To seed or to sod... that is the question

We have a very small patch of land in front of our townhouse. The soil is more clay than anything, and it's on a slant. Because of trees, it doesn't get a ton of sunlight.

DH wants to try to seed it since it will be cheaper. I think we'll end up spending more money in the end since we'll eventually have to sod (he keeps trying to 'save money' by doing things himself, and then we end up having to pay for that attempt, and then the 'easier' way as well).

So, do we attempt to see, or should we just suck it up and pay for the sod?

ETA: I know that either way we need to mix in soil w/ the clay.

Message edited 3/21/2010 8:37:41 AM.

Re: To seed or to sod... that is the question

We had to get a new cesspool and they ripped up our entire front yard. My DH seeded the entire thing and we have a beautiful lawn now. You can definitely seed a patch and it can come out good!

Re: To seed or to sod... that is the question

I looked into sod and someone here shared how much it cost for them. I don't remember what it was but once I did the math, it was clear we should seed first.

If you're patient, you can save a lot of money. How much of a slant are you talking about? If it's a big slope, are you sure grass can grow there at all?

Re: To seed or to sod... that is the question

last spring we sodded our front and back yard, we live in a townhouse so our yard isn't big and the sod cost us only $150 (we also had sod left over, DH measured our yard wrong )
and my husband and his friend did it themselves. We tried the seeds, but it never came in fully, I am not sure if its the soil or not (I live in NOVA too)

Re: To seed or to sod... that is the question

I would go to your local nursery or Ace Hardware and ask what seed would work best for your area since there is so much shade. I'm not sure how well sod takes to shaded areas and clay soil. And how bad is the slope? I would try the seed first since it's not a large area. Then if the seed doesn't take you can always get sod. GL!