Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: Putting in a lawn: Sod vs. Seed

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Landscaping
Date: 24 Nov 1999
Time: 10:21:00
Remote Name: 205.188.192.178

Comments

Attached is a quote from the Turfgrass Resource Center: "Turfgrass sod can be installed year-round, even on frozen ground, if sod is available; however, sodding during the heat of summer will require more water than during cooler periods. Seeding or sprigging is best attempted in the Fall in most areas, with Spring being the second best time. Winter and Summer planting of seed or sprigs is strongly discouraged."

In the Bay Area where the climate is moderate, now is an ideal time to plant a new lawn, so long as you do it before heavy rains. During periods of heavy rain, not only is the jobsite muddy, but sod farms often get flooded and don't like cutting when it's too wet. As for using sod or seed, it depends on the area to cover and your budget. Seed is less expensive per square foot and becomes a practical alternative to sod on very large landscaping jobs. For a relatively confined area, SOD is a good way to go and provides the "instant" gratification of a finished job. In the Bay Area, several types of SOD are available, such as those from Pacific Sod by the tradename Medallion. Within Medallion, there are a range of varieties, including tall fescue, dwarf fescue, and hybrids. Each have their own characteristics, heat tolerance, wear resistance, etc. Therefore, your choice may depend on the application. Check with your local SOD supplier for recommendations. But Medallion has been a popular variety that has good wear and drought tolerance as well as a tendency to stay green during the winter. Some of the other dwarf varietities can show more signs of yellowing depending on the Winter temperatures. The going rate (retail) for SOD in the Bay Area is about $0.35/square foot, excluding whatever ground preparation and ammendments may be required. If you have clay soil as is typical in the Bay Area, the ground prep is the most important part and you should definitely ammend it with nitrogen-fortified top soil and fertilizers before you plant. This will help to develop a long-lasting, drought-tolerant root base that penetrates the clay. Good luck.

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