Sodding & Seeding

Whether establishing a lawn from scratch, replacing the turfgrass on an existing landscape, or trying to fix the bare spots on a lawn, there are two ways to do so – seeding and sodding. While both accomplish the same result, the process of application and the time it takes to see the results are different. Before starting either process, the site should be first prepared by removing all kinds of debris, rocks, and roots. The soil should also be tested to determine its type and pH levels.

Seeding is the cheaper option of establishing a lawn. There is a choice of a high-quality seed depending on the soil type. The soil is prepared for seeding by aerating it and removing weeds. In most parts of Florida, the best time to start seeding is from April to July. This allows the seeds to grow and develop a root system before the colder weather sets in. The newly planted areas must be kept moist with enough water. Fertilizer must be only applied after the seeds have germinated.

Sodding is the more expensive option, but it gives instant results. The site is cleared of all debris and leveled if required. Then, the soil is slightly watered before sod installation begins. The squares of sod are tightly fitted together and laid in a staggered brick pattern to offset the seams between sod pieces. This grass needs to be kept moist for at least the first seven days after installation.

At Down To Earth Landscape & Irrigation, our licensed technicians are equipped to handle both seeding and sodding processes with expertise.

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Questions & Answers

Here are some commonly asked questions about Down To Earth Landscape & Irrigation.

This is the most common question we receive from our clients regarding the establishment of their lawns. The answer to this depends on several factors such as the type of turfgrass wanted on the lawn, site preparation tasks, if it is wanted to have an instant lawn or if it can wait to grow, and the budget. If more variety of turfgrass is wanted to choose from and there is an allotted time period for the grass to grow, opt for seeding. If there needs to be instant results and there are no budgetary constraints, opt for sodding.

The pros of seeding:

  • It is less expensive.
  • With seeding, there is an option to choose from a variety of turfgrass seeds.
  • Growing grass right from scratch allows it to develop a deeper root system.
  • Since the grass is not already grown, don’t worry about existing thatch layers, pests and disease.

The cons of seeding:

  • It takes longer to establish a lawn with seeding.
  • It is best to only seed during certain times of the year.
  • The seeded area remains inaccessible until the seed is fully established.
  • Young seedlings are delicate and need adequate irrigation and the right conditions to germinate
  • The risk of weeds.

The pros of sodding:

  • With sodding, there is no wait for the lawn to be established.
  • Sod can be installed at any time of the year during the growing season.
  • Limited wait time to access the installed area.
  • Sodded lawns generally eliminate grading problems, preventing soil erosion on slopes during establishment.
  • They are relatively weed-free at the time of installation.

The cons of sodding:

  • The installation process is expensive.
  • Not all types of grasses lend themselves to sod installation.
  • The installation process requires a lot of manual labor.

More Services

Check out more of the services we offer to our valued customers to bring Natural Joy to their landscape.

Maintenance

Maintaining your landscape and preserving its health with professional care.

Irrigation

Installing, auditing, maintenance, and repairing your irrigation system to ensure the proper amount of water is being used.

Construction

Designing and developing customized site designs specific to your property needs and landscape dreams.

Fertilization & Pest Control

Professionally assessing each property to formulate a specific blend of chemicals to treat and control your landscape.

Enhancements & Installation

Adding a unique focal point to your property to create an unforgettable feature with our team.

Golf

DTE Golf ®, which provides maintenance, renovation & management services, has a proven track record of improving the on-course experience, saving costs, and increasing rounds played and revenue.