Lavery's Sod Farm, InC.

Lavery's Sod Farm, InC.Lavery's Sod Farm, InC.Lavery's Sod Farm, InC.

Lavery's Sod Farm, InC.

Lavery's Sod Farm, InC.Lavery's Sod Farm, InC.Lavery's Sod Farm, InC.
  • Home Page
  • Sod Benefits
  • Products & Varieties
  • Services
  • Install Tips
  • Contact Us
  • Turf Care Calendar
  • Mowing
  • Irrigation
  • Fertilization
  • Overseeding
  • Weed Control
  • Aeration
  • Projects
  • Sod vs. Artificial Turf
  • Sod vs. Seed
  • FAQ
  • Our Promise
  • Helpful Links
  • More
    • Home Page
    • Sod Benefits
    • Products & Varieties
    • Services
    • Install Tips
    • Contact Us
    • Turf Care Calendar
    • Mowing
    • Irrigation
    • Fertilization
    • Overseeding
    • Weed Control
    • Aeration
    • Projects
    • Sod vs. Artificial Turf
    • Sod vs. Seed
    • FAQ
    • Our Promise
    • Helpful Links
  • Home Page
  • Sod Benefits
  • Products & Varieties
  • Services
  • Install Tips
  • Contact Us
  • Turf Care Calendar
  • Mowing
  • Irrigation
  • Fertilization
  • Overseeding
  • Weed Control
  • Aeration
  • Projects
  • Sod vs. Artificial Turf
  • Sod vs. Seed
  • FAQ
  • Our Promise
  • Helpful Links

Sod Versus Seed/Hydroseed

FACTORS TO CONSIDER

 

Time of year to install


Seed: Not recommended for Winter or   Summer, possible in Spring, best in Fall for most areas.


Hydroseed: Not recommended for Winter or   Summer, possible in Spring, best in Fall for most areas.


Sod: Year-round installation, even on   frozen ground.

 

Soil Preparation


Seed, Hydroseed, & Sod: Same for all types of lawn   installation: Deeply till soil, add necessary amendments and fertilizers, grade   and level for smooth surface, remove all debris, edge around beds and   sidewalks.


Water Requirements


Seed: 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.


Hydroseed: Moderate to high water needs.   Mulch will preserve some moisture.


Sod: Lowest water needs- Water at   installation to a depth of 1-inch under sod, then light waterings for next   2-3 weeks depending on time of year.

 

Seed Quality


Seed: 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.


Hydroseed: 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.


Sod: Typically highest available sod   quality, certified, elite seed. May be certified to prove specific variety.   Mixtures and blends used to suit area needs.

 

Weed Control


Seed: Multiple applications of chemicals   usually required to combat competitive weed invasions until turf is well   established. Straw layer may reduce some problems.


Hydroseed: Multiple applications of chemicals   usually required to combat competitive weed invasions until turf is well   established. Mulch layer may reduce some problems.


Sod: No weed control should be required   at time of installation. Proactive weed control practices should be executed   as needed after sod is established.

 

Uniformity of Coverage


Seed: Seeding varieties, rates,   germination times, wash-outs (erosion), traffic, feeding birds and rodents   can create spottiness. Straw layer may reduce some problems.


Hydroseed: Seeding varieties, rates,   germination times, wash-outs (erosion), traffic, feeding birds and rodents   can create spottiness. Mulch layer may reduce some problems.


Sod: Immediate 99 to 100% uniformity   with use of mature turfgrass sod.

 

Runoff / Erosion


Seed: Heavy rains or sloping areas will   cause seed, chemicals and silt to wash onto sidewalks and into sewer systems.   Little if any protection. Straw should reduce erosion/runoff for several   months.


Hydroseed: Heavy rains or sloping areas will   cause seed, chemicals and silt to wash onto sidewalks and into sewer systems.   Little if any protection. Mulch may reduce erosion/runoff for several months.


Sod: Capable of handling heavy rains   without erosion or damage. Sod on steep inclines should be stapled at   installation for best resistance to heavy precipitation.

 

Visual Impact


Seed: Rough texture and open soil.


Hydroseed: Colored mulches act to camouflage   soil appearance.


Sod: Immediate beauty of a 'complete'   and mature landscape.

 

Usability


Seed: Low traffic use 2 to 4 months   after seeding with faster germinating seed. Normal to high use only after   first year.


Hydroseed: Low traffic use 2 to 4 months   after seeding with faster germinating seed. Normal to high use only after   first year.


Sod: Low traffic immediately.   Increasing traffic levels within 2 to 3 weeks; normal to high use by 6 to 8   weeks.

 

Installation Costs


Seed: Lowest cost.


Hydroseed: Low to Mid-level cost.


Sod: Highest cost.

 

 Cost vs. Value


Seed: 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.


Hydroseed: 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.


Sod: Installation costs offset by added   values of timing, usability, uniformity and visual appeal. Longer term weed   control and water costs should be lessened when sod is optimally managed.






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