A lush, green, healthy lawn can be the envy of the neighborhood. If you’ve ever admired beautiful grass, you’ve probably wondered how homeowners achieve a great-looking lawn. Perhaps, they “cheated” by having sod installed, or maybe they seeded the entire backyard and got fantastic results. Professional landscapers have advice on the pros and cons of seeding.
The Benefits
1. Economical
Premium grass seed is cheaper than sod, which can cost up to 10 times more for the same-sized lawn. If you’re patient and don’t expect immediate results, sowing grass seed in the backyard is quite economical. Plus, homeowners watching their budgets can appreciate the difference.
2. DIY-Friendly
You don’t need to take a master class in seeding. Sowing grass seed can be forgiving as long as you have the right tools around. For instance, a rake, a lawn spreader, a shovel and a garden hose are the basics that can help you in this effort. You won’t risk injury because you’re not rolling out large pieces of turf or carrying them around. Nor are you having to make precise cuts.
You can also overseed without issue as you seed your backyard, meaning you can spread new seed directly over an existing lawn without tearing up the current turf or soil.
3. Unlimited Varieties
Another plus of sowing grass seed is the excellent range you can choose from. You can try a specific species or choose custom blends that can match your climate, shade and pest concerns. With sod, you’re limited to either warm-season or cool-season grasses.
4. Stronger Roots
When sod is installed on your landscape, the grass undergoes a transplant shock. With backyard seeding, the seeds will germinate directly into the soil. This means your lawn will develop deeper root systems for superior nutrient absorption and better drought tolerance.
The Drawbacks
1. Waiting “Forever”
Seeding your backyard isn’t fancy work, but for many homeowners, it can be like you’re waiting forever to see results. The ideal combination of sun, water and warm weather can allow grass to grow like crazy, but the seed can take anywhere from five days to one month to germinate.
2. Several Vulnerabilities
While watering your backyard lawn-to-be, “pests” can enter the picture. Ants can “disturb” germination, and birds, squirrels, and rabbits enjoy eating seeds visible on top of the soil. Also, weeds can quickly find a home on bare soil.
3. Foot Traffic
With newly installed sod, you can walk on your grass sooner. A seeded lawn won’t be ready for foot traffic for about two months.
Gorgeous grass means handsome curb appeal. Study the guide above to know whether seeding is the right course of action for your backyard needs. When you need seeding services in Lawrence Township, NJ, contact Princeton Turf Care.
