Sod gives a usable lawn within weeks and limits erosion, but costs much more. Seeding is far cheaper but needs several weeks of care and watering to fill in. For a few bare spots, overseeding is enough. For a new yard or a destroyed lawn, sod is often the best choice.
Comparison
| Sod | Seed | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | High | Low |
| Result | Usable in 2 to 4 weeks | Several weeks to a season |
| Slopes and erosion | Excellent hold | Risk of washout |
| Early weeds | Few | Strong competition |
| Grass choice | Limited | Custom mix for sun or shade |
Installing sod successfully
- Prepare the soil well: level, quality soil, light rolling
- Lay rolls the day of delivery, staggered, with no gaps
- Water heavily right away, then daily for the first weeks
- Stay off it until it roots
For a thin lawn, see overseeding combined with aeration.
Read next
Service: lawn care quotes · Version française
General advice. Costs vary with area, access and soil preparation: compare written quotes.