Sod vs Hydroseed
BY Stephanie baron, REALTORWhether you are moving in to a brand new construction home or planning to re-landscape your yard – there are many different routes. Both Sod and Hydroseed can be great options to establish your lawn. Let’s discuss the two:
Should you sod? If you have a healthy budget and are looking for a quick solution to having a beautiful thick lawn, then sod is a great option. One of the only cons to that point is that you will have to wait a couple of weeks for the sod to take root before you can walk or play on the grass.
Even though sod is quick and gives you a luscious lawn instantly, there are some other cons to consider. On the top of the list is that sod is more expensive than hydroseeding. It is also a labour intensive project if you plan to do it yourself. In addition to this, don’t be surprised if some patches of the sod do not take root properly and leave dead patches.
When to sod? You can sod anytime of the year as long as the ground is not frozen.
Should you hydroseed? Let’s start with what hydroseeding is: It is the process of spraying a slurry that contains fertilizer, water, and seed. Traditional hydroseed slurry does not contain wood fibers (mulch) or binding agents. Hydroseed is applied using a large piece of specialized equipment called a hydroseeder. Like a hose, the hydroseeder sprays the slurry mixture over a large area in a short amount of time.
One major reason to hydroseed is that it is less expensive than sod. Another good reason to hydroseed is if you have a large amount of space to fill. If you are comfortable waiting for the seed to take and the grass to grow, this can be a great option. Keep in mind, it can take 1-2 months before you are ready to mow and up to a full year for the mature seeded lawn to establish.
When to hydroseed? Spring time is best.
Talk to your lawn care professional to discuss what might be a better route for your lawn!