Lawn Installation: Sod or Seed

I can work with you to sod or seed your lawn.

Sodding

Sodding is usually the most expensive method of establishing cool-season turfgrasses. However, it is the quickest way to achieve a mature lawn. It can be done at almost anytime of the year except when soils are frozen. The optimum times for sodding cool-season turfgrasses are in late summer, spring, or fall.

Sod can deteriorate if proper site preparation and follow-up maintenance practices are not followed. Soil preparation methods for sodding are identical to those for establishing turf from seed. The soil surface should be smooth and firm but not compacted. The soil should be dry to slightly moist when sodding. Never lay sod on wet soil.

Seeding

Timing of Seeding

Seeding of cool-season turfgrass species can be done from mid spring to early fall, but late summer is the optimum time to seed in most areas of Pennsylvania. Soils tend to be dryer and warmer during late August and early September than in spring. Soils that are slightly moist are easier to prepare for seeding than wet soils and warm soils allow faster germination and establishment than cold soils. When planted in late summer, seedlings will have two cool growing seasons (fall and spring) to become established, whereas seedlings developing from spring establishments will be subjected to the heat and drought of summer, making survival more difficult. Weeds are usually more of a problem in spring establishments than in late summer establishments as the cool temperatures and frosts in late summer/early fall will slow weed development.

Seeding Methods

To obtain a uniform turf, seed should be evenly distributed over the prepared soil. A drop-type spreader is ideal for distributing seed on small areas. Seeding in two directions results in fewer skips and a more uniform application. Thus, you should calibrate your spreader to deliver half of the desired amount of seed and cover the entire lawn area twice in opposite directions.

Mulching

Application of suitable mulch to new establishments helps retain soil moisture, prevents movement of seed and soil erosion, reduces surface crusting, and helps to moderate soil temperatures. Mulching usually helps turf establish faster and results in a more uniform stand. It is particularly important on sloped areas where there is a higher chance of erosion. Use of poor quality mulch or poor mulching practices may result in seed movement and soil erosion, smothering of new seedlings, introduction of weed seeds, and disease problems. Poor mulching practices may also result in extra clean-up work.

Straw (not to be confused with hay) is the most widely used and least expensive mulch for lawn establishment from seed (Fig. 14). It comes in bales from areas where small grains (wheat, barley, rye, or oats) are produced. The straw used for mulching lawns should contain few grain and weed seeds. Although straw usually has fewer weed seeds than hay, expect some weed introduction with straw mulch.

For detailed information on establishing a lawn, click here.