When you think about revamping your lawn, the goal is often a lush, carpet-like expanse that the neighbors can’t help but admire. The ProVista sod by Scotts has promised just that, luring consumers with its innovative approach to grass.
However, problems with ProVista sod have come into the limelight recently. In this article, we’ll delve into these issues, the benefits, and drawbacks, offering a well-rounded view of the product.
The Problems With ProVista Sod: What’s Not So Green After All?
- Limited Availability: Hard to Find, Hard to Choose
ProVista is a relatively new player in the sod industry, which means its distribution network isn’t as wide as the seasoned competitors.
This lack of accessibility might mean you’ll have to put in extra effort to source this grass for your lawn, making it less convenient than opting for widely available alternatives like Floratam or Palmetto.
Furthermore, if you require additional ProVista sod in the future – for expanding your lawn or replacing damaged patches – availability could pose a problem.
- The Cost: Bigger Budget for Greener Grass
ProVista is considered a premium product in the sod market. Thus, it comes with a price tag to match. While the promise of less mowing and less water usage could potentially offset these costs over time, the initial investment is undeniably higher than that for other grass types.
This price factor can be a significant barrier for budget-conscious homeowners or for those with large lawns to cover.
- Restricted Use of Herbicides: The Glyphosate Bind
ProVista’s glyphosate tolerance is one of its unique selling points, but it also presents a potential problem.
While this tolerance allows you to use glyphosate-based herbicides to tackle weeds without harming your lawn, it also means you can’t utilize other herbicides without risking damage to your grass.
This restriction may be particularly inconvenient if you are used to working with other types of herbicides, or if you need to deal with weed species that are resistant to glyphosate.
- Not 100% Weed-Proof: Resistant, Not Immune
While ProVista sod is designed to be more weed-resistant than other grass types, it doesn’t make your lawn completely immune to weeds.
Persistent weeds, particularly those that have developed resistance to glyphosate, can still invade your ProVista lawn.
You may find yourself needing to manually remove these stubborn invaders or resorting to other weed management strategies.
Why Choose ProVista Sod Despite Its Problems?
When it comes to lawncare, no one-size-fits-all solution exists. While ProVista sod does have its problems, several compelling reasons might make it the right choice for you.
- Innovative and Environmentally Friendly
ProVista is on the cutting edge of grass technology.
Scotts’ development of a grass that grows slower and thus needs less mowing is a significant innovation.
In terms of sustainability, the reduced mowing frequency translates to lower carbon emissions from your lawnmower and lower water requirements for the slower-growing grass.
- Exceptional Aesthetic Appeal
ProVista’s deep blue-green color stands out in the crowd of green lawns. The vibrancy and richness of its color are something to behold and a primary reason homeowners are drawn to it.
If aesthetics and curb appeal are high on your list of priorities, ProVista might be worth considering despite its challenges.
- The Glyphosate Advantage
While the glyphosate tolerance can seem like a limitation, it is also an enormous advantage. Glyphosate is a potent, non-selective herbicide. In other words, it usually kills whatever it touches.
However, since ProVista is glyphosate-tolerant, you can use this powerful tool to control weeds in your lawn without damaging the grass itself.
- Disease and Weed Resistance
ProVista’s disease and weed resistance can save homeowners a lot of hassle in the long run. Even though it’s not 100% weed-proof, this resistance still means fewer weed problems than with many other grass types.
- Less Frequent Mowing
One of the most significant selling points of ProVista is that it requires less frequent mowing – up to 50% less. This characteristic can save homeowners a lot of time and effort, particularly those with large lawns.
Also Read: Differences Between Lesco Dimension And Stonewall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Given the issues and advantages, you might have some questions. Let’s address a few of the most common ones.
ProVista can be an excellent choice for those seeking a low-maintenance, aesthetically pleasing lawn. However, considering its cost and certain restrictions, it might not be the best fit for every homeowner.
ProVista grass can be damaged by misuse of non-glyphosate herbicides and inadequate watering. Over-fertilization, pests, and diseases (though less common) can also impact its health.
ProVista and Floratam both have their strengths. ProVista requires less mowing and is more resistant to weeds. However, Floratam is less expensive and more readily available. The “better” choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
Caring for a ProVista lawn involves regular watering, correct usage of glyphosate for weed control, and avoiding over-fertilization. Also, despite its slow growth rate, occasional mowing is still necessary to maintain its health and appearance.
Concluding Thoughts
While the problems with ProVista sod are important to note, this grass does offer notable benefits. The key is to weigh the pros and cons based on your personal needs, budget, and expectations for your lawn. Remember, every grass has its peculiarities.
Thus, understanding them and aligning your lawn care strategies accordingly is the secret to a flourishing yard.
