When you’re faced with the choice of sod or seed, it can be a difficult decision to make. They are both good options for dealing with a less-than-perfect lawn. There are pros and cons to each, and you must think through your decision carefully.

Sod has been professionally cultivated and is ready to go. The roots are already there and just need to be placed into the soil for them to grow. Sod can be installed fairly quickly and easily and applied to almost any surface, flat or inclined, and it will stay put, even in heavy rains — though you may have to stake it. It is also generally weed-free and requires little care. All you will have to do is water the sod heavily for the first few weeks of start-up, and it should take root and provide you with the lush lawn you envision.

Because it is ready made, sod can be expensive, much more expensive than seed. You have to get it on the ground quick to protect your investment, whereas with seed, you have more leeway and more varieties to choose from. Most experts recommend seeding in the spring or fall. It does take some work to get seed into the ground, from fertilizing to raking to rolling. Seed also takes longer to grow and establish, and when placed on an incline, it can easily wash away. Although it may require less watering in the first weeks, seed will require mulch or hay, both of which can contain weed seeds and lead to weeds. Again, seed is less expensive, so if it does not work as well as you had hoped and you end up with some patchiness, it will be much less of a loss.

There are pros and cons to sod and seed. Consider the options carefully, consult with an expert and make the right decision for your lawn and your budget.