Sod vs. Seed: Which Is Best for a New Lawn?

Creating a beautiful lawn starts with one big question: sod or seed? Both options have their benefits, and choosing the right one depends on your goals, timeline, and budget. At Paradigm Landscapes, we often help Salt Lake City homeowners make this decision during their lawn installation projects. In this blog, we’ll compare sod vs. seed so you can choose what’s best for your yard.

What Is Sod?

Sod is pre-grown grass that comes in rolls or squares and is installed like a carpet over prepared soil. It offers an instant lawn and is popular for its quick results.

Advantages of Sod:

• Instant green lawn
• Erosion control from day one
• Can be installed almost any time of year
• Less initial maintenance than seed

Sod is ideal if you want fast results with fewer weeds.

What Is Seed?

Seeding involves spreading grass seed over prepared soil and letting it grow over time. It's more affordable but requires patience and attention.

Advantages of Seed:

• Lower cost
• More grass variety options
• Deeper root systems (over time)
• Great for large or hard-to-reach areas

Seed is a great choice if you’re on a budget and can wait for growth.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

1. Timeline
Need a lawn fast? Go with sod. If you have time and patience, seed may be fine.

2. Budget
Sod is more expensive due to its labor and harvesting costs. Seed is much more budget-friendly.

3. Property Conditions
Sod is better for sloped areas or places prone to erosion. Seed can struggle in such areas unless carefully maintained.

4. Season
Sod can be laid in most seasons (excluding frozen ground), while seed requires ideal temperature and moisture conditions to germinate.

Professional Installation Makes a Difference

Regardless of whether you choose sod or seed, proper soil preparation is key. At Paradigm Landscapes, we provide expert lawn installation, including grading, leveling, soil amendment, and irrigation setup. We ensure your lawn—sod or seed—thrives from day one.

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