Another great story by our friends at Garden Weasel. These folks have some of the best Gardening tools available today. I still use the original weasel in my own gardens. Nassar Landscaping and Irrigation is busy getting the local landscape ready for Summer. We specialise in both seeding and applying turf for your lawn. We can help you decide which application is best for you. If you need help with your Landscaping Services and you live in Salem NH, Atkinson NH, Windham NH, Hampstead NH, Pelham NH, Londonderry NH, Derry NH, Methuen MA, Andover MA, N. Andover MA, Haverhill MA, we would like to help.
Story by Garden Weasel
The green, green grass of your dream lawn doesn’t have to exist only in a galaxy far, far away. 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 (hopefully you’re not at war with them over who has the best lawn in the neighborhood), but whether they used seed or sod to achieve it, there are a few things to consider before you decide your next move.
Sod: Transplanting mature turf that has been cared for by a professional. Can be rolled out like a rug. Usually involves hiring a pro to install, especially for large areas.
Seed: Growing grass from seed; Involves planting and sprouting your own grass. Can be done yourself or hired out.
On the Money
One of the two major factors involved in the decision to sod or seed is expense.
Sod – Simply put, 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 for reasons you’ll see below.
Seed – Financially, seeding is an appealing choice as the cost of even the best seed mix is still a lot cheaper than sod, so if budget is your driving factor, seed wins out.
Time Out
The other major decision factor is time—the amount of time and effort it takes to grow and nurture a lawn, as well as the time of year you can plant it.
Sod – No question, 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.
Seed – It takes a lot longer to grow a dense, lush lawn so if time is a factor, seed may be the losing option. If you’ve got time to tend the lawn, and can wait until the optimal growing season, seed is worthy of consideration. The time of year you plant is critical and limited. Early fall is best because more likelihood of weeds in spring. Growing your own turf requires a lot of attention and time, as well as watering.
Top Guns
Regardless of time and expense, quality is also a consideration.
Sod – Though initially sod may appear weed free, 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. If you need to tailor your yard to a specific environment, seeding with specific species for your area would be a better way to go. 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.
Seed – 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. The probability of a stronger root system developing in the beginning means you’re more likely to have a stronger, healthier lawn over time. With seed, the grass develops in the same environment where it will live so you don’t face transplant issues and sensitivities. However, seeding can be frustrating. You might have to reseed, sometimes germination doesn’t take in spots or seed can be washed away. And it is messy, lots of dust and mud at first.
Strategic Advantage
The critical component to a thriving lawn, whether you sod or seed, is the soil. The investment you make in soil preparation will give you the best strategic advantage and increase your odds of success.
It is absolutely essential that grass be well rooted in order to thrive. Often even sod fails because owners do not prepare the soil well before laying it. Prepare the site to ensure your lawn is healthy either way. Conduct a soil test first and learn the characteristics of your soil. The best type of soil for growing turf is sandy loam (mostly sand with some clay and silt). Clay needs to be amended with organic matter such as peat. You may need to finely grade the area and add phosphorous, potassium fertilizer or nitrogen depending on your soil test. Roll or pack the soil slightly. The effort and time you put in to the soil preparation will make a world of difference in winning the battle for a beautiful lawn whether you seed or sod.
Add to Your Arsenal
There are some other options you can add to your arsenal of possibilities for growing a great lawn:
Hydroseeding – a mix of seed, fertilizer and material that retains water that is sprayed on to a yard. It can work for slopes and large areas, has high germination rates and quick growth. Less expensive than sod but more expensive than seeding.
Plugs and Sprigs – You can start a lawn with individual plants, which is less costly than sodding, though both are considered rooted pieces of sod. Sprigs are thin 3 to 6-inch pieces of grass stems without soil. Plugs are 2 to 4-inch chunks of sod with soil covering the roots. Because of the amount of open soil, weeds can be a factor in planting plugs and sprigs.