Permanent seeding is an essential component of erosion control on active worksites and can help speed up the process of post-construction cleanup.
There are several seeding techniques available to site managers, ranging from mulching and hydroseeding to laying our sod turf.
While grass sod is a popular form of lawn care for residents, in the environmental management sector, grass sod plays a pivotal role in establishing ground cover and protecting bare soil from erosion.
Quicker than other forms of seeding but also more expensive, there are several benefits of using grass sod for erosion control, which we will explore below.
What Is Sodding for Erosion Control?
Grass sod is a layer of grass–sometimes referred to as turf–that can be planted on bare soil to establish immediate ground cover.
Pre-treated to prevent weeds, grass sod provides a vibrant and healthy ground cover that can increase ground infiltration, stem the flow of runoff, and even filter out heavy particles.
Examples of Uses of Sod for Worksites
Grass sod is best used on bare or graded land that has little cover and is exposed to extensive runoff. Sod can also be beneficial in areas around drop inlets or channels with slow to intermediate water flow.
Some common examples where grass sod might be used include:
- Construction Sites: Construction sites and land clearing projects that strip the topsoil of cover and require an immediate seeding solution may opt for grass sod, depending on the surface area and budget of the project.
- Slopes and Embankments: Grass sod is thick and robust, providing the perfect ground cover for sloped embankments that experience moderate water flow.
- Roadside Landscaping: Highways, medians, and road shoulders often experience erosion from vehicle movement and weather conditions. Sod helps mitigate this by stabilizing the soil and enhancing roadside aesthetics.
- Stormwater Management Areas: Sod not only protects the soil from erosion, but can even provide sediment control in areas around retention ponds, drainage ditches, and swales.
9 Benefits of Sodding for Erosion Control
While hydroseeding and mulching are excellent solutions for bare or stripped soils, there are several benefits of grass sod and instances where we would choose it over other solutions.
1. Immediate Soil Stabilization
One of the key benefits of sodding is its ability to provide immediate ground cover. Since sod provides immediate ground cover and root systems, it can be highly beneficial for slopes or areas that experience heavy and continuous volumes of stormwater runoff.
For example, if we are in the middle of a rainy season during a land clearing project, laying down sod can help to stem erosion and sediment much quicker than other seeding solutions.
2. Rapid Water Absorption and Runoff Reduction
Sod establishes a root system in the ground almost immediately, helping to improve water infiltration and absorption. This helps reduce surface runoff, which is a leading cause of erosion. Compared to bare soil or newly seeded areas, sod absorbs water more efficiently, minimizing the chances of water pooling and soil displacement.
Additionally, sod acts as a natural filter, trapping pollutants and preventing them from entering water bodies.
3. Strong Root System for Long-Term Protection
Due to the way sod is created, it can establish a deep and permanent root system and fend off weeds with little to no maintenance. This makes sod a no-brainer for revitalizing lawns and open spaces that have recently been stripped of soil or ground cover.
4. Enhanced Aesthetic and Functional Appeal
There’s a reason sod is so popular for residential and commercial lawns. It looks bright and healthy, making for a more aesthetically pleasing option for re-establishing ground cover once a project has ceased operations.
5. Effective in High-Traffic Areas
While we formulate our seeding techniques to adapt to any environment or work zone, it can be more difficult to establish ground cover using seeds in heavily trafficked areas. Sod provides the perfect alternative, providing a robust and healthy surface that can withstand repeated abuse from foot traffic, heavy machinery, and animals.
6. Environmental Benefits
Sod acts as a natural air filter by trapping dust and pollutants while producing oxygen. Additionally, sod-covered landscapes reduce heat buildup, especially in urban areas, helping to lower overall temperatures. The presence of sod also supports biodiversity by providing habitat for insects and small animals.
7. Cost-Effective Long-Term Solution
While the initial cost of sodding may be higher than other seeding techniques, it is a cost-effective long-term solution for erosion control. Because sod establishes quickly, it requires less maintenance and fewer resources such as fertilizers, pesticides, and watering compared to seeding. Depending on the surface area you are seeking to cover, sodding can actually be more cost-effective in the long term.
8. Suitable for Various Soil Conditions
Working in several different regions across the country, we have to constantly adapt our seeding techniques to adapt to new terrains. Sod is especially beneficial because it can be installed on various soil types, including sandy, clay, and rocky soils.
This adaptability makes it a viable option for controlling erosion in different geographic regions and climates. Additionally, sod can be grown from different grass species, allowing for customization based on climate and intended use.
9. Reduced Weed Growth and Less Maintenance
Finally, most sodding rolls are weed resistant, requiring even less maintenance for future owners to keep their lawns and open spaces looking green and healthy.
Sodding is an easy, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing seeding technique for erosion control. Ultimately, the choice between sodding and other seeding techniques depends on your budget, timeline, and landscape.
FAQs
How long does it take for sod to establish?
While sodding can provide immediate ground cover, it generally takes about two to three weeks to establish a strong root system, depending on soil conditions and climate.
How often should newly installed sod be watered?
Newly installed sod should be watered frequently, typically two to three times per day for the first couple of weeks, then gradually reduced as the roots establish.
Can sod be installed on a slope?
Yes, sod is an excellent solution for slopes as it provides immediate erosion control and stabilizes the soil.
Can sod help with drainage issues?
Yes, sod improves water absorption and reduces runoff, making it beneficial for areas with poor drainage.