Grass Seed versus Grass Rolls

Rolling green hills, beautiful gardens and impressive scenery are all major parts of Ireland’s stunning and aesthetic landscape.  As people with a real pride of place and love of our outdoor spaces, it is no wonder that most of the country takes to their gardens, golf courses and parks for their peace of mind. DIY projects have become more than just a hobby recently with many revamping the whole garden. When it comes to installing a new garden, the decision often comes down to seeding or laying grass rolls with benefits to both.

In fact whether it is a garden you are preparing, a GAA pitch or even a golf course, this choice remains the same and knowing the different factors that should influence your decision will help. Growing grass seed from scratch has always been the tradition in Ireland but laying out grass sod has emerged as a real alternative with its own set of benefits.

It may not be the most publicized debate of our time but for those professional or amateur landscapers among us, there are a number of features to consider.

What is your project?
Naturally, the project you are embarking on will make a difference to the choice you make. Both sod and seed are very versatile and excel in different areas.

Grass seed has so many applications and is something we are all very familiar with. Most will choose seed especially for bigger fields and gardens. The cost and installation make it a very favourable option for these projects as it reduces the overall spend and intensive labour. It is equally adept in home gardens or other pitches and parks where time is less of a factor.

Sod or grass rolls have been around for quite some time and offer a great alternative to seeds. Sod is a great choice for home gardens, golf courses, GAA pitches and parks as it can be laid out just as it might look in the pictures. The turn-around time for a grass roll project is exceptional and if you are short on time, sod may be the way to go for you.

What type of customer are you?
Beyond being a professional landscaper, it helps to know your limits when it comes to time and physical exertion.

Grass seed is perfect for almost everyone unless you are in a hurry to get a perfect green up and running. Both seed and sod require the soil to be prepared before you start the process so we can call that a tie. Once that is complete, however, grass seed is very simple to spread over the lawn and requires minimal labour intensive efforts. It is an ongoing project, however, and requires regular maintenance.

Laying grass rolls is certainly more physically demanding in the beginning. If you are not having it professionally installed, you ought to understand it requires hard work to lay out your new sod. You will also need to water it regularly until it is fully attached. However, with that hard work comes very quick results. Once you have tested your sod to make sure it has attached to the soil, you are free to mow and walk on it. Often people selling their house will install a sod garden before putting it up for sale as it generates a significantly higher price.

Which gives me better variety?
The luxury of creating your new green space is that you can make whatever decisions you want.

Grass seed is a great supporter of your decisions as it provides so many varieties. Beyond the aesthetic, having numerous options means you can pick a seed perfectly suited to your soil, light and weather conditions. Having a choice specific to your geography will help you grow a healthy, deep rooted lawn.

Sod rolls are a little more limited in options. As Ireland does not command the need to import grass rolls, all grass rolls are usually grown on the island. This is not necessarily a bad thing as it is the perfect proving ground for the best grass rolls to be delivered. While there are more limits on different varieties, the choices available tend to be exceptional and options such as wildflower turf have a mixture of stunning flowers to create your own meadow.

How much time is it going to take to be “ready”?
Grass seed is undoubtedly a slow burner in this category. Seed can take 5 to 10 days to germinate and at least a further week to grow up to 3cm. Preparing your soil correctly and keeping it moist will go a long way toward reducing the time to maturity. After one full season and careful maintenance, however, you will have a deeply rooted, high quality lawn.

Grass rolls excel in this department as mentioned earlier. Roughly 10 days prior to laying your grass rolls, the ground should be sprayed by a complete weed controller to ensure all weeds are cleared. Once you have prepared your soil and installed the grass rolls, it will take two to three weeks for the grass to fully attach to the ground. As soon as it is fully attached, you can begin to mow it and walk on it.

When can I plant?
Seeding is a touch more limited with when you can sow and expect it to grow. April to October is typically the best window for sowing your garden seed. As it is more susceptible to weather conditions, it is preferable to pick a time of year with enough consistent moisture in the soil but not too much for it to wash away the seeds. Similarly, windy weather will likely blow much of the seed off and hot weather will not give the best conditions for planting.

Sod is a bit more rough and tumble in this department. While you may not favour putting a lawn down in the winter, sod is perfectly capable of adapting with the conditions. The main thing to note is what it requires to attach to the ground which requires fertilizer and moisture. Once you have those bases covered, you are free to plant your new garden whenever you want.

Is there a cost difference?
Unfortunately there is a cost difference to note. Seed is always regarded as the most cost effective option as it requires you to do the most maintenance. If budget is of significant importance to you, buying a seed mix will probably be the option you lean towards.

Grass rolls are a pricier pick on the face of it. However, when you consider the reduced maintenance over time and how soon it can be ready for viewing and use, it may be your preference.

In Conclusion
Admittedly, it is a titanic battle that neither is willing to concede. Personal preference plays a big part in the choice of grass seed or grass rolls. Depending on which of the cost, time required, variety or labour intensity factors are important to you, they are both very good options. Increased property value, better oxygen provisions, better climate control and improved mental health all await after you have planted your garden whichever option you choose.