Establishing grass is often challenging, depending on the region where you live. The availability of moisture, temperature extremes and other factors can affect the growth and health of grass significantly. Also, if it is overly humid, it may promote an increase in fungal activity. Along with environmental stresses, you may find your trufgrass has a hard time surviving. As a result, considering the question “seed or sod” is one that requires quite a bit of thought.
Seed: Timing is Everything
It is best to seed during the later suffer months (mid-August to mid-September). During this time the conditions are favorable for germination and growth. While seeding can be done in the spring, weeds are usually more of a problem and the high temperatures can reduce the chances of success. Also, during the spring, the growth period will be shorter, which doesn’t provide much time for the establishment of grass roots.
When you are able to establish your seeds successfully, there are several benefits offered:
- More affordable
- Bigger selection
- Less labor required
- Less time to complete the job
- Easy to establish grass in challenging locations
Preparing the soil is going to be the same, regardless of if you choose to sod or seed your yard. However, since seed is not as expensive, the establishment cost is going to be lower. When you are using seed, there are several mixture possibilities available, which isn’t possible for sod.
There are a few disadvantages of this option, such as the potential of erosion washing the seeds away, a longer period of time before you have grass and how much you have to water during germination. It takes 6-8 weeks for seed to establish. You will have to water regularly to ensure the grass seed grows successfully.
Sod: Pros and Cons
Before you choose a method, you need to consider the pros and cons of each. Some of the advantages offered by sodding include: • No worry about erosion • You will have an instant green surface, with no concerns of mud or dust • Able to plant any time of the year • Reduced potential of establishment failure • No weeds
Since sodding your yard means that you are using a mature turf, watering is paramount to survival. The impact is immediate, but it must be kept wet for two weeks. Quality sod is going to be completely weed-free, while seeding is going to have some level of weed invasion. Also, you can usually use the sod in a period of three weeks.
Keep in mind, just like seeding, sodding your yard is going to require you to water newly planted grass regularly, especially in the beginning, right after it is laid. The frequency you will have to water is going to be dependent on the weather and temperature, as well as how quickly the lawn dries out after it is watered.
As you can see, there are pros and cons to each method of getting grass in your yard. When you have the facts, you can make an educated decision regarding which method is right for you.
