| FACTORS TO CONSIDER |
SEED |
TURFGRASS SOD |
| 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: 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. |
Lowest water needs - Water at installation to a depth of 6 inches, then light watering 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 quality, certified, elite seed. May be certified to prove specific variety. Mixtures & 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 |
Seeding varieties, rates, germination times, wash-outs (erosion), traffic, feeding birds and rodents can create spottiness. |
99 to 100% uniformity with use of mature 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. |
Capable of accepting heavy rains without erosion or damage. |
| Visual Impact |
Rough texture and open soil. |
Immediate beauty of a "complete" and mature landscape. |
| Usability |
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 traffic levels within 2 to 3 weeks. |
| Installation Cost |
Lowest 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, usability, uniformity and visual appeal. Reduced maintenance, chemical and water costs. |