Should I Sod Or Seed My Lawn – 5 Pros and Cons

by | Jan 14, 2023 | Blogs & Articles

someone placing sod down over a dirt patch

Are you tired of looking at that bare spot in your yard?  Are you looking to reestablish a healthy lawn you can maintain, after years of neglect?  Here are some basic pros and cons to help you choose whether you should sod or seed your lawn.

Sodded Lawns

Rows of sodded lawnWhat are sodded lawns? 

A sodded lawn is basically made from a transplanted bed of existing grass with the attached roots. They are good for large areas of blank ground area, or if you are on a short timeline and need grass instantly.

 

 

 

Pros of sodded lawns

  1. Instant gratification
  2. Initially denser turf
  3. Walkable within 2-4 weeks
  4. Decreased weed seed intrusion
  5. Provided water is available, can be installed at any time during the year

Cons of sodded lawns

  1. High Cost
  2. Can’t customize the seed blend
  3. Won’t thrive in shade
  4. Initially distinct delineation between old turf and new turf
  5. Grass roots may struggle to establish

 

How to prepare the area for sod lawns

Preparation is the most important element in sod installation. Make sure you’ve measured well and will have enough to cover the entire area properly. Then check the weather forecast, you won’t want to install on an extremely hot or wet day, overcast is ideal.

Next you’ll want to make sure the ground is ready by watering the area and adding herbicide to kill off any nasties. Composting on top and letting that sit for a week or two is an extra step that can make a world of difference. Make sure to rake this through so it gets lower into the dirt layers.

 

Seeded Lawns

As the name implies, seeded lawns are grown from seed. This is the perfect option for you if you have a smaller area to grow grass on, or small patchy areas which need fixing. While definitely cost effective, it definitely takes a lot more time and attention to ensure the grass grows well.

Handful of grass seed pouring onto bald spot in lawnPros of seeded lawns

  1. Low Cost
  2. Customizable seed blends
  3. Can be grown in shade
  4. Blends with existing turf better
  5. Less time consuming to install

Cons of seeded lawns

  1. Requires more attention
  2. Risk of erosion/washout
  3. Higher potential for weed seed infiltration (especially in spring)
  4. Longer time to fully establish
  5. Optimal growing months are limited by weather

 

How to prepare the area for grass seed

Ideally the dirt where the grass will be should be as loose as possible. If compacted, go over it with a tiller or rake to loosen the soil. After you’ve spread the grass seed, be sure to give them a good watering. Without doing that, you’ll need to rely on the next rainfall.

Man waters area of ground where grass seed was sown

So should you choose sod or seed?

If you have the time and attention to invest in a seeded lawn; long term, we feel seeding produces a healthier, lusher turf. If you have a dog or children who need to get outside and out of your hair, then roll out some sod, water it and get those animals and offspring back out there! Keep in mind, it is a lot of back breaking work, so if you’re looking for the greatest chance of succes, reach out and set up a consultation with us!