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Grass seed vs turf: which is better?

When creating a lush, green lawn, homeowners and landscapers face a common dilemma: should they choose lawn seed vs turf? Both methods have advantages, but turf offers significant benefits over grass seed for those looking for an instant, low-maintenance solution. 

In this blog, we’ll compare lawn seeds vs turf, highlighting the reasons why laying turf is the preferred option, especially when using high-quality, male-sterile turf varieties from Australia's leading brand, such as those sold at Lilydale Instant Lawn.

For further information, watch our video on turf vs grass seed—it provides valuable insights on choosing the right grass type for your lawn. 

The difference between instant turf vs seeded Lawn

Before diving into the pros and cons of each method, it's essential to understand the key differences between an instant lawn and a seeded lawn.

• Instant lawn (turf): Instant lawn, or turf, is pre-grown grass delivered in rolls. Once laid on prepared soil, it provides an immediate, visually appealing lawn. Turf is a popular choice for homeowners who want a quick, hassle-free solution to improve the look of their yard.
• Seeded lawn: A seeded lawn involves sowing lawn seeds over prepared soil and waiting for them to germinate, sprout, and grow into a full lawn. This process typically takes six to eight weeks, during which the lawn needs intensive care and attention to thrive.

Why turf is the better option

1. Immediate results

One of the most significant advantages of laying turf and establishing new lawn is the instant transformation of your outdoor space. Whether you’re revamping an existing lawn or creating a new lawn from scratch, turf provides an immediate solution. Within hours of laying turf, you have a complete lawn ready to enhance your garden’s appearance.

In contrast, sowing lawn seeds vs turf requires patience and careful management. Grass seeds can take anywhere from six to eight weeks to develop into a healthy lawn, and during this time, the area may look patchy and uneven. While seeded lawns can eventually look great, they require time, care, and favourable weather conditions to establish correctly.

2. Reduced labour costs

Laying turf may seem like a bigger upfront investment than sowing seeds, but the long-term costs are often lower when you consider the time and effort saved. Sowing lawn seeds requires meticulous planning and preparation, including soil treatments, regular watering, and protection from birds and pests.

Turf, on the other hand, requires less maintenance after installation. Once your newly laid turf is in place, you only need to water and occasionally fertilise it to ensure healthy growth. Additionally, because turf is pre-grown, it’s more resistant to weeds and pests, reducing the labour costs and time associated with maintaining a seeded lawn.

3. Faster establishment

Turf is established much faster than a seeded lawn. Once you lay the turf and water it, the grass begins to take root in the prepared soil almost immediately. Within a few weeks, your new lawn will be healthy, strong, and ready to handle normal wear and tear.

In comparison, sowing lawn seeds requires frequent watering, protection, and time for the grass to grow to a usable height. During the initial six to eight weeks, you’ll need to be especially cautious about foot traffic and pets, as the grass will be fragile and prone to damage.

4. High-quality, male-sterile turf varieties

Lilydale Instant Lawn specialises in Australia’s leading turf varieties, including the renowned male-sterile strains. But what exactly is male-sterile turf, and why is it a better option for your lawn?

Male-sterile turf is bred to be non-reproductive, meaning it doesn’t produce seed heads. This trait is essential for homeowners who want a neat, low-maintenance lawn. Turf that produces seed heads can look uneven and messy, requiring more frequent mowing to maintain its appearance. By choosing a male-sterile variety from Lilydale Instant Lawn, you’ll enjoy a beautiful lawn that is uniform without constant upkeep.
At Lilydale, we stock a range of male-sterile turf varieties:

• Sir Walter Buffalo
• Eureka Kikuyu grass 
• Sir Grange Zoysia

5. Consistent and even growth

One of the challenges of growing a lawn from lawn seeds vs turf is achieving even coverage. Lawn seeds can be tricky to spread evenly, and factors like wind, rain, and birds can affect germination, leading to patchy areas. You may find yourself needing to reseed in spots where the grass didn’t take.

Turf guarantees consistency. The pre-grown grass is uniformly dense, and as long as it’s laid correctly on prepared soil, it will grow evenly. This eliminates the risk of patchy areas and provides a more aesthetically pleasing, uniform lawn.

Considerations for seeded lawns

While turf offers many advantages, there are still a few reasons someone might consider a seeded lawn:

• Lower initial cost: Lawn seed is typically more cost-effective than turf rolls, so seeding may seem more affordable if you're on a strict budget.
• Greater variety: Some grass species are only available as seed depending on the region and climate. If you’re looking for a particular type of grass based on personal preference, you may need to go with seeds.
• Suited for large areas: Seeding vs turf might make more sense for expansive areas where turfing may be impractical or expensive, especially if you have the time to wait for the lawn to develop.

However, turf remains the superior choice for those looking to establish a new lawn quickly and efficiently.

Best practices for laying turf

If you’ve decided that turf is the way to go, here are a few tips to ensure the successful installation and maintenance of your newly laid turf:

• Prepare the soil: Like sowing lawn seeds, laying turf requires well-prepared soil. Ensure the soil is level, debris-free, and enriched with nutrients before laying turf rolls.
• Lay turf as soon as possible: Once you receive your turf, it’s crucial to lay it immediately. Turf can dry out quickly, so prompt installation ensures it remains fresh and healthy.
• Water regularly: Newly laid turf requires consistent watering, especially in the first few weeks. Make sure the soil stays moist to help the roots establish.
• Avoid foot traffic: For the first few weeks, minimise foot traffic on your new lawn to allow the turf to settle and take root without disturbance.

Why turf from Lilydale is the best option

When comparing turf vs seed for new lawn projects, it's clear that laying turf offers several advantages. Whether you're starting fresh or revamping an existing lawn, Lilydale Instant Lawn's premium turf varieties provide a lush, green finish that's guaranteed to impress.

While seeded lawns may suit some projects, the convenience and long-term benefits of turf make it the ideal choice for homeowners who want a beautiful, ready-to-use lawn in a matter of hours. So, if you're looking to install a new lawn or replace your existing lawn, choosing turf will save you time, effort, and money in the long run.