Sodding

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

Seeding

Disadvantages:

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

Northern Hills Sod Farm, LLC

Advantages:

• Lowest up-front cost of the three
  

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.

Sodding vs. Other Methods

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
  

Advantages:

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

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