Sodding vs. Seeding
Why Sod is better than Seed.
Ever wonder why sod is better than seed? The professionals here at EL2S are here to answer that question.A big bag of grass seed will cost less than a pallet of sod, but that is like comparing the cost of raw wood to a piece of fine furniture. 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.
Properly established and maintained lawns are a life-time investment, adding to the value of the property, its safe, clean and enjoyable use and even a benefit to the environment as the tightly inter-woven plants of a mature lawn clean the air by releasing oxygen as it uses carbon dioxide, traps particulate pollution and cleanses runoff water that helps restore our groundwater supplies. Listed below are a number of important elements to consider in establishing a lawn, for home,commercial or recreational use. Total all scores after you have reviewed and marked each question. The highest point total will indicate the lawn establishment method that best suits your overall needs.
Sod Vs. Seed
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FACTORS TO CONSIDER |
SEED |
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TURFGRASS SOD |
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Time of year to install |
Not recommended for Winter or Summer, possible in Spring, best in Fall for most areas. 1 / 2 / 3 |
Year-round installation, even on frozen ground if sod is available. 1 / 2 / 3 |
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Soil Preperation |
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. 1 / 2 / 3 |
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. 1 / 2 / 3 |
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Water Requirements |
Highest water needs- Bare soil will dry quickly. Water lightly for 3-4 weeks, keeping surface moist, begin to apply 1-inch of water per week after mowing. 1 / 2 / 3 |
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. 1 / 2 / 3 |
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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. 1 / 2 / 3 |
Typically highest available sod quality, certified, elite seed. May be certified to prove specific variety. Mixtures and blends used to suit area needs. 1 / 2 / 3 |
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Weed Control |
Multiple applications of chemicals usually required to combat competitive weed invasions until turf is well established. Mulch layer may reduce some problems. 1 / 2 / 3 |
Minimal, if any chemical control needed. 1 / 2 / 3 |
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Uniformity of Coverage |
Seeding varieties, rates, germination times, wash-outs (erosion), traffic, feeding birds and rodents can create spottiness. Mulch layer may reduce some problems. 1 / 2 / 3 |
99 to 100% uniformity with use of mature turfgrass sod. 1 / 2 / 3 |
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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. Mulch should reduce erosion/runoff for several months. 1 / 2 / 3 |
Capable of handling heavy rains without erosion or damage. 1 / 2 / 3 |
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Visual Impact |
Rough texture and open soil. 1 / 2 / 3 |
Immediate beauty of a ‘complete’ and mature landscape. 1 / 2 / 3 |
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Useability |
Low traffic use 2 to 4 months after seeding with faster germinating seed. Normal to high use only after first year. 1 / 2 / 3 |
Low traffic immediately. Normal, high traffic levels within 2 to 3 weeks. 1 / 2 / 3 |
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Installation Costs |
Lowest cost. 1 / 2 / 3 |
Highest cost. 1 / 2 / 3 |
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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. 1 / 2 / 3 |
Installation costs offsey by added values of timing, useability, uniformity and visual appeal. Reduced maintenance, chemical and water costs. 1 / 2 / 3 |
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SCORE TOTALS |
Seeding = |
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Sodding = |