Sod or Seed: Which Option Is Best for You?

The perfect lawn doesn’t just happen. It takes hours of hard work and, just as importantly, regular maintenance to grow into that lush, evergreen lawn you see on Pinterest. No matter if you inherited a less-than-perfect yard or are starting from scratch after a new construction project. If you’re here, you probably want to take your lawn to the next level. And that brings you to the big question: sod or seed?

What Is the Difference Between Sod and Grass Seed?

If you are new to upgrading your lawn, you might think it doesn’t really matter what kind of grass you choose. The main point is that it looks nice and lasts as long as possible. But sod and seed are two very different methods of greening your yard in terms of installation, growing, maintenance, and especially cost.

Sodding

Sod is pre-grown, mature grass with strong roots attached to a layer of soil. It is grown on specialized farms, sold in rolls or sections, and transplanted onto your lawn like a living carpet or tile. It’s the fastest way to get a lush, green yard you can enjoy in just a few weeks.

Seeding

Seeding means planting grass seed directly into the soil where it will grow. Each seed contains a plant embryo that, given time and the right conditions, will grow into a full grass. With seeding, you are creating a lawn from scratch, nurturing it as it fills in and establishes.

If you are too busy to worry about the details of choosing between sod and seed, hire a local landscaping contractor. At EcoPro Home Services, we’ll handle everything from start to finish so you can enjoy a healthy, beautiful lawn without the stress.

Considerations Influencing Your Choice

When you’re looking at your existing lawn, the first thing you need to decide is whether to work with what you’ve got or start from scratch. Carefully inspect the lawn for weeds, unwanted grasses, and any areas that look weak or diseased.

Less than 40% weeds

If weeds cover less than 40% of your lawn, you can work with what you have by removing weeds and overseeding. By the way, if you notice weeds growing between your interlocking pavers, check out our blog for tips on how to get rid of them forever.

More than 40% weeds

If your lawn has more than 40–50% weeds or large patches of dead or thinning grass, it is better to start from scratch and completely renew your lawn. This way, you’ll save a lot of time and effort while getting more effective, longer-lasting results.

Other considerations

Once you’ve chosen the type of work, there are still a few important factors that will guide your decision. These details will help ensure your new lawn not only grows but thrives:

• The type of soil you have and its characteristics (pH, soil organic matter (SOM), nutrient levels);
• Whether you want immediate results (sod) or gradual growth (seed);
• The climate conditions in your province;
• Your budget (keep in mind that our flexible financing options make it easier to get started now and pay later).

It never hurts to seek professional advice and test your soil. Test results take the guesswork out and give you a clear picture of your soil’s condition. Remember, you can always fertilize and improve your soil, increasing its ability to support thick, healthy grass.

Sod or Seed: Pros and Cons

Whether you are creating a new lawn or improving an existing one, both sodding and seeding come with their own personal and environmental benefits. Each method can give you a beautiful, lush, and healthy lawn, but they differ significantly from the beginning. Below are some of the pros and cons of each option:

Choose sodding if you want an instant lawn, but be ready to spend more money than you would on seeding. Keep in mind that it is important to care for it properly: water it regularly until the sod squares knit together and fully take root.

Choose seeding if you want to lay a lawn from scratch at a lower cost. This is also a great option for those who want to renovate an existing lawn with bare spots or thinning grass. 

Seeding vs Sodding Cost in 2025

In 2025, the cost of sodding and seeding varies greatly. That’s because these two methods require different labour needs, materials, and maintenance.

Seeding cost

If you need to cover a large area with grass, seeding will be the most budget-friendly option. Grass seeds cost an average of $0.04 to $0.70 per square foot. For a 5,000-square-foot lawn, the total cost runs about $200–$3,500. This price typically includes grass seed, installation, and extra services like aeration or soil preparation.

Sodding cost

Sodding comes at a higher price than seeding the same area. Each roll or piece of sod costs roughly $0.75–$3.50 per square foot. That means covering 5,000 square feet with sod usually falls between $3,750 and $17,500, depending on the grass type and labour involved.

Keep in mind, cutting corners on installation can lead to visible seams, root dieback, and even sod failure. That’s why it often makes more sense to hire a professional sod and turf installer like EcoPro Home Services. We’ll get it right the first time and help you avoid costly repairs down the road.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to lay a new lawn from sod or seed, it is important to keep it in good condition all year round. Water your lawn regularly, watch for bare or yellow patches, and if you notice any signs of wilting, act quickly to preserve as much grass as possible.

If you go with seeding, don’t forget to fertilize the soil regularly and mow properly. Following these simple steps will help you enjoy a lush, even lawn with your family and guests, season after season.

Sod or Seed FAQ