If you are wanting to establish a new lawn on your property in Michigan, the first thing you need to decide is if you want to use sod or seed to get the beautiful lawn you have always wanted. It can be difficult to decide between the two because both are great options and offer their own distinctive benefits. When you are deciding between sod and seed, you will want to consider how fast you want your new lawn to be established, the amount of foot traffic that it will likely endure, how much maintenance you want to do, and your overall budget. Whether you choose to use sod or seed, each will provide you with a beautiful new lawn!


How fast do you want your new lawn to be established?

Choosing between sod and seed largely depends on how quickly you want your new lawn to be established. If you're looking for the option that will give you a beautiful lawn right away, sod is the right choice for you! That's because sod is pre-grown grass that will look beautiful the same day it's installed. While you shouldn't use a newly sodded lawn for about a month while it's establishing itself, you benefit from its aesthetics right away!

If you are in no rush for a new lawn, seeding is a great option as well. Seeds take a while to grow, so you'll have to wait a little bit before they grow into healthy, beautiful grass. Typically, it takes about 3 months for you to be able to use your lawn like normal when you go with seeds.


Will your new lawn endure heavy foot traffic?

A child with their dog in a newly seeded lawn in Lansing, MI.

Consider how much foot traffic your new lawn will likely endure when deciding whether to use sod or seed. Seeds will be a better choice if children, animals, or anyone else will frequently use your lawn. That's because seeds establish stronger, deeper roots that can withstand heavy foot traffic. If you don't anticipate a lot of foot traffic on your lawn, both options are great!


How much maintenance do you want to do?

Homeowner watering lawn in Williamston, MI.

How much maintenance you want to do is one of the most important factors to consider when deciding between sod and seed. Sod requires less initial upkeep than seeding because it is already established grass that just needs to take root. Following a strict watering schedule for the first few weeks after it has been installed is the main thing you will need to do.

Seeding requires more attention from you because it takes much longer to establish. For the first few months, the grass seeds will need a lot of water, so it's crucial to make sure your irrigation system is functioning properly. Both sod and seeding are great options, so you will just have to figure out how much maintenance you truly are willing to do.


What is your budget for your new lawn?

The cost to sod or seed your property varies, but most of the time seeding is less expensive. Because sod is pre-grown, delivered, and has more labor involved, it usually costs more. So, if you're looking for a more cost-effective method to establish a new lawn, seeds may be the better choice for you. If you aren't too concerned with the budget, both options are great!

Schedule professional lawn care services to ensure your new lawn stays beautiful and healthy throughout the year.


Give us a call to schedule our sod installation or new lawn seeding service.

At Outdoor Expressions Landscaping, we offer sod installation and new lawn seeding services so you can choose which one will benefit you the most. If you want to have a new beautiful lawn right away or establish it from scratch, we have you covered with both options! Our services are offered to commercial, residential, and HOA properties in East Lansing, Okemos, Haslett, MI, and surrounding areas. Call (517) 333-7999 to schedule our sod installation or new lawn seeding service!