Seeding vs Turfing
Not sure if you want to turf or seed your garden? Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of both seeding and turfing to help you see which one is right for you!
Advantages of Lawn Turf
Once you have laid your turf you have an instant lush lawn which typically can be used within a couple of weeks. Turf will not wash away or off slopes during heavy down pours like grass seed. Turf only needs watering for the first 10 to 14 days depending on weather conditions. You can lay turf all year round (except from very thick frost or snow) making turfing your garden a perfect winter job. When buying turf, you are effectively buying the time and the expertise of the turf grower who will have used time and experience to choose really good varieties of grass. Bought the best possible quality seed and spent at least 12 months nurturing the plants. Controlling weeds whilst the turf is growing and coped with the diseases that young plants are vulnerable to.
Disadvantages of Lawn Turf
Turf is a living and perishable product meaning it should be laid within 24 hours of delivery. For large areas turfing may be more expensive. Turf rolls are relatively heavy so laying turf can be hard work
Advantages of grass seed
Grass seed tends to be more cost efficient than turfing for moderate large areas. Grass seed is good for small repairs around the garden. Turf seeds are very light and easy to transport and carry. It is easy to spread grass seed by hand or by spreader.
Disadvantages of Grass Seed
Unfortunately seeding your garden will not give you an instant lawn, seed needs a few days before it germinates. During that time, you will need to protect it from birds, from cats. You will also need to keep it watered. Seed will then need a couple of months to establish It can take 6-12 months after sowing grass seed before a lawn is ready to receive “normal” traffic. Meaning your garden will be out of bounds for some time. Seeding your lawn will require more aftercare within the first month. Heavy rains will wash your seed away of slopes. There is a small window for seeding your lawn, spring and autumn. Make sure to get your timing right when planning to seed.