The Pros and Cons of Using Sod in Your Landscaping

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The Pros and Cons of Using Sod in Your Landscaping

One of the big debates that go on amongst landscapers is whether or not grass seed or sod is the better option. Everyone wants their lawn to look great, particularly since its one of the first things that people notice when they first take a look at your property. A well-maintained green lawn can really make a positive impression and improve your curb value, but which option is the right one for you?

It’s always a good idea to make a list of the pros and cons of a landscaping option before you commit to anything. That way, you can assess whether an option like sod is right for you. That’s why we’ve prepared the following article detailing the pros and cons of using sod in your landscaping. After reading this article, you should have a great idea about whether sod should make it into your landscaping plans. Remember to reach out to Cal Blend Soils if you have any landscaping questions or if you are interested in purchasing the best landscaping supplies on the market.

What is Sod?

If you are new to landscaping or simply aren’t familiar with the term sod, it refers to sections of grass that have been growing already. The root system or bio-degradable materials hold the grass together with sod. It can be used in both residential and commercial properties to create areas of grass that are both aesthetically pleasing and vibrant. When you purchase sod, you usually buy it in squares of grass that are ready to install. There’s a reason why so many different property owners elect to use sod. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits below.

The Pros of Using Sod

Sod is a versatile and reliable landscaping option that can help you create the lawn of your dreams. You will need to put some time and effort into the project, but installing sod can really make a big positive impact on the way that your property looks.

1. Quick Installation

One of the big benefits of going with sod is that you can expect a quick installation period. Since the sod is divided up into squares, you can lay them down on your property with ease. Believe it or not, once sad has been installed on your property and watered for a few weeks, people can start walking on it. That means you won’t have to wait that long to start enjoying your new lawn if you decide to go with sod.

2. Plant Sod All Year

Another huge plus to going with sod for your landscaping is that you can actually plant sod at any time of the year. Granted, if the ground is completely frozen, it might not be the best time to plant your new lawn. Grass seed, on the other hand, forces you to plant it during a limited window if you want it to grow in healthy. The flexibility you get by choosing sod for your landscaping certainly is an advantage worth exploring.

3. Less Can Go Wrong

Sod is a great choice for landscapers that want a reliable lawn. Since the root system is already developed, it is a lot easier to maintain and grow sod. On the other hand, there are plenty of things that can go wrong when you choose grass seed. For example, the wind can easily carry off grass seeds, erosion can stop grass seed from taking root, and even birds might start eating all of the seeds. With sod, you simply install it on your property and focus on watering. You won’t have to worry about all of the problems mentioned above, which is absolutely an advantage.

The Cons of Using Sod

Although there are plenty of benefits that you can expect with sod, there are also some downsides that are worth mentioning. Let’s take a look at a few of them below.

1. Less Grass Varieties

Unfortunately, if you decide to go with sod for your property, there are a lot fewer varieties of grass to choose from. That means if there’s a specific type of grass you have your heart set on, it might not be available as sod. For many landscapers, this won’t be a big deal, but for others, it might be a problem.

2. Cost

Without a doubt, one of the biggest disadvantages of deciding to go with sod is that it will cost a lot more than grass seed. This is especially true if you are planning to use sod in a large area of your property. If your budget is large, this shouldn’t be an issue for you. Grass seed will absolutely be the more budget-friendly option.

3. Might Need to Replace Sections

Another issue related to sod is that there are times when a section of sod simply doesn’t take root. That means you might need to replace sections of your yard to ensure it looks good. Many landscapers view this as a significant con for sod.

We hope this article has helped you learn a lot about sod and that it helps you choose the right option for your property. Remember that both sod and grass seed each have their own unique set of pros and cons. It’s up to you to decide which option is best for your landscape. If you have any questions about sod, grass seed, or landscaping, you can always reach out to Cal Blend Soils. We love helping our clients reach their landscaping goals with the help of our landscaping supplies. Connect with one of our team members today to learn more about how Cal Blend Soils can help you achieve all of your landscaping goals.