Seed vs. Sod
You may start or replant new grass from seed or sod. Here are some comparisons of each that can help you decide which method to use.
| |
SEED |
SOD |
| Coverage |
Seed takes weeks to fill out |
Sod makes an instant carpet of grass |
| Appearance |
Seeded lawns are not uniform at first |
New sod is rarely patchy or uneven in color |
| Planting |
Seeds must be planted at the beginning of the growing season |
Planting sod is not as seasonally restricted |
| Customized Blends |
Your garden center will carry a variety of seeds that can be blended to better suite your environment |
Sod is normally only available from nearby sod farms and cannot be custom created to better suit your environment |
| Labor |
Planting grass by seed takes fewer tools and less effort |
Planting grass with sod requires more physical activity and heavier tools |
| Weeds |
Seeding encourages weed seeds to develop in your ground |
Sod is less susceptible to invasion by weeds |
Preparing the Soil for New Grass
Whether you use sod or seed, it is important to prepare your planting area in advance. Following are some simple pre-planting steps that will help you create a beautiful lawn.
- Remove weeds from the planting area
- Till the area to break up dead grass and compacted soil
- Work in any needed lime or organic matter as you till
- Use a steel rake to remove any dead grass or stones from the planting area
- Smooth the planting area so that it is even
- When installing the lawn, use a roller to settle the loosened soil
- After the soil is prepared, plant the seed or sod
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