Nothing looks worse than a yard covered in dead or dying grass, with bald spots and other damage spoiling the lush green appearance. If you’re fighting the battle for a beautiful lawn, you may have found yourself wondering whether seed or sod is better. The grass may look greener in your neighbor’s yard but whether they used seed or sod to achieve it there are a few things to consider before making your decision.
Seeding:
One of the two major factors involved in the decision to sod or seed is expense. Financially, seeding is an appealing choice as the cost of even the best seed mix is still a lot cheaper than sod. It takes a longer to grow a dense, lush lawn so if time is a factor sod may be the better choice. If you have the time to tend to your lawn seeding would be a great choice. The time of the year you plant grass seed is very critical and limited. Early spring and fall are your best times to plant grass seed because of the amount of weeds in the summer. Though it can take longer to establish a dense lawn, over time I think seed edges out sod on quality. There are more grass types and varieties to choose from so can select a turf you know will grow well in your area. You might have to reseed, sometimes germination doesn’t take in some spots or seed can be washed away.
Sodding:
Sod is the most expensive option because you are essentially paying someone else for time and materials of growing the grass and it is dramatically more expensive than seed. If money is no problem sod may be the winning choice. If you need a nice lawn right away sod is your hero. This option provides an instant lawn you can go from dirt to green lawn in a day. The speed of rooting varies with each season, and the rooting is essential to the longevity and health of the grass. Fall and spring are optimal times to lay sod, though it can be laid any time during the year if water is available. Roots establish quicker than seeds but may not root as well. Initially sod may appear weed free but it is not always guaranteed to be weed free, seed is. Sod is a great alternative for sloped areas or erosion-prone areas where seed would struggle to survive. On the down side, only certain types of grass are grown for sodding so your choices are limited. Sod is not known for shade tolerance. Sod can shrink and leave spaces which weeds easily invade. Turf needs to be overlapped when laid. Sod is also the cleanest choice; not a lot of dust or mud.
Whether seeding or sodding an area, preparation of the soil is critical. Good site preparation will simplify maintenance for years to come and ensure healthier turf. Soil preparation should be the same for seeding or sodding. The best type of soil for laying sod or seed is a garden blend soil that consist of a mix of black soil and sand.
There is no right or wrong way to go simply assess your situation and pick what would best suit your needs. Remember Pahl’s landscaping service is just a call away to help you landscape your new beautiful lawn.