The Benefits Of Sod
Sod costs more than grass seed up front, but it is ready to use in less than 3 weeks with proper care, arrives mature, dense and weed-free, needs fewer waterings than seed, and stops erosion the day it is installed. Seed takes 2-3 weeks just to germinate and months before the lawn can be used, with recurring costs for reseeding and watering.
Installing a sod lawn has many advantages over growing grass from seed. Sod costs more than grass seed up front, but the rolls of pre-grown grass offer benefits that outweigh the added cost. Clean, soft grass is also the safest playing surface for children and pets. Whether you are relaxing or romping, nothing beats grass for an outdoor surface, not to mention that a new green lawn can make your house stand out in the neighborhood.
Why sod?
Sodding is the fastest and easiest way to establish a lawn. We spend a year growing seed into sod, so when it comes to your home it has reached maturity. That means your lawn will be denser and have no weeds, because it is professionally grown. With proper care, your newly sodded yard will be ready for use in less than 3 weeks. Although seeding initially costs less, many costs recur due to erosion, reseeding, over-seeding and watering. Seed can take 2 to 3 weeks to germinate, and newly seeded lawns take a great deal of time and nurturing to become a mature, healthy lawn. They cannot be used for months.
Less irrigation
Once installed, sod requires much less maintenance than grass seed. Sod needs regular irrigation to stay moist until it roots and becomes established, but it will not dry out as fast as a seeded area. Sod only needs to be watered twice daily during the weeks following installation, compared to four or more watering sessions a day to keep the ground moist for seed. Less frequent irrigation saves water and time while you care for your new grass.
Soil protection
Because sod is fully mature the day it is installed, it immediately controls erosion. Sod can be installed on steep hills and slopes for stabilization. It also filters dirt and dust from your yard and helps eliminate mud. A lawn absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen to keep the air clean and fresh around your home.
Sod vs. seed at a glance
| Sod | Grass seed | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
| Ready to use | Less than 3 weeks with proper care | Months |
| Germination wait | None, it arrives mature | 2-3 weeks |
| Weeds | Professionally grown, dense, no weeds | Weeds can compete while it fills in |
| Early watering | About twice a day | Four or more times a day |
| Erosion control | Immediate, works on slopes | Risk of washout until established |
| Recurring costs | Few | Reseeding, over-seeding, extra water |
Common questions
Is sod better than grass seed?
Sod costs more up front, but it is usable in less than 3 weeks with proper care, arrives weed-free and mature, needs less watering than seed and controls erosion immediately. Seed takes 2-3 weeks to germinate and months to become usable.
How long until I can use a new sod lawn?
With proper care, a newly sodded yard is ready for use in less than 3 weeks.
Can sod be installed on a slope?
Yes. Because sod is mature the day it is installed, it controls erosion immediately and can be used to stabilize hills and slopes.
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