FACTORS TO CONSIDER

SEED

HYDROSEED

TURFGRASS

Time of Year
to Install

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 Preparation

Same for all types of lawn installation:  Deeply till soil, add necessary amendments and fertilizers, grade, and level for smooth surface, remove all debris, lightly pack, and moisten.

Water Requirements

Highest water needs – Bare soil will dry quickly.  Water lightly for 3 to 4 weeks keeping surface moist, begin to apply

1-inch of water per week after first mowing.

Moderate to high water needs.  Mulch will preserve some moisture.  Water lightly for 3 to 4 weeks keeping surface moist, begin to apply 1-inch of water per week after first mowing.

Lowest water needs – Water at installation to a depth of 6-inches, then light waterings for next 2 to 3 weeks.  Grass will shade soil and prevent drying.

Seed Quality

Extremely variable because of germination rates, weed, and foreign matter content; unknown or unspecified varieties.  Generally lower quality seed than used in cultivated sod production.

Typically highest available sod and most advanced quality, certified, elite seed.  May be certified to prove specific variety.  Mixtures and blends used to suit area needs.

Weed Control

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

Minimal, if any chemical control required.

Uniformity of Coverage

Seed varieties, rates, germination times, wash-outs (erosion), traffic, feeding birds, and rodents 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 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 sewer systems.  Mulch should reduce 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.

Immediate beauty of a ‘complete’ and mature landscape.

Useability

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

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

Installation Costs

Lowest cost

Low to mid-level cost

Highest cost

Cost vs. Value

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

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