Understanding the differences between sod vs. seed lawn installation

Whether you want to replace an existing lawn or start a new lawn installation from scratch, we are here to help. First you have to decide whether you would like a new sod or seed lawn, and we can help you understand the pros and cons of each.

Before installing a new lawn, the soil needs to be prepared (after the old lawn has been removed, if necessary) with rototilling and leveling. Then the soil needs to be amended with a special soil blend that will help with drainage and add the right nutrition to your soil, only then it will be ready for the new sod or seeds. It is a matter of preference which one you choose and there are benefits and drawbacks to both.

Sod Lawns

There are a couple varieties of sod available here in the Pacific Northwest, but most require quite a bit of direct sunlight to remain healthy. New sod needs a lot of water in the beginning stages (especially around the edges to prevent drying), and can require frequent aeration or it could generally grow a shallow root system. Even though sod generally has a higher installation cost than lawn seeds, it can give you an instant green lawn and will be ready for mowing in only a few weeks. Because of this, new sod is more resistant to erosion and can stabilize slopes, especially here in the Pacific Northwest where we tend to see a lot of rain.

Seed Lawns

There are many more varieties of lawn seeds and different types of soil with different amounts of sun exposure can require different types of seeds for optimal lawn growth. Seeded lawns are a little less expensive than sod lawns, but will require more meticulous preparation and maintenance and thus are only best installed during certain months of the year. It takes longer for a seeded lawn to grow to the height of a sod lawn, and thus a seeded lawn project is more susceptible to weeds and can be destroyed with severe weather or pets. However, if prepared correctly, seeding can give a more uniform lawn that is more stable with a deeper root system.

A good irrigation system is an essential part of a successful lawn and can help insure your new lawn will last much longer than one without a sprinkler system. If you have an existing irrigation system we will find where the pipes are and plan for it accordingly. If not, now is a time to consider getting a system installed.

Natural Landscape and Irrigation is located in Lake Oswego, Oregon and specializes in new lawn installation in the Greater Portland Metropolitan Area including Beaverton, Tigard, Tualatin, West Linn and surrounding areas. Please feel free to contact us for more details.