Sod or Seed?

Question

I allowed my neighbor to rip up part of my lawn to do some construction, they agreed to fix everything back to the way it was. They said they would put sod down, now they said the landscaping guy said it is too dry to lay down sod. Is this possible? if it is too dry for sod isn't it too dry for seed? seed allows for a higher risk of weeds doesn't it? I think they are trying to be cheaper now and I am not happy, please help.

Answer 1

Sod is better. It gets the job done. You will need to water heavily for a few days. Seeds are a timely and birds ten to eat them when you aren't watching. Just moisten the ground for a day or two prior to the sod going down.



"I Water sod Immediately after Installation until good and soaked.

II Water as Infrequently as possible after initial soaking.


1. Water once a day in the morning at 7:00 AM. Delay or eliminate additional daily waterings until wilt is observed. Then irrigate again immediately

The rule of thumb is:
Week 1, 7:00AM, 11:00AM, 2:00PM
If the soil remains moist and absolutely no turf wilt is observed eliminate the 11:00 watering.
Week 2, 7:00AM, 2:00PM
If the soil remains moist and absolutely no turf wilt is observed eliminate the 2:00PM watering
Weeks 3 and 4, 7:00AM
If the soil remains moist and absolutely no turf wilt is observed water every other day

2. Once established, water every second or third day.


III Water shady areas less frequently than areas in the full sun."

Answer 2

I personally love seed over sod. Sod is nothing but problems in the long run. Depending on where you are at its possible that it could be to dry, however you should be able to water your lawn. So, sod shouldnt be a problem. If they are going to seed, make sure they use a high quality seed. If they use a cheap seed you will just have nothing but grassy weeds, weeds and crap growing in your lawn that you dont want. I dont knwo where you live or what kind of grass you have growing in your yard but you want to match the grass you have. I personally think youll get better results if you seed, but you may need to overseed again if those areas dont fill in. Have them get you plenty of seed. But keep the seed moist. Do not let the seed dry out. You can go with sod, but i wouldnt recommend it.

Answer 3

During my 'school' days, I did plenty of lawn care. While sod is the 'quickest' way to make things look good, it isn't always the best way. With seed, you can determine the type grass you want to grow (varieties suited for your area, drought resistant etc.) Most sod is cut from general grass types, so the presence of weeds could be possible as well. No matter how dry the ground is, proper preparation of the site will negate any problems (as it will with seed..you don't just throw the seed down and leave it exposed). After laying the sod, proper watering is essential..as with seed.

I would tell my neighbor.."Fine, use seed...but it must be this type." You could wind up with golf course quality grass..just do a bit of research. Their response to your sudden knowledge will tell you for sure if they are.. um..trying to get off easy.

Answer 4

I would go with seed. Sod company's use the lowest grade seed they can find, so they can sell there products faster. High grade seed will prevent your lawn from having weeds. Landscapers had to tear up some of our lawn in order for water to drain. They had to dig a small trench in between my, and our neighbors yard. Sod obviously is a lot faster to grow, but Seed is better in the long run. Everybodys yard is slightly a different color. if you go with sod, it will probably not match the color of your lawn. This could be because it was from another place, it had more fertilizer. or because its been watered more. It doesn't look like that grass belongs to us anymore. I'd go with seed. Granted, it takes longer to grow, but it will turn out a nice green color.

Answer 5

I used to have a landscaping business. They're trying to be cheap. If they buy the sod directly from a sod farm, it's much cheaper. Also rake the old dirt to stir it up, laysome fresh soil , THEN put down the sod. And the rule of thumb is,water early in the morning and after sunset so that you dont burn the grass. If you water in direct sunlight, the sun will heat the water on your grass and actually cook the grass and burn it!!! So before the day heats up and maybe after dinner.Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Sod is the best choice. Seed takes longer to produce a nice lawn. If it is too dry for sod, how about watering it. It sounds like they are being cheap.

Answer 7

seed is definetly cheaper than sod, about1/4 of the cost.
you're right ~ they both need help being watered until established so the dry weather really isn't a legititmate reason not to sod, or seed. In really hot temps above 80-85 you don't want to plant seed cause it will be too stressed from the heat to properly germinate & you will end up with mostly weeds.
Remind them of your original agreement & tell them you're not comfortable with the idea of starting from scratch, seed takes a couple months to get good & dense & you want your lawn back to normal sooner than later.

Answer 8

Hi i@m a landscape gardener in the uk and have laid thousands of rolls or turf(sods i think you call them i'n the usa) they are most definately trying to get away with a cheaper option .It would be far cheaper for them to use seed and alot more trouble for yourself eg birds, watering.weeds not to mention the length of time it would take for the grass to match your existing lawn.....i have laid turf all the year round.....in extremely dry conditions....and wet and have never had a problem.....it is MOST DEFINATELY possible to lay sods on dry ground as long as the turf is watered VERY regularly after laying.whatever you do ...do not let the turf dry out as it will shrink,i've personaly seen turf shrink inches because it was not watered after it had been laid....my advice to you would be make them lay the turf but make sure the turf...sorry sod...that they are going to lay is in good condition and green and once laid as long as you take good care with the watering you shouldn't have a problem....Good luck :-)

Answer 9

Any one can lay sod down the trick is to keep it watered, you will have to water more,..... I would think if you were going with seed. Go with the sod.

Answer 10

looks like there going the cheap way.but i suppose if you insist on lawn and it doesn,t take thats your dec ision