Lost Lake Construction is a veteran-owned company based in northern Minnesota. I'm Dave Berry — I've spent 20+ years in the trades and run a crew of four, so we handle everything from a single afternoon's work to a full-scale build.\nBig job or small, we do it: junk removal and hauling, landscaping and yard cleanup, brush clearing, kitchen and bath remodels, basement finishing, decks, siding, roofing, concrete, painting, and general handyman work. We also specialize in custom fine finish carpentry, log construction, and standing seam metal roofing — the kind of work most crews around here won't take on.\nI'm a licensed Minnesota Residential Building Contractor (BC809295) and fully insured. You'll deal with me directly, not a call center. Free estimates, straight pricing, and a clean job site when we leave.\nGive me a call and let's talk about what you need done.
We offer only the best in quality workmanship and professional courtesy. We specialize in all phases of commercial and residential landscaping. We are committed quality work and outstanding results & are strongly involved in local community activities. We look forward to working with you!
Choosing between sod and seed depends on your budget, timeline, and maintenance preferences.
Sod:
Pros: Provides an instant, lush lawn and immediate curb appeal. It's more resistant to weeds and erosion, can be installed any time during the growing season, and offers a consistent appearance.
Cons: Has a higher upfront cost, typically $0.90 to $1.80 more per square foot than seed. It offers fewer grass varieties and must be installed immediately upon delivery.
Seed:
Pros: Less expensive upfront, making it a budget-friendly option. It offers a wider variety of grass types and is easier for a DIY installation.
Cons: Takes much longer to establish, potentially up to two years for a full lawn. It requires more maintenance, including regular weed control, and is more difficult to cultivate.
Ultimately, if you want a beautiful lawn quickly and have a larger budget, sod is an excellent choice. If you are patient, want to save money, and prefer a wider selection of grass types, seeding may be the better option.
Before you put down grass seed, you should cultivate your soil or add two inches of topsoil. You should also put down fertilizer at the same time as your seed to prompt healthy growth. Be sure to water after you put down grass seed, especially for the first two weeks.
In general, cool-season grasses such as fescue grass, ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass are best for creating a striped lawn. Warm-season grasses like bermuda and zoysia grass don't curl as much, so grass stripes aren't as easy to see. If you live in a climate that’s better suited for warm-season grass, zoysia grass will typically be your best option.
The time you should wait before walking on new grass depends on whether you used seed or sod. If you laid new grass seed, it's best to wait about eight weeks before stepping on it, as new grass is fragile. For sod, it typically establishes itself in the ground in about two weeks. For heavy traffic, like driving a car across a new grass driveway, you might need to wait an entire season.
No, it's not a good idea to put grass seed directly on top of dead grass. For successful germination and growth, grass seed needs good soil contact. To prepare the area, start by removing the dead grass using a shovel or a sod cutter. Then, loosen the soil, add soil amendments if necessary, and spread the grass seed evenly. This allows the seed to come into direct contact with the soil, promoting better germination and establishing a healthier lawn.
