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Sod vs. Seeding
The quickest way to a lush, green lawn is to have sod installed. Seeding can appear to be less expensive but there are some headaches with sowing seed that you really don't have to deal with when you have sod installed. For one thing, unlike seed, sod is already growing as a thick carpet and there are usually no weeds to worry about. Also unlike seed, sod can be laid almost any time of year that the soil is workable. Seed, on the other hand, should only be spread during the cooler periods of fall and spring. Then you've got to be on the lookout for weeds too; especially in the spring. Seeded lawns may also develop problems with pythium diseases because young grass seedlings are more vulnerable to this fungus . Also, sod works well on areas that have had problems with water run off and erosion.
So, you can see the advantages of laying a sod lawn. Its quick, its easier, its less troublesome, and you have the satisfaction of seeing a new lawn appear right before your eyes.
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FACTORS TO CONSIDER |
SEED
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HYDRO-SEED
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SOD INSTALLED
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Time of Year to Install |
Not recommended for Winter or Summer, possible in Spring, best in Fall for most areas. |
Year-round installation, even on frozen ground if sod is available. |
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Soil Preparation
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Same for all types of lawn installation: Deeply till soil, add necessary amendments and fertilizers, grade and level for smooth surface, remove all debris, lightly pack and moisten. |
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Water Requirements |
Highest water needs - Bare soil will dry quickly. Water lightly for 3 to 4 weeks, keeping surface moist, begin to apply 1 inch of water per week after first mowing. |
Moderate to high water needs. Mulch will preserve some moisture. Water lightly for 3 to 4 weeks, keeping surface moist, begin to apply 1 inch of water per week after first mowing. |
Lowest water needs - Water at installation to a depth of 6 inches, then light watering for next 2-3 weeks. Grass will shade soil and prevent drying. |
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Seed Quality |
Extremely variable because of germination rates, weed and foreign matter content: unknown or unspecified varieties. Generally lower quality seed than used in cultivated sod production.
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Typically highest available sod quality, certified, elite seed. May be certified to prove specific variety. Mixtures & blends used to suit area needs. |
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Weed Control |
Multiple applications of chemicals usually required to combat competitive weed invasions until turf is well established.
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Minimal, if any chemical control required.
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Uniformity of Coverage |
Seeding varieties, rates, germination times, wash-outs (erosion), traffic, feeding birds and rodents can create spottiness.
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Seeding varieties, rates, germination times, wash-outs (erosion), traffic, feeding birds and rodents can create spottiness. Mulch layer may reduce some problems. |
99 to 100% uniformity with use of mature turfgrass sod.
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Runoff/Erosion |
Heavy rains or sloping areas will cause seed, chemicals and silt to wash onto sidewalks and into sewer systems. Little, if any protection for several months. |
Heavy rains or sloping areas will cause seed, chemicals and silt to wash onto sidewalks and into sewer systems. Mulch should reduce erosion/runoff. |
Capable of accepting heavy rains without erosion or damage.
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Visual Impact |
Rough texture and open soil. |
Colored mulches act to camouflage soil appearance.
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Immediate beauty of a "complete" and mature landscape.
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Usability |
Low traffic use 2 to 4 months after seeding with faster germinating seed. Normal to high use only after first year.
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Low traffic immediately. Normal, high traffic levels within 2 to 3 weeks. |
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Installation Cost |
Lowest cost |
Low to mid-level cost |
Highest cost. |
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Cost vs. Value |
Higher management and maintenance costs, compounded by increased water and chemical applications, as well as delay of use, poor uniformity and visually unappealing are trade-offs for lower installation cost.
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Installation costs offset by added values of timing, usability, uniformity and visual appeal. Reduced maintenance, chemical and water costs.
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[ Up ] [ Fertilizing ] [ Sod vs. Seeding ] [ Snow Damage ] [ Solving Moss Problems ] [ Mowing Your Lawn ] [ Minimizing Chemicals ] [ Watering Guidlines ] [ September Renovations ]
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