Beautiful plants, shrubs and flowerbeds can add to the beauty of any landscape. Shady trees add character and utility. But the foundation of a great garden is the lawn. A thick verdant carpet of lush grass is the canvas on which the colors of the foliage are painted. It is easy to take the lawn for granted. Many homeowners ignore its importance when planning a garden or later on overlook its maintenance when thinking about landscape upkeep. A perfect lawn does not happen by accident. Choosing the right type of grass is where the creation of a beautiful landscape begins. The critical choice is whether to seed or go in for grass sodding.

What Is the Difference? 

Seeding is the old traditional way – planting seeds in the soil where they will take root and grow. Sodding is the newer method and one that is becoming increasingly popular. Grass sodding involves the removal of blocks of rooted turf grass from where it was originally grown and transplanting it to a new location. The blocks or squares are held together by the roots of the grass so that they can be laid just like how a carpet or tile squares are laid indoors.

Seeding

Advantages:

1.Usually more economical than sodding. Consult a landscaping professional for a cost estimate.

2. There are several types of grass to choose from.

3. Roots systems develop in place so no transporting to the installation site is required.

Disadvantages: 

1. Typically, the window for successful seeding is short – dependent on location and climate.

2. Seeding takes longer to mature and establish.

3. Birds may eat the seeds.

4. Sudden rain could erode the soil before the seeds are able to germinate and develop roots.

---

Also Read: Top Reasons to Choose Local Landscaping Services for Your Garden

---

Sodding

Advantages:

1. There is a larger window for sod installation – it is less location and climate dependent.

2. The results are instantaneous – there is no waiting for the seeds to germinate and grow.

3. There are no exposed seeds for birds to feed on.

4. What you see is what you get – you will see what the grass looks like before buying it.

Disadvantages:

1. It may be more expensive than seeding – once again a professional should be contacted for a cost estimate.

2. The types of turf are limited.

3. Grass sodding requires a great deal of water in the early stages.

Choosing between seeding and sod installation is not a black-or-white choice. Both options have their pros and cons, many of which the normal homeowner may not be able to completely appreciate. If the wrong choice is made, correcting it later on can be a long, tiresome and expensive proposition. It's far better to use the services of a professional landscaping company to help you make the right choice and then give you the lawn that will be the base of a great garden. Those living in the San Francisco Bay Area can get in touch with Dooling Landscape, the leading landscape service in San Jose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is seeding?

Seeding is the traditional way of planting a lawn by sowing grass seeds in the soil.

What is sodding?

Sodding is a newer method that involves laying down pre-grown patches of grass.

Which takes longer, seeding or sodding?

Seeding takes longer to establish a lawn than sodding.

What are the advantages of seeding?

1. More affordable

2. Wider variety of grass types to choose from

3. Roots grow stronger because they develop in place

What are the disadvantages of seeding?

1. Smaller window for successful planting

2. Takes longer to mature

3. Seeds are vulnerable to birds and weather

What are the advantages of sodding?

1. Faster results - instant lawn

2. No risk of birds eating seeds

3. You can see the grass before you buy it

What are the disadvantages of sodding?

1. More expensive than seeding

2. Fewer grass varieties to choose from

3. Requires more watering initially

Should I hire a professional landscaper?

Yes, hiring a professional landscaper can help you choose the right method for your lawn and ensure a successful sod installation.