| | SEED | SOD |
| TIME OF YEAR TO INSTALL | 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. |
| 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. | Same for all varieties of lawn installation: Deeply till soil, add necessary amendments and fertilizers, grade and level for smooth surface, remove all debris, lightly pack and moisten. |
| WATER REQUIREMENTS | Highest water needs- Bare soil will dry quickly. Water lightly for 3-4 weeks, keeping surface moist, begin to apply 1-inch of water per week after mowing. | Lowest water needs- Water at installation to a depth of 6-inches, then light waterings for next 2-3 weeks. Grass will shade soil and prevent drying. |
| 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. | Highest available sod quality, certified, elite seed or sprigs. Certified to prove specific variety. Mixtures and blends used to suit area needs. |
| WEED CONTROL | Multiple applications of chemicals usually required to combat competitive weed invasions until turf is well established. Mulch layer may reduce some problems. | Minimal, if any chemical control needed. |
| UNIFORMITY OF COVERAGE | Seeding 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. |
| 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. Mulch should reduce erosion/runoff for several months. | Capable of handling heavy rains without erosion or damage. |
| VISUAL IMPACT | Rough texture and open soil. | Immediate beauty of a "complete" and mature landscape. |
| USABILITY | 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. |
| COST VS. VALUE | Higher management and maintenance costs, compounded by increased water and chemical applications, as well as delay of use, poor uniformity and lack of visual appeal 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. |
