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| Tips and Resources |
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| The New Lawn – Seed versus Sod |
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| There are two main tactics used for establishing a new lawn in Minnesota. One of them is by using seed, the other is by sod. Sod tends to be much more popular due to the instant gratification it brings; however, both bring their own benefits. |
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| Seed |
| Depending on the situation you are in your method of seeding will change. For new lawns with no grass just a lot of dirt or mud, the grade work must be done first. This is done by the contractor or by you if you are good with a tractor and box blade or a tiller and rake. Once the grading is complete and you are happy with the surface as far as smoothness, no holes or low spots, drainage taken care of, etc. then you are ready for the seeding process. The soil must be worked up to fluff it back up to make a good seed bed. Good seed to soil contact is important for germination. After the soil is prepared you will apply the seed with a spreader, rotary type is best, apply half of the required seed in one direction and the other half in the opposite direction, this gives good coverage of the seed and uniform germination over the lawn. The required amount of seed will be determined by the type of grass you are planting Minnesota’s mostly made up of fescues. Cool season grasses are planted in Fall (Best) or Spring 30 days before the optimum growing conditions exist.. Cool Season grass seeds are larger and require more pounds per K. 7-8# per thousand square feet are needed for good coverage and thick grass. |
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| Seed can be used in several machines that will power seed the lawn. One machine has several terms, "power seeder", "no till drill seeder" are the most common. This machine has a hopper you pour the selected seed into, the machine will cut grooves in the lawn and drop seed into them in one pass. They do a very good job on lawns that are fairly level. If the lawn has pot holes and roots everywhere the cutters won't make contact with the ground leaving spots not seeded. These machines can be rented for anywhere from $125.00 to $200.00 per day depending on your area, the type of machine and how long you need it for. Another way of seeding is to Hydro seed. This is usually a process hired out since it requires special |
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| equipment not usually rented. Hydro seeding is a method used to renovate lawns or establish from scratch. On a lawn that needs thickened up, the mixture of Seed, Fertilizer, and a mulch material made from recycled wood or paper products is sprayed on the lawn. The mixture is dyed blue or green to help the operator see where he has sprayed it, this will turn white in a few days. The benefits of Hydro seeding are quicker germination and usually thicker germination since the seed is soaking in water as it's being done. It is one of the more expensive forms of seeding. A less expensive way to renovate a lawn is to use a Aerator followed by broadcasting seed. The Aerator will remove will remove plugs from the ground to provide good seed to soil contact that is essential in germination. |
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| Sod |
| Sodding is the quickest way to instant an instant lawn. We sod mostly on new constructions but quite a bit on renovated landscapes. There is nothing quite like having dirt one day and lush green grass the next. Of course it is 3 to 4 times as expensive as seeding depending on the contractor's prices in your area. Proper preparation of the lawn is important again to get the sod started off right, fertilizing before or after the sod is laid is needed as well as proper watering after the sod is down. Sod is usually laid in checker board style so you don't have a long row of seams lining up. If this happens you have the possibility of erosion developing in the seams. Another procedure not always done, but sometimes helpful is to roll the sod with a heavy roller after it is laid. This will mash out some of the uneven spots and give better contact with the soil. If you do a careful job of laying you won't have the problems that some have after the sod is laid, and you shouldn't have to roll it. A new form of sod has been popular lately. Big Roll sod, these are rolls up to 42" wide and 120 feet long. The one problem with sod is that many people under estimate the care required for the sod after it is laid. It can take 3 – 6 weeks to properly take. In that time period, your sod will require frequent deep watering. It only takes a few mistakes for your sod to go from deep green, to a burnt out tan. Cutting can also be difficult. It has to be done it stages. Many people make the mistake of taking too much grass off the cut the first time they mow sod. However, if the proper care is given, Sod is a great option for new lawns as well as repairs and renovations. |
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