Turpin Sod Farm, Garden & Nursery

Factors to Consider	Seed	Hydroseed	Turfgrass
Time of Year to Install	Not recommended for Winter or Summer, possibly in Spring. Best in Fall for most regions.	Not recommended for Winter or Summer, possibly in Spring. Best in Fall for most regions.	Year-round installation, even on frozen ground if sod is available.
Soil Preparation	Same for All types of installation. Deeply till soil, add necessary amendments and fertilizers, grade and level for a smooth surface, remove all debris, lightly pack and moisten.	Same for All types of installation. Deeply till soil, add necessary amendments and fertilizers, grade and level for a smooth surface, remove all debris, lightly pack and moisten.	Same for All types of installation. Deeply till soil, add necessary amendments and fertilizers, grade and level for a smooth surface, remove all debris, lightly pack and moisten.
Water Requirements	Highest Water needs. Bare soil will dry quickly. Water lightly for 3-4 weeks, keep surface moist, begin to apply 1 inch of water per week after first mowing.	Moderate-High water needs. Mulch will preserve some moisture. Water lightly for 3-4 weeks, keeping surface moist. begin to apply 1 inch of water per week after first mowing.	lowest Water needs. Water at installation to a depth of 6 inches, then light watering for the next 2-3 weeks. Grass will shade soil and prevent drying.
Seed Quality	Extremely variable because of germination rates, weed and foreign matter content: unknown or unspecified varieties. Generally lower quality seed than used in cultivated sod production.	Extremely variable because of germination rates, weed and foreign matter content: unknown or unspecified varieties. Generally lower quality seed than used in cultivated sod production.	Typically highest available sod quality, certified, elite seed. May be certified to prove specific variety. Mixture and blends used to suit area needs.
Weed Control	Multiple applications of chemicals usually required to combat competitive weed invasions until turf is well established.	Multiple applications of chemicals usually required to combat competitive weed invasions until turf is well established.	Minimal if any chemical control required.
Coverage Uniformity	Seeding varieties, rates, germination times, wash-outs (erosion), traffic, feeding birds and rodents can create spottiness.	Seeding varieties, rates, germination times, wash-outs (erosion), traffic, feeding birds and rodents can create spottiness.	Mulch layer may reduce some problems. 99-100% uniformity with use of mature turf grass sod.
Visual Impact	Rough texture and open soil.	Colored Mulches act to camouflage soil appearance.	Immediate beauty of a complete and mature landscape.
Cost vs. Value	Higher management and maintenance costs, compounded by increased water and chemical applications, as well as delay of use, poor uniformity and visually unappealing are trade offs for lower installation cost.	Higher management and maintenance costs, compounded by increased water and chemical applications, as well as delay of use, poor uniformity and visually unappealing are trade offs for lower installation cost.	Installation costs offset by added values of timing, usability, uniformity and visual appeal. Reduced maintenance, chemical and water costs.