I'm working on redoing the planter bed in front of my house and need to extend the lawn by about 3-4 feet where some overgrown shrubs used to be. I'm wondering if it's too late to seed at this time of year in the Mid-Atlantic region. I know I could sod it, but I'm concerned that the transition between the new sod and the existing lawn might look unnatural for the next couple of years. Any advice?
3 Answers
I'd recommend going with sod for this situation. It should be a manageable area, and plus, it already has roots, which helps with establishment. If you go with seed, you'll likely battle a lot of weeds in the bare soil, and the summer heat could really hinder your seedlings from surviving. Make sure to keep that sod well-watered—it’s hard to overwater new sod!
I generally prefer seed over sod for most situations, except when speed is the main factor. If it were my yard, I'd till the area, spread some seed, and keep it moist until it sprouted. Of course, results can vary based on the type of grass seed and local weather. Remember, if it's too hot and dry for seeds, it'll probably be tough for sod too.
Honestly, I’d skip seeding in May if I were you. It’s generally not a great time for grass to root deeply because of the heat. My advice would be to clear the area of debris and consider using glyphosate to manage any pesky weeds. If you stick with either option, sod is the way to go for better survivability, but keep it soaked for a few weeks. Plan to reseed again in September when temps cool down a bit!
What makes you favor seed over sod?