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FACTORS TO CONSIDER |
SEED |
HYDROSEED |
TURFGRASS |
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Time of Year |
Not recommended for Winter or Summer, possible in Spring, best in Fall for most areas. | Year-round installation, even on frozen ground if sod is available. | |
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Soil Preparation |
Same for all types of lawn installation: Deeply till soil, add necessary amendments and fertilizers, grade, and level for smooth surface, remove all debris, lightly pack, and moisten. | ||
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Water Requirements |
Highest water needs – Bare soil will dry quickly. Water lightly for 3 to 4 weeks keeping surface moist, begin to apply1-inch of water per week after first mowing. | Moderate to high water needs. Mulch will preserve some moisture. Water lightly for 3 to 4 weeks keeping surface moist, begin to apply 1-inch of water per week after first mowing. | Lowest water needs – Water at installation to a depth of 6-inches, then light waterings for next 2 to 3 weeks. Grass will shade soil and prevent drying. |
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Seed Quality |
Extremely variable because of germination rates, weed, and foreign matter content; unknown or unspecified varieties. Generally lower quality seed than used in cultivated sod production. | Typically highest available sod and most advanced quality, certified, elite seed. May be certified to prove specific variety. Mixtures and blends used to suit area needs. | |
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Weed Control |
Multiple applications of chemicals usually required to combat competitive weed invasions until turf is well established. | Minimal, if any chemical control required. | |
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Uniformity of Coverage |
Seed varieties, rates, germination times, wash-outs (erosion), traffic, feeding birds, and rodents can create spottiness. Mulch layer may reduce some problems. | 99 to 100% uniformity with use of mature turfgrass sod. | |
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Runoff/Erosion |
Heavy rains or sloping areas will cause seed, chemicals, and silt to wash onto sidewalks and into sewer systems. Little, if any protection for several months. | Heavy rains or sloping areas will cause seed, chemicals, and silt to wash onto sidewalks and into sewer systems. Mulch should reduce erosion/runoff. | Capable of accepting heavy rains without erosion or damage. |
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Visual Impact |
Rough texture and open soil | Colored mulches act to camouflage soil appearance. | Immediate beauty of a ‘complete’ and mature landscape. |
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Useability |
Low traffic use 2 to 4 months after seeding with faster germinating seed. Normal to high use only after first year. | Low traffic immediately. Normal, high traffic levels within 2 to 3 weeks. | |
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Installation Costs |
Lowest cost | Low to mid-level cost | Highest cost |
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Cost vs. Value |
Higher management and maintenance costs, compounded by increased water and chemical applications, as well as delay of use, poor uniformity, and visually unappealing are trade-offs for lower installation cost. | Installation costs offset by added values of timing, useability uniformity, and visual appeal. Reduced maintenance, chemical, and water costs. | |
