The cost-saving benefits of establishing a lawn by seed

Creating a beautiful lawn doesn’t have to break the bank. While there are various methods to establish a backyard oasis, seeding your lawn stands out as the most cost-effective and efficient option.

In this blog, we’ll explore the significant cost benefits of choosing seed over instant turf, highlighting how seeding can help you achieve a vibrant lawn without draining your wallet!

While seed isn’t as popular today, 25 years ago,  for every ten customers, nine would buy lawn seed, and one would buy instant turf. The Aussie home lawn was just as popular then as it is today, so I think it’s worth a shout-out out the humble lawn seed as a viable alternative to instant turf. While it will take a little longer to establish, the end result will be just as impressive.

Affordable Initial Investment:

One of the most notable advantages of seeding your lawn is its affordability upfront. Unlike instant turf, which involves purchasing pre-grown grass by the square metre, grass seed comes at a fraction of the cost. This significant price difference makes seeding an attractive option, especially for homeowners on a tight budget or those looking to cover larger areas without breaking the bank. Seed is typically less than 10% of the cost of instant turf. Expect to pay around $20-30 for enough to cover 25 square metres. To do the same area in roll-out turf will cost $250-$350, depending on the variety.

Reduced Labor Expenses:

Establishing a lawn with seed typically requires less labour compared to rolling out instant turf, translating to additional cost savings. While rolling out turf involves heavy lifting and precise installation, seeding is a simpler process that can often be done with basic tools like a rake and a broadcast spreader. Additionally, seeding allows for more flexible scheduling, enabling homeowners to tackle the project at their own pace and potentially save on labour costs associated with hiring professionals.

Long-Term Savings:

While seeding may require more patience initially as you wait for grass to establish, it can offer long-term savings compared to turf. Seeded lawns tend to develop stronger root systems over time, resulting in better water and nutrient absorption and increased drought resistance. As a result, seeded lawns typically require less water, fertiliser, and maintenance in the long run, translating to ongoing savings on water bills and lawn care expenses.

Flexibility for DIY Enthusiasts:

For homeowners who enjoy getting their hands dirty, seeding offers the perfect opportunity for a DIY lawn project that won’t break the bank. With readily available resources and step-by-step guides, seeding your lawn can be a rewarding and cost-effective endeavour. By taking the DIY approach, you can not only save on labour costs but also gain valuable skills and knowledge about lawn care and maintenance.

Environmental Friendliness:

For eco-conscious homeowners, seeding a lawn aligns well with sustainable landscaping practices. Unlike turfing, which requires the removal of existing lawn and soil disturbance, seeding can minimise disruption to the environment. It provides greater control over the establishment process, allowing you to address specific areas or issues more effectively. Whether you’re overseeding to fill in sparse areas or starting from scratch, seeding gives you the flexibility to tailor your approach based on your lawn’s unique needs. You can adjust seeding rates, choose specialised seed blends, and implement targeted maintenance practices to achieve the desired results.

If time isn’t a problem and you don’t mind putting in some extra effort, give seeds a go. You might be surprised by how effective it is. There is a small window to sow now, up until the beginning of April, or alternatively, start planning now to be ready to so sow in Spring.  

If you want some tips on how to go about it, click here to watch our DIY seed-sowing video, and as always, if you have any questions, email us at info@paulmunnsinstantlawn.com.au