Almost everyone loves the idea of looking out over a neatly trimmed crop of green grass. But how are you going to get that beautiful lawn, especially if what meets your eyes now is just a drab, brown soil? Is it better to seed or to lay sod? Making the right decision depends on just three key elements.
How Much Can You Spend?
Grass seed will be less expensive than just about every type of sod you can buy. This is because sod is someone else’s labor over their own seed. They carefully tended to that patch of grass every step of the way and you’ll be paying for that effort. The benefit to sod, though, is that you’re buying already-mature grass.
Know your budget before you make this decision. If you use all that extra cash on a ready-made lawn, your enjoyment of it may be somewhat less when you’re forced to eat peanut butter and crackers for the next month.
What Is Your Terrain?
The yard itself is a big factor. If you have a lot of shady spots, seed may do better since most sod varieties love the sun. With seed, you’ll also be able to buy the type that won’t simply wilt away in shade.
On the other hand, if your yard has steep sides, sod is going to be your friend. Seeds have the tendency to wash away in these spots before they can take root.
When Do You Want To See Results?
Sod is the winner when it comes to time since it allows you to have the look of a sturdy lawn within hours.
Choosing sod may also be the only choice you have if you’ve waited too long for the prime seeding season, which occurs in late spring or early autumn. Unlike seed, which needs warm soil, sod needs only to dig its roots in, which can occur anytime the temperature is above freezing.
