MaintenanceA sodded lawn requires minimal maintenance. After the sod is laid, it will need to be watered and mowed on a schedule.As soon as the hydroseed is planted, there is a good deal of maintenance required. Before the grass is even ready to be mowed, you will need to ensure proper conditions for germination and growth.Price vs ConvenienceBecause sod is already planted and grown, it is more expensive than hydroseed. However, it is much more convenient as it looks great immediately, can be planted as long as the ground isn’t frozen, and requires less maintenance.Hydroseed is a more affordable option than sod but requires much more effort to establish.Variety & CustomizationSod has to be cut to fit your landscaping, so it is more difficult to customize. It does not offer cross-breeding with different grass varieties. Hydroseed can be sprayed anywhere so it is more customizable and creates a more consistent lawn. With hydroseed, you can blend different turfgrass varieties for a unique look.
| Sod | HydroSeed | |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Sod is a square or roll of soil with fully grown grass. | Hydroseed is a liquid mixture of water, seed, mulch, fertilizer, and tackifier (if needed for a sloping area). |
| Time | Installing sod is the fastest way to get your lawn looking how you want. It looks great immediately after it is installed; however, it can take up to 3 weeks to be ready for everyday use. | Hydroseed lawns begin to sprout in about a week, but takes about a month to be ready for use. |
| Time of Year | Sod can be installed almost any time of year as long as the ground is not frozen. However, the best time is during the growing season, spring and early fall. | It is best to hydroseed in spring or fall when the soil is warm and there is a moderate amount of rain. |