There are several ways to establish a new lawn:
- Seed — the most popular planting method, since it’s the easiest and most cost-effective, with a wider choice of varieties. Seeding is the most seasonal method, and works best for bluegrasses, ryegrasses, and fescues and other cool-season grasses.
- Sod — rectangular strips of grass cut from a sod farm, brought to your yard and laid on prepped soil for instant gratification. However, cost and installation can be prohibitive.
- Sprigs — pieces of grass without soil attached. Springs are scattered across prepared soil and kept moist to take root, then spread readily to fill in the gap. This method is more affordable than sodding, but also more difficult than seeding.
- Plugs — small pieces of sod are laid in a grid across prepared soil. It is a cost-effective way of establishing a lawn, but can take up to 1-2 seasons for complete coverage. Weed infestation can also be a concern.
Learn more about seed, planting sprigs, or planting plugs.
New lawns also require special mowing practices to prevent damage.