When starting a new lawn one must decide whether to install sod or grass seed. Both options have their pros and cons, and it is essential to choose the best one for your needs. In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of sod and grass seed to help you make an informed decision.
Cost
One of the primary factors affecting most homeowners’ decision is cost. Sod is more expensive than grass seed. Sod’s additional cost is due to its more labor-intensive production and transportation requirements. Grass seed is not only cheaper than sod, so if you are working on a tight budget, grass seed may be the ideal option.
Timing
Another difference between sod and grass seed is the time required to establish a new lawn. Sod offers an instantly established lawn, and within just a couple weeks it is ready to mow for the first time and can be used as a play area for your kids, pets, etc. Grass seed takes a bit longer to establish, usually 6-8 weeks before it becomes a usable lawn area.
Grass Varieties
If you plan to establish a lawn with specific requirements, grass seed is the best option. Grass seed allows you to mix and match various grass varieties to suit your lawn’s growth needs. If you have pets or kids in your home, you can opt for a turf-resistant seed blend to ensure a strong maturation process.
Watering
For the first few weeks, sod requires thorough watering to ensure it establishes a robust root system, this generally requires two rounds of watering each day that are longer in duration to allow the water to reach deeper into the soil. With grass seed, the goal is more frequent watering to keep the seed moist but less time during each one to prevent the soil from eroding and washing away the seed.
Craft Your Dream Yard with Farrand’s Landscape
Whether you’re starting fresh with a new lawn at your recently built dream home, or are renovating an existing space, contact the top-rated experts at Farrand’s Landscape today.
