Sod vs. Seeding

Sod vs. Seeding Decide which factors are most critical for you and your needs...

FACTORS TO CONSIDER SEED HYDROSEED TURFGRASS

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.

Soil Preparation 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.

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 waterings for next 2-3 weeks. Grass will shade soil and prevent drying.

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. Typically highest available sod and most advanced quality, certified, elite seed. May be certified to prove specific variety. Mixtures and blends used to suit area needs.

Weed Control Multiple applications of chemicals usually required to combat competitive weed invasions until turf is well established. Minimal, if any chemical control required.

Uniformity of Coverage Seed 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.

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.

Visual Impact Rough texture and open soil Colored mulches act to camouflage soil apperance. Immediate beauty of a 'complete' and mature landscape.

Useability Low traffic use 2 to 4 months after seeding with faster germinating seed. Normal to high use only after first year. Low traffic immediately. Normal, high traffic levels within 2 to 3 weeks.

Installation costs Lowest cost Low to mid-level cost Highest cost

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. Installation costs offset by added values of timing, useability uniformity and visual appeal. Reduced maintenance, chemical and water costs.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER	SEED	HYDROSEED	TURFGRASS
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.
Soil Preparation	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.
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 waterings for next 2-3 weeks. Grass will shade soil and prevent drying.
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.		Typically highest available sod and most advanced quality, certified, elite seed. May be certified to prove specific variety. Mixtures and blends used to suit area needs.
Weed Control	Multiple applications of chemicals usually required to combat competitive weed invasions until turf is well established.		Minimal, if any chemical control required.
Uniformity of Coverage	Seed 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.
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.
Visual Impact	Rough texture and open soil	Colored mulches act to camouflage soil apperance.	Immediate beauty of a 'complete' and mature landscape.
Useability	Low traffic use 2 to 4 months after seeding with faster germinating seed. Normal to high use only after first year.		Low traffic immediately. Normal, high traffic levels within 2 to 3 weeks.
Installation costs	Lowest cost	Low to mid-level cost	Highest cost
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.		Installation costs offset by added values of timing, useability uniformity and visual appeal. Reduced maintenance, chemical and water costs.