Hydro-seeding and planting versus sod
Are you one of the many people who are looking at re-doing their lawn this spring? Or, are you someone who doesn't yet have a lawn and are looking to finally plant one? If you fall into either of those categories or anything in between then you are probably looking at your options. There are more options available today then there were years ago for getting a nice lawn. Not only can you do the regular seed planting that has been done by many homeowners for generations but you can also hydro-seed your lawn or plant sod. Here we will take a look at all three options and both their advantages and disadvantages.
Hydro-seeding is a fast and cost effective way to get a nice lawn. To hydro-seed your lawn it is sprayed on. Then green colored mulch is applied to the top of the seed for protection. The seeds are specially blended for the conditions and requirements you may have. Factors that help you in choosing your seed would include how much sun or shade the area gets, the terrain of the area, your specific type of soil and if you have pets or children.
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Some of the many advantages for hydro-seeding are:
1. Hydro-seeding costs less then ΒΌ the cost of using sod.
2. You can have new grass in as little as 3-5 days.
3. Custom made seed for your lawn and the needs of your life. Many times different seeds are used in different areas.
4. The mulch used in hydro-seeding will help your lawn with the nutrients it needs. And help keep the seeds in place.
Disadvantages of hydro-seeding include:
1. The watering is still needed to help the lawn grow and the homeowner has to make sure that it is properly watered.
Seeding either by hand or a push seeder is another option when planting your lawn. This method is where you buy a bag or more of the type of grass you would like and works well for your area. You will need to dig or till the soil to about a three inch depth to loosen it for the seeds. Add starter fertilizer and compost on top then smooth out for a more level area. Spread seed with your hand or a seed spreader. Rake the seeds and repeat sowing the seeds. Then apply straw mulch on top to help keep the newly planted seeds in place.
Some of the advantages of seeding your lawn are:
1. Seeding is cheaper then both hydro-seeding and sod.
2. Large choice of seeds.
Disadvantages of seeding would include:
1. Long period of time to wait for the lawn to grow in.
2. Good chance of weeds to invade.
3. May be muddy at times when waiting for the grass to grow in.
4. May need to reseed, sometimes more then once.
The last option you may have in getting a lush lawn is using sod. With this way you will start with soil that is already tilled and ready for the sod. The soil should be about one inch below the sidewalk for the sod to be applied. Make sure the soil is level for easier lying of the sod. Lay the sod around your yard and watch it turn green. When all the sod is laid you will want to use a lawn roller to get the roots in better contact with your soil. Water and wait for the sod to take.
Advantages of Sod for your lawn:
1. You will have an "instant" lawn.
2. Fewer weed invasions.
3. Less erosion and mud problems.
Disadvantages of sod for your lawn:
1. 3-5 times more expensive then either hydro-seeding or seeding.
2. Fewer choices in the type of grass.
3. Soil may not take to your soil and you will have to get more sod or use another option.
4. It will take varying times for all the roots to take to the soil.
As you can see there are many advantages and disadvantages for every choice about your lawn. The biggest problems would be expense and time. Those are the things you will have to decide on when making the choice of hydro-seeding, seeding or using sod for your new lawn.
