Average Cost For Installing & Laying New Sod
Sod has an average price of $0.30 to $0.83 per square foot, however, the cost of laying sod will revolve around the type of grass, the grade or quality, the amount purchased, your location, and delivery fees.
The majority of sod farms sell their sod by the pallet or square yard. A pallet typically consists of 450 square feet of sod cut into rolls or squares. Depending on the supplier, some pallets can overspread up to 650 square feet. But, take note that roll measurements will differ from supplier to supplier.
Settle down to square-foot coverage instead of the number of rolls or pallets when purchasing as the dimensions and scope vary tremendously. Each grass species has different advantages and drawbacks and the availability depends on your area and climate zone.
Sod has an average price of $0.30 to $0.83 per square foot, however, the cost of laying sod will revolve around the type of grass, the grade or quality, the amount purchased, your location, and delivery fees.
The majority of sod farms sell their sod by the pallet or square yard. A pallet typically consists of 450 square feet of sod cut into rolls or squares. Depending on the supplier, some pallets can overspread up to 650 square feet. But, take note that roll measurements will differ from supplier to supplier.
Settle down to square-foot coverage instead of the number of rolls or pallets when purchasing as the dimensions and scope vary tremendously. Each grass species has different advantages and drawbacks and the availability depends on your area and climate zone.
Lawn Sod Type
St. Augustine Grass
Bahia Grass
Zoysia Grass
Bermuda Grass
Fescue Grass
Centipede Grass
Kentucky Bluegrass
Ryegrass
Factors Affecting Sod Costs
Square Footage
Because sod comes by the square foot, the larger the yard size, the higher the price. Sod installation in a typical 8,712-square-feet, one-fifth-acre lawn costs $8,715 to $17,430. This expense includes materials and labour. Home improvement shops may ignore additional charges for buying minimum quantities.
It’s hard to figure out an overall average cost for sod installation, especially since the average covers different lawn sizes from province to province. It’s better to estimate the cost by square footage for a more precise estimation than an overall average. You can also ask for an estimate by whoever you hire to install the sod.
Shape Of Your Yard
It’s more comfortable to lay sod in a wholly square or rectangular yard than a bizarrely shaped or curved yard.
Professionals will require additional efforts to make proper arrangements in bizarrely shaped grounds like cutting the turf. Due to the extra labour needed, you may be asked to pay more.
Location Of Your Home
The location of your home will also impact the amount you’ll need to pay if you want a new sod. Some varieties of sod are more readily available in particular areas. In most cases, the closer it cultivates to your location, the more affordable it will be and the more likely it will progress. Depending on where you live, you can even purchase sod directly from a sod farm.
Homeowners in cities where sod suppliers are deficient will need to deal with increased sod prices.
Delivery Fees
Ground Prep Work
Before installing sod, you’ll have to prepare the ground. You can prepare the ground yourself or hire an expert to do so. Ground prep is different from sod installation and will have an additional charge.
Regular ground preparation includes:
- Clearing - Ensure the area is cleared from all obstructions like furniture, rocks, weeds and old grass. It will not thrive if it's installed over existing grass. You might have to rent a sod cutter to remove old sod. DIY-ers can rent one for roughly $95 per day. Labour for professional removal ranges from a few hundred dollars to $1,500 depending on where you live and who you hire.
- Grading - The site must be roughly graded, ensuring the land slopes gently away from your home's foundation. Cover any low spots with dirt. Refrain from drainage concerns right from the start.
- Soil Testing - Test the soil to check if it's high in acidity, has heavy clay, or is sandy. Assess whether a sprinkler system will have to be placed to supply adequate water for the climate. Tests range in expense from complimentary through your local cooperative extension service to $50.
- Topsoil - After the soil is tilled, install topsoil or mulch, about 2-4 inches. You need to have 4-6 inches of high-quality tilled topsoil. On average, good-quality topsoil costs $1.00 per square foot.
- Fertilizing & Watering - Spread a starter fertilizer high in phosphate to help the sod acquire proper root growth and keep it at a level of moistness that will stimulate new growth without overwatering.
Extra Services
Seeding
Seeding your lawn is a far more inexpensive option than sodding if you need to save money. Also, seeding is an alternative if you notice some bare zones that require filling in rather than ripping up your entire lawn.
Seeding a lawn commonly costs between $0.09 and $0.18 per square foot or $90 to $180 per 1,000 square feet. With some knowledge, you can usually save on labour costs by seeding or overseeding areas yourself. For instance, if you see nasty patches on tlawn, you can reseed them. Though the seed cost is less, a seeded lawn takes up to a year before it is entirely usable.
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf may be useful to conserve on water and garden upkeep. The cost of laying down artificial grass differs depending on the product used. Longer-lasting products are generally cheaper than those that need periodic repair or replacement. Some landscaping companies provide warranties up to 20 years while others only offer a 10-year coverage.
Installation of synthetic turf costs between $5.50 and $18.6 per square foot.
Sprinkler System
DIY or Professional Installation
Another main factor that inflates the expenses is that most individuals pay for experts to install sod. If you believe you can establish the new sod yourself, it could save you some money. Bear in mind that without some specialized equipment and the expertise of a professional, you might encounter some issues. Sod installers will do all the hard work for you, including transporting the sod, preparing the site, and laying down your new lawn. If you wish to limit your financial burden, leave it to professional sod installers and you will save a little more money in the long run.
Regardless of the method you pick, be sure to nurture your new sod with the right watering and avoid heavy traffic in those first few weeks.
