GRM Wise Ones - I Request to Learn Lawns - Sod vs. Hydro vs. Brillion

This is GRASSROOTS Motorsports, right? Which one grows faster? j/k...sorta

New house = needing a new lawn. In our sub, most people sod, but it is not required. It is also berkeleying expensive! The lawn company says that Hydro seeding is about 1/2, and Brillion seeding is about 1/3rd.

We will have in-ground sprinklers, so watering will not be an issue. I don't mind running around with a fertilizer once a month either.

I've pretty much decided against sod (unless there is some reason I absolutely must get it), because I don't need insta-lawn. So what are the pros/cons of Hydro vs. Brillion? Which will grow quicker? Heartier?

Thanks!!!

Not sure about this time of year in MI, but hydro is quicker here in MD. But Brillion(had to look that up) will give you a healthier lawn.

Hydro just puts the seed on top of the ground with some stuff to help it get started. Brillion(tilling the seed in) helps it develop a better root system.

Neither one is going to do much till spring so if you want a green yard sooner you will need to use sod.

We had our back yard sodded a few years ago. I suggest that whatever method you use, choose a grass variety that's suitable for what's happening on your lawn. The grass we have has little resistance to foot traffic & has been impossible to keep looking good in high traffic areas.

What kind of a lawn do you(or the HOA) want?

Clover is getting a lot of publicity now as an alternative to grass, but it probably doesn't fit into a HOA neighborhood. It also takes a lot less work once you have it established, and it will be good for the bees.

Now that we have that idea out of the way... you don't need to get fancy with any of those methods. Get the dirt smooth, but loose. Now go to your local seed store and buy whatever grass they suggest for your taste and care. Spread it with a spreader mixed with compost (and/or starter fertilizer if you roll that way). Next rake it into the dirt and lay some straw down. Add water as needed. This will get you started. Now call a local lawn chemical (or non chemical organic) company and pay them to get it as nice as you want. I personally pay a guy named Leo $43 6 times a year for my 1/2 acre lawn and have the best looking lawn on the block. It gets aerated and over-seeded every other year.