There are many popular methods used to propagate turfgrass varieties such methods as: seeding, sodding, hydromulching, sprigging, stolonizing, and plugging.

Seed propagation is the most common method of growing turf for many reasons. The primary reason establishing turf by seed is popular is because of its low cost, it is considerably cheaper than any other method of establishment. Seed is also available in endless species, varieties, and cultivars, and can be suited to fit any site.

The biggest drawback of seed establishment is the time, and labor involved with the initial establishment. A considerable amount of time is spent preparing a site to be seeded, grading, drainage, etc. A lot of time is also spent establishing the seed, things like constant watering, fertilizer, and filling in bare spots are just a few.

Laying sod is the quickest and easiest method of establishing a lawn. The biggest advantage to sod is the instant gratification associated with it, people love the thought of instant turf. Site preparation still has to be done, to ensure a smooth, even lawn. Regular watering must also be done, just like in seeding, but the labor time is substantially reduced.

The biggest drawback to sod is the high price. Buying and installation of sod can cost five to seven times as much as seeding would. So the advantage and disadvantage must be weighed to decide if the extra cost is worth it.

Hydromulching or hydroseeding, as it is also commonly know, is a relatively new way to establish a lawn. It is very similar to seeding, except the seed is sprayed on with water and a paper mulch material, which will help reduce erosion, and protect the seed until germination. The cost of this process will fall somewhere in between the cost of sod and the cost of seeding.

Sprigging is a form of vegetative propagation that is commonly used in place of seeding, for those grass varieties that produce poor quality seed or insufficient amounts of seed. This method is more popular with warm season grasses like zoysiagrass and hybrid bermudagrasses, which are stoloniferous. Sprigging is actually pieces of rhizomes or stolons, cut into small pieces that have at least two nodes on them. The stolons are placed in the soil manually or mechanically, leaving about 25% of the sprig remaining above the soil surface, tto encourage top growth.

Stolonizing is a form of sprigging that involves broadcasting sprigs or stolons over moist soil. The sprigs are then pressed into the soil, again leaving about 25% of the sprig�s length exposed.

This process can also be used with a hydromulcher, where sprigs broadcast in a sprayed with mulch onto the soil surface, and is often referred to hydrosprigging.

These are just a few of the common ways that lawns, golf courses, parks and athletic fields are often established. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so you can weigh these and decide which one is for you.