FACTORS TO CONSIDER

SEED

HYDROSEED

TURFGRASS SOD

Time of year to install

Not recommended for winter or summer, possible in spring, best in fall for most areas.

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 Preparations

Same for all types

Same for all types

Same for all types

Water requirements

Highest water needs– Bare soil will dry out quickly.

Moderate to high water needs. Mulch will preserve some moisture.

Lowest water needs– water first to 6”- then light waterings for next 2-3 weeks. Sod will shade soil and prevent drying.

Seed Quality

Generally lower quality seed than used in cultivated sod production.

Generally lower quality seed than used in cultivated sod production.

Typically the highest available sod quality, certified, elite seed. Mixtures and blends used to suit area needs.

Weed Control

Multiple applications of chemicals required to combat weed invasions until turf is established.

Multiple applications of chemicals required to combat weed invasions until turf is established.

Minimal, if any chemical control is required.

Uniformity of Coverage

Seed varieties, rates, germination times, wash-outs (erosion), traffic, etc. can create spottiness.

Seed varieties, rates, germination times, wash-outs (erosion), traffic, etc. can create spottiness. Mulch layer may reduce some problems.

99 to 100% uniformity with use of mature turfgrass sod.

Runoff/Erosion

Heavy rains or sloping areas will cause seed, chemicals, and silt to wash onto sidewalks and into storm 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 storm sewer systems.

Mulch should help 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, without much success.

Immediate beauty of a “complete” and mature landscape.

Useability

Low traffic use for 2 to 4 months after seeding with faster germinating seed.  Normal use only after first year.

Low traffic use for 2 to 4 months after seeding with faster germinating seed.  Normal use only after first year.

Low traffic immediately. Normal to high traffic levels within 2 to 3 weeks.

Installation Costs

Lowest cost

Mid to high level cost.

Highest cost.

Cost vs. Value

Higher management and maintenance costs, compounded by increased water and chemical use, as well as delay of use, poor uniformity and visually unappealing appearance are trade-offs for lower installation costs.

Higher management and maintenance costs, compounded by increased water and chemical use, as well as delay of use, poor uniformity and visually unappealing appearance are trade-offs for lower installation costs.

Installation costs offset by added values of timing, useability, uniformity, and visual appeal.  Reduced maintenance, chemical and water costs also add value.