What are the benefits of seeding vs. sodding a lawn?

Both seeding and sodding a lawn offer distinct benefits. Seeding rather than sodding affords the contractor or homeowner the opportunity to select the most appropriate combination of grasses for his/her particular site. There is a great diversity of seed mixtures available to the consumer on a retail and professional level. Seeding allows the tiny turfgrass plant to grow and establish itself among the microflora in the surrounding soil rather than be transplanted from another soil source. There is no thatch layer present which may harbor harmful and unwanted diseases or insect pests.

Sodding creates an "instant" lawn-- one that does not require weeks or months to fully establish. This instant lawn can prevent erosion of precious topsoil which may otherwise be removed during the establishment of a seeded lawn. A thatch layer may be present and may carry with it microflora and insects from other locations.

Both types of lawn establishment require some TLC for best results. The lawn or seedbed needs to be watered and kept moist while the seedlings are establishing. Lack of water in the new seedbed can cause a disruption and uneven pattern in the germination and establishment of the turf. A sodded lawn also should not dry out. Sod pieces can "shrink" and cause gaps. Rooting of the sod can also be delayed. Both seeded areas and sodded areas also need to be fertilized during establishment.