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SEED |
SOD |
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TIME OF YEAR TO INSTALL
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Not recommended for Winter or Summer, possible in Spring, best in Fall for most areas.
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Year-round installation, even on frozen ground if sod is available.
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SOIL PREPARATION
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Same for all types of lawn installation: Deeply till soil, add necessary amendments and fertilizers, grade and level for smooth surface, remove all debris, lightly pack and moisten.
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Same for all varieties of lawn installation: Deeply till soil, add necessary amendments and fertilizers, grade and level for smooth surface, remove all debris, lightly pack and moisten.
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WATER REQUIREMENTS
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Highest water needs- Bare soil will dry quickly. Water lightly for 3-4 weeks, keeping surface moist, begin to apply 1-inch of water per week after mowing.
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Lowest water needs- Water at installation to a depth of 6-inches, then light waterings for next 2-3 weeks. Grass will shade soil and prevent drying.
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SEED QUALITY
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Extremely variable because of germination rates, weed and foreign matter content; unknown or unspecified varieties. Generally lower quality seed than used in cultivated sod production. |
Highest available sod quality, certified, elite seed or sprigs. Certified to prove specific variety. Mixtures and blends used to suit area needs.
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WEED CONTROL |
Multiple applications of chemicals usually required to combat competitive weed invasions until turf is well established. Mulch layer may reduce some problems.
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Minimal, if any chemical control needed.
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UNIFORMITY OF COVERAGE
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Seeding varieties, rates, germination times, wash-outs (erosion), traffic, feeding birds and rodents can create spottiness. Mulch layer may reduce some problems.
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99 to 100% uniformity with use of mature turfgrass sod.
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RUNOFF / EROSION |
Heavy rains or sloping areas will cause seed, chemicals and silt to wash onto sidewalks and into sewer systems. Little if any protection. Mulch should reduce erosion/runoff for several months.
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Capable of handling heavy rains without erosion or damage.
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VISUAL IMPACT
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Rough texture and open soil.
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Immediate beauty of a "complete" and mature landscape.
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USABILITY |
Low traffic use 2 to 4 months after seeding with faster germinating seed. Normal to high use only after first year.
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Low traffic immediately. Normal, high traffic levels within 2 to 3 weeks.
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COST VS. VALUE
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Higher management and maintenance costs, compounded by increased water and chemical applications, as well as delay of use, poor uniformity and lack of visual appeal are trade-offs for lower installation cost.
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Installation costs offset by added values of timing, useability, uniformity and visual appeal. Reduced maintenance, chemical and water costs. |
