Do you wish your lawn could look more lush and green? Are you considering using sod or seed to help you achieve that spectacular, thriving lawn but don’t know which one of the two that you should use? Here are some pointers about using sod versus seed to revitalize your lawn.
For starters, let us define what sod and seed are, in case any of our readers are not sure what we mean.
Sod
Rolls of already thriving grass with roots attached to a layer of soil. It is the replanting of sections of mature grass that have been properly cared for by a lawn care expert. These rolls of turf are laid on a lawn, providing lush, green grass immediately. Usually requires a professional to install, particularly for large areas.
Seed
Planting and sprouting grass seeds on your lawn in patches where grass is not growing or is not as lush as you would like. This can be done yourself or by a hired professional.
Regarding Money
Usually one of the major factors in deciding how to maintain your lawn is the cost.
Sod: Sod is the more expensive option of the two because you are paying for another person’s time and materials (soil, fertilizer, water, etc.) in order to grow the grass. Actually, It is significantly more expensive than seed. If money is not of a concern for you, sod may be your preferred choice of the two.
Seed: Seeding is more affordable than sod as even the finest seed blend still remains much cheaper than sod. If cost is your main decision making factor, seed probably will come on top.
Regarding Time
Another major factor in the decision making of lawn care is the time frame and amount of work required.
Sod: Without a doubt, if you need a lush, green lawn immediately, sod is your go to option. Sod essentially acts as an immediate lawn solution where you can go from just a dirt yard to a thriving luscious lawn in hours. How quickly the roots of the sod integrate with your lawn’s soil varies according to each season.
The rooting is vital to the endurance and of the robustness of the grass from the sod. Fall and spring are the best times of the year to install sod, however it can be installed in the summer as long as it is properly watered and maintained. The roots of sod secure themselves into the soil quicker and you achieve instant results.
Seed: It takes much longer to grow a thick, healthy lawn with seeds. If you have the time to care for your lawn, and can wait for the prime growing season, then seed is worth considering. The time of year you plant seed on your lawn is critical and is limited to a narrow window of time.
The best time of year to plant seed is early fall or in the spring. However, planting seed in the fall risks it not surviving through the winter if it has not rooted deeply enough before the first frost. Growing your own grass with seed depends on a lot of care and time, as well as watering
Regarding Quality
When you disregard time and cost, the quality of your turf is also worth considering.
Sod: Originally the sod may be free of weeds, however it is not for sure that it will remain weed free, unlike seed. Sod is a good option when there are sloped areas or erosion inclined areas where seed would be very difficult to thrive. As a negative aspect of sod, only specific types of grass are grown for sodding, which limits your grass options for your lawn.
If you have to accommodate your lawn towards a specific environmental conditions, seeding with particular species suitable for your location would be the better route to go. Sod is not tolerant of shade and it can shrink and create gaps where weeds can easily permeate. Sod is however, the cleanest option as it doesn’t create a lot of dust or mud.
Seed: It usually takes longer to develop a luscious lawn with seed. However, over time seed might out rule on sod based on quality. You can select from more varieties of grass species which will allow you to choose a type of grass that you know will thrive in your location.
Since there is a greater chance of there being a stronger root system flourishing in the beginning means that you’re more inclined to have a robust, desirable lawn over time. There won’t be transplant issues and sensitivities because with seed the grass grows in the same conditions where it will live. On the negative side, seeding can be baffling.
You may need to reseed quite frequently as the seed can wash away before routing or get eaten by birds. Lastly, seed is sloppy as it creates a lot of dust and mud in the beginning before it thickens into a nice, lush lawn.
Critical Aspects to a Healthy Lawn
The most important factor to a healthy lawn, regardless of whether you choose to use seed or sod, is the soil. The way you prepare your soil will offer you the greatest measure of control in increasing your chances of successfully growing your lawn to be luscious, green, and looking fabulous! Call Cleanr Mow, the trusted Winnipeg lawn care experts, to help you take care of your lawn whether you choose to go with seed or sod.
