Do you want a new lawn? One of the biggest decisions you face is whether to create the lawn by starting from seeds or by laying down sod. How can you make the right call? Here are the best reasons to choose both methods.
A lawn is started from scratch with a sprinkling of seeds. Of the most available methods - including sod, hydroseed, and plugs or starts - this is the least expensive way to plant grass. If you're on a tight budget, it's a good option. Keep in mind, though, that you'll spend at least a few months babysitting the new grass.
Seed can also be a good option when you have a large space to fill with grass because it costs less overall. And it gives the homeowner more choice about what types of grass he or she wants. If you have your heart set on a lesser-used grass type, this could be the best way to get it.
Sod is most known for being an 'instant lawn'. The grass arrives lush and green and immediately covers over the dirt to form a beautiful yard. If you need a great looking lawn with a short deadline, this is the way to go. It's also a good choice if you can't devote yourself to regular maintenance for several months. While sod also needs special attention for a few weeks, it will be less intensive than caring for seeds.
Another important time to choose sod over seeding is when you need erosion control right away. Seeds won't be able to fully cover and protect the soil for weeks or months. In the meantime, is your ground in danger of shifting, washing away, or getting windblown? Do you need to walk on the area or have kids and pets who want to play? Will it be muddy and messy near the house? Then consider sod.
The time of year you choose to plant a lawn can also affect your choice. Seeding generally requires more careful timing so that the seeds can sprout and grow to maturity at the right point in the season. For the most part, this means planting seeds in the early fall or early summer. Otherwise, you may get temperatures, sunlight levels, and rain conditions that aren't conducive to the seeds.
Sod, on the other hand, is much more flexible for planting. You can often lay it down at any point during the growing season when there is sufficient water. The bulk of nurturing has already been done by the sod farm, so sod already mature grass.
Now that you know some of the basic reasons to choose either sod or seed, where should you begin? Learn more about sod by visiting a quality sod farm in your local area. There, you can learn the facts about sod usage and cost as well as types of grass available in your area. A nursery can help identify the best seed mixes and their specific needs during the planting process.
You may find that you can have the best of both worlds by employing a hybrid method. Use sod for a specific area that's close to the house or a spot that would be difficult for you to maintain through the seeding process. Then, you can sprinkle seeds on more distant locations or those that form more of a backdrop rather than a centerpiece.
At
Turf Master Sod Farm, we're here to help you find the right match for your yard, your budget, and your busy schedule. Call today to make an appointment.
