There are pros and cons to both approaches.
You might want to consider giving your lawn a makeover if you feel like hiding behind a clump of weeds growing in your front yard. The only thing I’m talking about is starting over with fresh grass; I’m not talking about a little landscaping here and there. The first question you should ask yourself in that situation is whether you should use sod or grass seed. The two approaches have pros and cons, so here’s an overview to help you decide.
You’ll need to follow a regular lawn care schedule throughout the year, with a few extra steps while the new grass establishes.
What Is Sod?
As well as turf, sod is a patch of live grass with roots buried beneath a thin layer of soil. In most cases, sod is harvested from wide-open fields and is rolled out onto the ground to be planted in small squares or rectangles.
Different types of grass are used in sod. Due to its grassy nature, there are warm season and cool season varieties. Additionally, there are different kinds of sod for different light conditions, depending on whether your yard gets full sun, partial shade, or a lot of shade.
What Are the Advantages of Sod?
Sod provides homeowners with an instant lawn, which they like. It usually takes two or three weeks for it to establish itself after unrolling.
Sod is also effective in controlling weeds and erosion. Grass seeds have a harder time establishing themselves in areas with a lot of weeds, because they have a difficult time competing with them. High traffic areas in your yard and places like under drain spouts can also cause seed to be brushed or washed away.
There’s no denying that sod looks great once it’s established. It gives your lawn a nice, even appearance. Grass like this grows throughout the yard, and if you take care of it, it adds a lot of curb appeal.
What Are the Drawbacks of Sod?
The price is one of the biggest drawbacks. Depending on where you are, sod can cost up to 85 cents per square foot. Installing it by professionals can cost nearly twice as much.
Even though sodding your own lawn seems simple, there are several steps involved. Dead spots and seam lines will appear in your yard if you fail to do it correctly.
Don’t forget to prepare for sod installation by checking off a long list of tasks. To determine whether or not you’ll need to amend the soil before laying sod, you’ll need to know what kind of soil you’re dealing with. In order to install sod, the area must be scraped clear, removing all existing vegetation. Grading, tilling, raking, and sometimes adding extra topsoil are next steps.
It is not easy to lay sod on your own.
What Are the Advantage of Grass Seed?
The cost of grass seed is much lower than that of sod. There can be a difference between four and 20 cents per square foot depending on what type of grass seed you use. It’s not nearly as bad as laying the sod incorrectly if the grass seed doesn’t take off.
It is much easier to start a lawn with grass seed. Because grass seed can be stored, seams between sod patches won’t occur or it won’t have to be laid in a short amount of time. Sowing grass seed is easy, but planting it is not. While the grass is establishing itself, you still need to prepare the soil and water it regularly. Nevertheless, seeds have the best chance of survival once they are established.
It is also important to note that seeds come in a variety of varieties. When it comes to seed, there are more options than when it comes to sod. Moreover, since there are more choices, you can match your yard with different areas. Getting the right mix for two parts of your yard is much easier if half of it is shady and the other half gets sun six hours a day.
What Are the Disadvantages of Grass Seed?
The importance of time cannot be overstated. Grass seed takes a long time to grow and establish. Getting it to the place requires ongoing maintenance, like regular watering, which could be a problem if you live in a dry climate.
Erosion is also a concern. If you don’t take the proper precautions, wind and water can sweep your seeds away. You’ll also need to deal with competition from weeds.
Seed vs. Sod, Which Is Better?
Answers are neither right nor wrong. A new lawn will probably cost a lot, so you need to consider your budget first. Time commitment is another consideration to consider when deciding between sod and grass seed.
Don’t forget to take your yard into account as well. When there are multiple areas with different levels of sunlight and shade, seed might be the best option. However, sod may be the better option for a sunny front yard.
It is also essential to consider the size of the area you are looking to cover. The only thing you need is seed if you are just patching a few places. Overseeding your lawn is the best option if your goal is to make your existing grass thicker rather than replace it wholesale.
You won’t find a quick fix either way, whether you choose sod or seed. In order to maintain your lawn’s lushness for the long run, you need to take care of it on a regular basis.
