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Factors to
Consider |
Seed |
Hydroseed |
Turfgrass Sod |
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| 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 installation: | Deeply till soil, add necessary amendments and fertilizers, 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. |
Moderate to high
water needs. Mulch will preserve some moisture. 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 to 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 and 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. (Mulch of may eliniate some problems.) | 99 to 100% uniformity with use of mature turfgrass sod. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Run off/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/runoff. | Capable of accepting heavy rains without erosion or damage. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Visual Impact: | Rough texture and open soil. | Colored mulches act to camouflage soil appearance. | 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 on.y after first year. | Low traffic immediately. Normal, high traffic levels within 2 to 3 weeks. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Installation Cost: | Lowest cost. | Low to mid-level cost. | Highest cost. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost Versus Value: | Higher management and maintenance costs, compounded by increased water and chemical applications, as well as delay of use, poor uniformity and unappealing appearance 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. |
