Disadvantages:

• Can only plant in spring and fall
  
• Moderate to high water needs
  
• Some erosion/runoff
  
• Multiple applications of chemicals required to control weeds and pests until established
  
• Generally lower quality seed than used in sod production
  
• Long delay of use
  

Hydro-seeding

Disadvantages:

• Highest up-front cost
  
• Must start watering immediately, or risk of loosing investment of sod
  
• Trucking costs
  

Disadvantages:

• Can only plant in spring and fall
  
• Highest watering needs of the three-because bare soil dries quickly
  
• Generally lower quality seed than in sod production
  
• Multiple applications of chemicals required to control weeds and pests until established
  
• Feeding birds, erosion/runoff, rodents can create spottiness
  
• Bare ground
  
• Long delay of use of lawn
  

Seeding

Advantages:

• Immediate beauty of a complete and mature landscape
  
• Erosion control
  
• Lowest water needs of the three methods
  
• Minimal weed and pest control
  
• Can use lawn within one month
  
• Highest seed quality
  
• Most uniform coverage
  
• Can install year around, as long as the ground is not frozen
  

Sodding

Sodding vs. Other Methods

Northern Hills Sod Farm, LLC

The decision to sod, seed, or hydro-seed is a difficult one to make.  Every one has its advantages and disadvantages.  Be sure to research each one to find the one that fits you the best.

Advantages:

• Lowest up-front cost of the three
  

Advantages:

• Low- to mid-level cost
  
• Colored mulch camouflages soil appearance
  
• Mulch reduces some erosion/runoff