass—especially if the textures, growth habits, or colors are visibly different. This can make small patch jobs more obvious and harder to manage in the long-term.
Tips for a Smooth Grass Transition
If you're planning to switch grass types, keep these tips in mind for a successful outcome:
Test First: Install plugs in a small area to observe how they perform in your soil and lighting conditions before scaling up.
Improve Soil Conditions: Healthy grass needs healthy soil. Aerate compacted areas and mix in compost or soil amendments as needed.
Mow Existing Lawn Appropriately: Keep your current grass trimmed to the recommended height. This helps the plugs establish without being smothered.
Monitor Water and Nutrients: Water consistently and fertilize according to the needs of the new grass while supporting the existing turf during the overlap period.
Be Patient: A full transition may take a few months to a full growing season, depending on your climate, soil, and the grass variety. Give it time to spread and fill in.
Don’t Settle—Upgrade Your Lawn the Smart Way
If your lawn isn’t meeting your needs, don’t assume you have to start from scratch. With the right strategy, you can switch to a better-suited grass type over time—and grass plugs are your best friend in that process.
They’re affordable, easy to install, and best of all, they give you flexibility. Whether you're responding to shade, wear and tear, or simply want something that looks better year-round, making the switch is more doable than you think.
With thoughtful planning and a little patience, you’ll have a beautiful, more functional lawn that’s tailored to your life—not the other way around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant grass plugs over my existing lawn?
Yes. You can plant plugs directly into existing grass by removing small patches and inserting the plugs. Over time, the new grass will spread and blend in.
How long does it take for grass plugs to take over?
Depending on the grass type and growing conditions, full coverage can take a full growing season. Regular watering, fertilizing, and mowing help speed up the process.
What grasses should I avoid mixing?
Avoid combining aggressive spreaders like bermudagrass with slower-growing varieties like St. Augustine. One may dominate the other, creating uneven results. For more information, read this article, Can Bermuda and St. Augustine Grass Grow Together?
Are grass plugs better than sod for switching grass types?
Yes, especially if you don’t want to tear out your whole lawn. Plugs allow for a gradual transition and cost less, making them ideal for partial lawn updates.
Do I need to fertilize grass plugs?
Yes. A starter fertilizer like NutriPod® is specifically formulated for new grass plugs, helping strengthen roots and improve establishment during the first 45 days after planting.
