The Pros and Cons of Sod

Nearly every homeowner dreams of having a lush green lawn that is the envy of the neighborhood. When planning your landscaping you'll need to choose between grass seed or sod, and there are arguments in favor and against each option. Regardless of the size of your property your new lawn will require an investment of both time and money, but just how much depends on which option you choose. Let the team of professionals at The Grounds Guys® help you make an informed decision, with all the information you'll need to know about a sod installation.

What is Sod?

In both residential and commercial applications sod is used to instantly transform the look and feel of the landscaping, while increasing the value of the property. Sod (also commonly referred to as turf grass) is sections of grass that has already grown, which is bound together by a root system or a thin layer of other bio-degradable material. Common uses include:

• Golf courses
• Lawns for businesses, homes, and schools
• Recreational fields

In addition to being used as a visually appealing ground cover, there are additional benefits to professional sod installation, including:

• Erosion control and prevention on slopes and new construction
• Enhanced water and air quality
• Flood prevention due to improved drainage

The Pros and Cons of Sod

When it comes to choosing between grass seed or sod there are many valid arguments for and against each one. Here are the pros and cons of sod to help you select the right product for your home or business:

Pros

• Speed - Sod is the ideal choice for the prevention of erosion of exposed soil. Along with providing immediate cover and stabilization, sod can help control the velocity and direction of storm run-off and enhance drainage in areas where grass seed would typically be washed away.
• Flexibility - Sod can be planted at any time of the year as long as the ground is not frozen, unlike seed which has a limited window when temperatures are not too hot or too cold.
• Reliability - Grass seed can easily dry out, blow or get washed away, or fail to germinate, but a sod installation is already established.
• Time savings - Once the sod has been laid and watered for two to three weeks you can begin to walk, run, or play on your newly installed lawn.
• Forgiveness - Most varieties of sod are quite hardy and when properly installed and maintained will take root quickly compared to seed. While sod does require daily watering, there is a reduced risk of failure caused by neglect, loss of seeds to birds, or loss from wind or erosion.

Cons

• Cost - Sod is much more expensive than grass seed and may be cost prohibitive for larger areas.
• Installation - Proper preparation of the soil is required to ensure success and sod should be installed by a professional for best results.
• Limited options - There are more varieties of grass seed to choose from than sod.
• Replacement - Random sections of sod may not take root, requiring removal and replacement to maintain a cohesive look throughout the property.

The experienced professionals at The Grounds Guys can help you make the right choice for your home or business whether you opt for grass seed or a sod installation. Our highly skilled crew members will help you achieve the look and feel you desire, with high quality products and expert services to maximize your investment and satisfaction. To learn more, or contact us online for an estimate.