Seed vs. Sod

Posted August 5, 2015 by Jacks Small Engines

So your lawn is looking a little rough, and there is no chance of the grass coming back.

Maybe you just had a bad bout with grubs and you don’t have a lawn at all.

In any case, you are faced with a very important decision, seed or sod?

Both will get you a great looking lawn, but there are a lot of factors  that you will need to consider before you make your final decision.

See them here:

 

Seeding

Seeding can be a great option, especially if you are on a budget, but, you will need to weigh out the advantages and disadvantages!

Advantages:

• Cheaper of the two options
  • You are doing the work, so the cost is cut down!
• Much larger variety of types of grass to choose from
  • you can cater the type of grass to the environment you will be planting it in because of all the choices you have
• Much stronger root establishment-but it will take some time
  • the roots will establish in the ground, leading to a much sturdier root hold which will result in more longevity in the lawn!
• This grass will grow in the environment that it will be living in, so it will be ready to deal with the climate for years to come!
  • since you are planting the seeds where they will be staying forever, it’s not like sod where they are transplanted on to your lawn

Disadvantages:

• It takes the grass longer to get established and look nice
  • the grass is growing from seed, so it takes awhile for it to finally get to a full looking lawn
• Moisture is very important, and the seed needs to be kept watered regularly
  • you have to adequately water the lawn, if it gets too dry, it may not grow
• When you seed your lawn is critical, if you seed it the wrong month your lawn may not grow very well.
  • you must plant when it has the best chance at growing, usually at the beginning of the growing season is ideal
• Runoff and heavy rain can wash away seeds, which will result in you needing to re-seed some areas.
  • water will take the seeds with it, you may find yourself doing the same area a few times before it roots
• Weeds can be very problematic as the grass is getting established 
  • the root system isn’t too great at first, so weeds will be able to take root and shoot up between the blades easier

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Sodding

Advantages:

• Insta-Lawn!
  • pre-grown and ready to go! once they roll the sod out you will have a beautiful lawn!
• Virtually weed free
  • the root system is already established, making it very difficult for weeds to grow
• Can begin utilizing shortly after being planted
  • once “installed” you can begin using the lawn much sooner than you can with seeding.
• Planted any time during seasons when grass grows
  • as long as the sod is planted during the growing season, it should take and be good to go!
• Good for on slopes and areas where erosion is common
  • seeds wont wash away! the root systems are also good at helping prevent erosion.

Disadvantages:

• More expensive
  • You don’t have to do much work, other people have to grow the grass, so, you have to pay a little more
• Less options, especially for varieties of grass that are good in the shade
  • you can’t always pick grass optimized for your environment
• Requires excessive amounts of water
  • since the roots are already established, they will require extra water as they are growing in to their new home
• Optimal time to plant is spring and fall
  • spring and fall can be busy times of year, but this is the time when you will get the best results!

Be sure to consider both options when you are going to put new grass in your yard!

Tags: seed, sod