Why Installing Sod is Better than planting Seeds
When compared to seed-grown grass, what are the advantages of sod? Beginners in lawn care and landscaping often have these kinds of inquiries. Since everyone has an opinion on which is better for their lawns, homeowners have debated the merits of sod versus seed for years. The choice between sod and grass seed will depend on whether you are building a new home or replacing a spot of grass in your yard.
Both have pros and cons, but sod is the favorite choice among homeowners. Sodding is the process of laying down pre-grown grass rolls on top of the existing soil. Rather than the process of waiting for grass seed to germinate, sod creates a new look the same day.
Here are some reasons why sod is better than planting seeds:
Beginner-Friendly
Gardeners with little or no expertise often make the error of scattering or planting grass seed randomly on their lawns, then waiting for it to germinate. Inexperienced gardeners find the procedure of planting and caring for grass seeds difficult. Growing grass seed requires a precise balance of sunlight, heat, moisture, and oxygen. They may never sprout if they receive too much or too little of these.
However, sod has already been appropriately germinated in perfect growing conditions. In sod form, a novice gardener can easily maintain grass seed passed through the germination stage. It does not need any fertilizer applications in the first year, just regular and thorough watering. With no other maintenance requirements, sod can be mowed one week after its laid.
Appearance and Maintenance
There are many types of grass available for seed and sod to choose from. Seed usually offers a wider variety of options than sod does. However, seeds typically take up to two years to fill in, whereas sod can provide you with a brand new lawn in just several days. Sod is also available in the most popular options. Unless you want something, unusual sod will give you plenty to choose from.
As a result of the time it takes for the seed to cover a lawn, weeds may become mixed in with the grass and necessitate the use of weed killers. In addition, barricading and covering the seeded area is essential to keep birds, animals, foot traffic, and runoff from damaging the seed and plants.
On the other hand, sod can be walked on within minutes of being laid. There is no risk of it being eaten by hungry animals or destroyed by the elements; hence, sod does not require the same level of attention. Placing sod on slopes and other areas where seeds might wash away after rain is not a problem. Sod is simply staked down on the sloping ground and takes root in no time.
Flexible to Use Anytime
There is a specific time of year when each grass seed species thrives. Grass seed germination can be disrupted, killed, and vulnerable to diseases if you plant it at the wrong time due to outside temperature swings. If the soil can be irrigated consistently and has enough time to root before the winter freeze, sod can be laid or patched any time of year.
You can use cool-season sod year-round in any country, but warm-season sod can only be used in the South. Sod can be installed in colder regions even when the ground is frozen in mid-winter. Less water evaporates when it’s chilly outside, making it easier to
keep fresh grass hydrated adequately during the winter months.
Can be used to Control Soil Erosion
The presence of sod prevents soil erosion because sod is already mature when it is installed. It prevents dust, dirt, and erosion. A biodegradable mat is placed on it to keep the soil from redirecting further. Once the sod has been laid, the mat starts to disintegrate, allowing the roots to take over.
Helps Local Sod Farmers
As a bonus, sod is typically grown locally. It helps support local sod farmers while also reducing the risk of transplant shock experienced when using plants that have not been adapted to your region’s climate.
Disadvantages
Of course, there are some disadvantages of sod:
-the initial cost is more than seeding.
-You’ll only be able to choose from locally grown species
-to prevent weeds from invading between the pieces, they must
be planted with staggered seams.
We think that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages as a well-done sod installation yields a beautiful lawn in a short period. To get the results you want from seeding, you’ll need to put in more effort, time, and sweat equity.
