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Why Sod?

Comparing sod to seed

The tightly inter-woven plants clean the air by releasing oxygen as they use up carbon dioxide, trap particulate pollution, and cleanse runoff water that helps to
restore our groundwater supplies.

Properly established and maintained lawns are a life-time investment, adding to the value of the property and it's clean, enjoyable use. A thick, luxurious lawn even adds a benefit to the environment.

Making the wrong decisions when a lawn is established will cost time, energy, money and natural resources. Making the right decisions when a lawn is established will create a beautiful, useable and enjoyable investment. Consider the following factors in making your decision:

Seeded Lawn Hydroseeding pix
Newly Seeded Lawn Newly Hydroseeded Lawn Newly Sodded Lawn



 

FACTORS TO CONSIDER SEED HYDROSEED 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:  Deeply till soil, add necessary amendments and fertilizers, 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. Moderate to high water needs.  Mulch will preserve some moisture. 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 waterings 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. Seeding varieties, rates, germination times, wash-outs (erosion), traffic, feeding birds and rodents can create spottiness. Mulch layer may reduce some problems. 99 to 100% uniformity with use of mature turfgrass 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. Heavy rains or sloping areas will cause seed, chemicals and silt to wash onto sidewalks and into sewer systems. Mulch should reduce erosion/runoff. Capable of accepting heavy rains without erosion or damage.
Visual Impact Rough texture and open soil. Colored mulches act to camouflage soil appearance. Immediate beauty of a "complete" and mature landscape.
Useability 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, high traffic levels within 2 to 3 weeks.
Installation Cost Lowest cost Low to mid-level 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, useability, uniformity and visual appeal.  Reduced maintenance, chemical and water costs.