turf vs seed - which is cheaper long term??

blondierm

Just here to get a few opinions.
Our backgarden is like a swamp at the moment. This all started last summer when I used some of that so-called "feed and weed" stuff from homebase on the lawn. This seemed to just kill off huge amounts of grass (but leave the weeds) and left huge chunks of lawn bare. Then, the rains came and our Alsations have trampled the bare patches to mud - which has waterlogged and now is permanantly soggy.
I know we need to drain the garden, and rotivate, and we can keep the dogs off the lawn area whilst it establishes, however my question is.......

as we can't gaurentee to keep the dogs off - even though turf is more expensive - will it work out better in the long run as it takes less time to establish?
Or should I try with seed and see how I go and then if that fails use turf?
I'm at my wits end now with mud being constantly trampled into the house

latecomer

I guess seed is cheaper but takes longer. I would say go for turf if getting grass back is your priority.

lolarentt

Seed will be fine if you can keep the dogs of long enough for it to get well established - but this needs to be a very long time as the grass will be delicate and fine for some time. Turf is much more expensive though.

An alternative suggestion if you're just after a lawn, not a cricket pitch (which I guess you are with German Shepherds around) - we had our front 'garden' reorganised after a garage and drive were put in. This left a front lawn area that was just level imported earth (our builder had put this down as part of the work). We left this to grow 'wild' for some months, just strimming of the tops of the various weeds/couch/etc that grew, and then started mowing it short. The couch tufts soon levelled out and the area is now a very presentable pretty tough lawn.

Wickedkitten

The thing with seed is that you really need to take the time to get the ground right before you seed it if you want the best results.

blondierm

Thanks everyone!!

I think wee are going to have to source some cheap but hardwearing turf as I don't think the seed will have enought time to take (although would be cheaper than turf!)
Thanks all!

adandem

If your dogs wee on the grass it will kill it off so it may not all be down to the feed and weed.
We lanscaped our back garden last year (gravel with lots of individual beds, pots etc) and believe it or not it actually looks more colourful.
Our dog now has access to the garden for 12 months of the year and we don't get any mud, he does get taken to the park, common or woods regularly so he gets lots to spend lots of time on open spaces.

frogglet

I think I would be tempted to look at gravel and beds, rather than grass. I think woodchip would smell when the dogs wee on it.
We have done seed lawns before and they are a lot cheaper than turf but as has been said they do really need a long time probably 12 months to become really established.
To use feed and weed and not get the devastating effects you have had, your lawn needs to be mainly grass with only a few weeds. I had the same effect with moss killer on my front lawn which is north facing, I soon found out it contained very little grass it was only green due to the moss. lol

27col

I hope that you do not have any resident badgers. Here's what they did to my newly laid extensions to my back lawn.

http://i427.photobucket.com/albums/pp352/27col/100_0259.jpg
http://i427.photobucket.com/albums/pp352/27col/100_0258.jpg

here

blondierm

Oh no!
I don't think any badgers would dare come in the garden with 2 alsations in there thank goodness!
We do have some foxes nearby that pay us a visit now and then to pinch the dog's food