|
FACTORS TO
CONSIDER |
SEED |
TURFGRASS SOD |
|
Time of Year to
Install |
Not recommended
for Winter or Summer, possible in Spring,
best in Fall for most areas. |
Year-round
installation, even on frozen ground if sod
is available. |
|
Soil Preparation |
Same for all
types of lawn installation: Grade and level
for smooth surface, remove all debris,
lightly pack and moisten. |
|
Water
Requirements |
Highest water
needs - Bare soil will dry quickly. Water
lightly for 3 to 4 weeks, keeping surface
moist, begin to apply 1 inch of water per
week after first mowing. |
Lowest water
needs - Water at installation to a depth of
6 inches, then light watering for next 2-3
weeks. Grass will shade soil and prevent
drying. |
|
Seed Quality |
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. |
Typically
highest available sod quality, certified,
elite seed. May be certified to prove
specific variety. Mixtures & blends used to
suit area needs. |
|
Weed Control |
Multiple
applications of chemicals usually required
to combat competitive weed invasions until
turf is well established. |
Minimal, if any
chemical control required. |
|
Uniformity of
Coverage |
Seeding
varieties, rates, germination times,
wash-outs (erosion), traffic, feeding birds
and rodents can create spottiness. |
99 to 100%
uniformity with use of mature sod. |
|
Runoff/Erosion |
Heavy rains or
sloping areas will cause seed, chemicals and
silt to wash onto sidewalks and into sewer
systems. Little, if any protection for
several months. |
Capable of
accepting heavy rains without erosion or
damage. |
|
Visual Impact |
Rough texture
and open soil. |
Immediate beauty
of a "complete" and mature landscape. |
|
Usability |
Low traffic use
2 to 4 months after seeding with faster
germinating seed. Normal to high use only
after first year. |
Low traffic
immediately. Normal traffic levels within 2
to 3 weeks. |
|
Installation
Cost |
Lowest cost |
Highest cost. |
|
Cost vs. Value |
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. |
Installation
costs offset by added values of timing,
usability, uniformity and visual appeal.
Reduced maintenance, chemical and water
costs. |
