Is Seeding Cheaper Than Sodding?

Is seeding cheaper than sodding?

A big bag of grass seed will obviously cost less than a pallet of sod, however, that is like comparing the cost of raw wool to a fine sweater. Just because the seed is “cheaper” how much are you going to end up spending in the long run with a chance that your grass may not grow?

Turfgrass sod is a finished product that will provide nearly instant use, beauty, and environmental benefits, whereas seed is an unknown that requires two or more years of on-going time, attention, water, fertilizer, and pesticides to reach a maturity equal to sod on its first day.

Because seed takes much longer to cover a lawn completely, weeds may mix in with the grass over time, which can ruin the initial appearance of the lawn and may require the use of herbicides. Because sod is fully grown grass with no weeds introduced, it doesn’t require the same amount of care.

Planting Season

When adding seed to your lawn, the best time of year is during the cooler fall months. The warm days and cool nights help the grass grow quickly, putting down roots that will help it come up stronger in the spring. Keep in mind that it will be several weeks at least before you see the grass begin to grow and around two years before you will see the final results of a fully mature lawn.

For homeowners wishing to get an instant lawn, sod is the better choice. Sod can be laid in the spring or fall, but should not be laid in the winter months. It will take the sod roughly two weeks to put down shallow roots after it is laid; it is best not to walk on the sod during this period of time. Over the next 30 days, the sod will put down deeper roots, establishing itself in your lawn

Maintenance

Both seed and sod have some degree of maintenance after laying. Sod will require daily watering for the first two weeks to encourage the roots to grow. It should be cut after 45 days when the grass is dry to prevent ripping it out, with the mower set to 3 inches in height.

Seed may have a greater degree of initial maintenance than sod. The seed also requires daily watering, but it also requires a weaning period from daily watering so that the new grass does not become stunted. In addition, the seed should not be watered all at once. Instead, apply half the water, wait an hour, then apply the rest. Otherwise, the seeds may be washed away.

Seeds may also require special fertilizers meant for new lawns for the first few months before switching over to a fertilizer made just for grass. Fertilizing too soon may actually cause the weeds to grow more quickly than the grass, therefore fertilizers mixed with weed-controlling herbicides are recommended.

Southern Sodgrass and Landscape Supply can help you get the “greenest” lawn in your neighborhood. We serve most of central North Carolina, contact us today for more information about our sod products and to schedule a delivery day and time. You can reach us at (336) 996-4SOD that’s (336) 996-4763.