Regardless of time and expense, quality is also a consideration when it comes to using Sod or Seed for a new lawn.
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.
- Sod provides instant gratification. If you’re planning an event in the garden, you can lay down sod the week of the party.
- Most garden shops carry just one kind of sod. It’s likely to be a type recommended for your area, so you usually don’t have a choice of varieties.
- You can lay down sod at any time during the gardening season.
Seed – 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.
- Growing anything from seed is very satisfying, but it takes time. You’ll have to live with bare dirt for a little while, and you’ll need to limit walking on the lawn while the grass becomes established.
- You can choose from a broad selection of grass types and blends. An important consideration is whether your grass will be growing in full sun or part shade.
- Timing is critical. Sow seed for cool-season lawns (these lawns stay green through the winter) in late summer or early fall. Warm-season lawns (which are dormant during the cold months) should be seeded in spring or summer.
- You’ll have to keep an eye out for weeds until the grass takes hold.
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. Have a soil test first and learn the characteristics of your soil.
As one of Milwaukee’s full-service landscape and snow removal firms, Nelson’s provides quality year-round services to homeowners. With more than 15 years of experience and expertise, Nelson’s outshines other Landscapers not only in price but in quality and service. Our wide variety of services allows our clients to depend solely upon one service provider for all their outdoor needs.