Seed is cheaper. Sod is faster, and on most properties it wins on the things that actually matter. You get a dense, weed-free lawn immediately, no mud season, no washouts on slopes, and no waiting three months to find out the germination was patchy.
The difference between sod that knits in and sod that dies in strips is almost entirely soil preparation. We strip or kill existing turf, correct grade so water runs away from the house, till and amend compacted soil, and lay fresh-cut sod with tight staggered seams and rolled edges. Then we hand you a watering schedule that actually works.
Sod laid on compacted clay is just an expensive rug, so we fix the soil first.
Surface graded to drain away from foundations and eliminate the low spots that drown turf.
Compacted subsoil broken up and topsoil added so roots can actually penetrate.
Sod delivered and installed quickly after harvest, because sod on a pallet loses viability fast.
Staggered joints, snug edges, and a rolled surface so seams knit instead of drying out.
Full-yard installs over graded and amended soil for a finished look right away.
Sod holds a hillside immediately where seed would wash out with the first heavy rain.
Patching sections lost to drought, pets, plow damage, or construction traffic.
Restoring turf around a new patio, walkway, or drainage installation.
Keep traffic off it for about two weeks while roots knit into the soil. Light foot traffic after that is fine, and it will handle normal use once you have mowed it a couple of times.
Heavily and often at first. Generally that means watering daily, sometimes twice daily in heat, for the first two weeks, then tapering to deeper and less frequent watering. We give you a written schedule for your install.
Usually about two to three weeks in, once it is rooted and has put on some growth. First cut should be high, with a sharp blade, and you should avoid turning tightly on it.
For speed, weed suppression, slopes, and predictability, yes. Seed can make sense for very large areas where budget is the driving factor and you can accept a slower, less certain result.
No, and no reputable installer will. Sod needs direct contact with prepared soil. We remove or kill the existing turf first, which is also the moment to fix grade and soil problems.
Questions? Call us!