What is a primary characteristic of sod?

A primary characteristic of sod is that it is a grassy surface soil held together by matted roots. This means that sod consists of an upper layer of soil that is rich in grass and other vegetation, with an interconnected root system that binds the soil together. This structure not only provides stability but also promotes healthy growth and development for the grass, allowing it to establish quickly when laid.

The presence of the matted roots is crucial as it helps retain the soil and prevents erosion, while also encouraging the grass to thrive once it is placed on a new site. This is especially beneficial for landscaping purposes, as sod can be rolled out and installed in a relatively short amount of time, providing instant greenery to a yard or garden.

In contrast, other options do not accurately capture the essence of sod. The first option describes a mat of soil that lacks roots, which is not representative of sod. The third option mentions soil used for planting trees, which does not address the specific features of sod as a grass layer. The fourth option describes a mixture of different soil types, which does not convey the characteristic of sod being primarily composed of grass and a specific surface layer.