Establishing a new lawn or renovating an existing lawn comes down a choice between sod, seed and straw, or hydroseeding. These are the most common methods of establishing or renovating a lawn. Each method has its own strengths, weaknesses and best-use cases to consider when deciding which approach you want to use to make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood.

Sod

Sod is a pre-grown grass that is harvested in rolls and laid directly on the freshly graded area, making it an instant gratification method that comes with a cost. It provides immediate coverage and is used in both residential and commercial applications.

Pros & Cons

• Pros
  • instant green lawn
  • more efficient erosion control
  • a quicker turnaround on establishment.
• Cons
  • come at a higher cost of both the materials and the labor
  • more labor intensive to install
  • limited to the variety of turf based on what the sod farm is growing.

This method is good for homeowners who want quicker results, have a higher budget, and need immediate coverage.

Seed and Straw

Seed and Straw is a traditional method of lawn establishment that involves manually spreading grass seed over the soil and then covering with straw. The straw will help retain moisture, along with protecting the seed from wind.

Pros and Cons

• Pros
  • Most cost-effective approach
  • Choice of varieties of seed blends
  • Minimal tools required
• Cons
  • Takes anywhere from 1-3 weeks to germinate
  • Full establishment can take months
  • May require additional seed applications

Hydroseeding

Hydroseeding can be a middle ground between the two previous options. This method uses a mix of seed, mulch, fertilizer, a tackifier and water that is sprayed over the soil. This method is done using a machine specifically designed for this purpose.

Pros and Cons

• Pros
  • Faster germination than seed and straw
  • Better coverage
• Cons
  • Specialized equipment
  • Longer timeline to a full lawn than sod

The best time to use this method is for large areas, slopes or projects that need better coverage than seed and straw, but costs less than installing sod.

To sum things up, if you want instant results and have the budget, choose sod.

If you are working on a small budget and don’t mind waiting, go for seed and straw.

Choose hydroseeding when you need faster growth than seed, but at a lower cost than sod – especially for large or sloped areas.

No matter what method you choose, the success depends on the soil preparation, watering and proper maintenance and care. With the right choice and proper preparation and care, your lawn can be green, healthy and keep the neighbors jealous.

If you think one of these methods would best suit your needs, contact a designer at Rost Landscaping today.