| Factors | Seed | Hydroseed | Turfgrass Sod | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time of Year | Not recommended for winter or summer, fall is best | Not recommended for winter or summer, fall is best | Longest planting times.
Year round installation, even on frozen ground as long as sod is available |
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| Soil Preparation | Deeply till soil, add necessary amendments and fertilizers, grade and level for smooth surface, remove all debris, lightly pack and moisten | Deeply till soil, add necessary amendments and fertilizers, grade and level for smooth surface, remove all debris, lightly pack and moisten | Deeply till soil, add necessary amendments and fertilizers, grade and level for smooth surface, remove all debris, lightly pack and moisten | |
| Water Requirements | High water needs. Bare soil will dry quickly. Water lightly for 3 – 4 weeks, keeping surface moist, begin to apply 1 inch of water per week after first mowing | Moderate to high water needs. Mulch will preserve some moisture. Water lightly for 3 – 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 lightly water for 2 – 3 weeks. Grass will shade soil and prevent drying out. |
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| 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. | 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. | Highest quality seed.
Typically highest available sod quality, certified, elite seed. May be certified to prove specific variety. Mixture and blends used to suit area needs. |
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| Weed Control | Multiple applications of chemicals usually required to combat competitive weed invasions until turf is well established. | Multiple applications of chemicals usually required to combat competitive weed invasions until turf is well established.
|
Maximum weed control.
Minimal, if any chemical control required |
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| Uniformity of Coverage | Seeding varieties, rates, germination times, wash-outs (erosion), traffic, feeding birds and rodents can create spottiness. (Mulch of may eliminate some problems.) | Seeding varieties, rates, germination times, wash-outs (erosion), traffic, feeding birds and rodents can create spottiness. (Mulch of may eliminate some problems.) | Best Uniformity.
99% – 100% uniformity with use of mature turf grass sod. |
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| Run Off or 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. | Heavy rains or sloping areas will cause seed, chemicals and silt to wash onto sidewalks and into sewer systems. Mulch should reduce erosion and runoff. | Least run off and Erosion.
Capable of accepting heavy amounts of rain without erosion or damage. |
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| Visual Impact | Rough texture and open soil. | Colored mulches act to camouflage soil appearance. | Best visual impact.
Immediate beauty of a complete and mature landscape. |
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| Usability | With fast germinating seeds, low use 2 – 4 months after seeding. Normal to high use only after first year. | With fast germinating seeds, low use 2 – 4 months after seeding. Normal to high use only after first year. | Quickest Usability.
Low traffic immediately. Normal to high traffic levels within 2 – 3 weeks. |
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| Installation Cost | Lowest initial cost. | Low to Mid-Level cost. | Highest Cost. |
Sod is an investment with many benefits. If your lawn is properly cared for and maintained it will be an investment you need to make only once. Call us today with any questions about sod or to place your order today.