Sod vs Seed
Sod – Simply put, sod is the most expensive option because you are essentially paying someone else for the time and materials of growing the grass. It is dramatically more expensive than seed.
Though initially, sod may appear weed free, it is not always guaranteed to be weed free, seed is. Sod is a great alternative for sloped areas or erosion-prone areas where seeds would struggle to survive. On the downside, only certain types of grass are grown for sodding, so your choices are limited. If you need to tailor your yard to a specific environment, seeding with specific species for your area would be a better way to go. Sod is not known for shade tolerance. Sod can shrink and leave spaces that weeds easily invade. To prevent this, you would overseed where the sod meets. Sod is also the cleanest choice, not a lot of dust or mud.
Seed – Financially, seeding is an appealing choice as the cost of even the best seed mix is still a lot cheaper than sod, so if budget is your driving factor, seed wins out.
Though it can take longer to establish a dense lawn, over time I think seed edges out sod on quality. There are more grass types and varieties to choose from so can select a turf you know will grow well in your area. The probability of a stronger root system developing, in the beginning, means you’re more likely to have a stronger, healthier lawn over time. With seed, the grass develops in the same environment where it will live so you don’t face transplant issues and sensitivities. However, seeding can be frustrating. You might have to reseed, sometimes germination doesn’t take in spots or the seed can be washed away. And it is messy, with lots of dust and mud at first.
