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.