What Does It Cost To Have Sod Installed?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Basic labor to install sod with favorable site conditions. Distribute new growth fertilizer on prepared soil (separate item). Unroll, place and seam pack sod. Includes

planning, equipment and material acquisition, area preparation and protection, setup and cleanup

.

What is included in sod installation?

Basic labor to install sod with favorable site conditions. Distribute new growth fertilizer on prepared soil (separate item). Unroll, place and seam pack sod. Includes

planning, equipment and material acquisition, area preparation and protection, setup and cleanup

.

How much does it cost to install 1500 square feet of sod?

Expect to pay between

$0.30 to $0.83 per square foot of sod

. If you’re skipping the DIY route and want professional sod installation, most sod installers charge an additional labor fee between $0.57 to $0.93 per square foot. You can expect to pay between $0.87 to $1.76 per square foot for both labor and materials.

When should sod be installed?

Even though sod can be successfully laid throughout the spring and the summer, installing sod during

fall

actually achieves the best results.

Is installing sod worth it?

Sod – No question, if you need a nice lawn right away, sod is your hero. … The speed of rooting varies with each season, and the rooting is essential to the longevity and health of the grass; fall

and spring

are optimal times to lay sod, though it can be laid any time during the year if water is available.

What is the correct way to lay sod?

  1. Prep the Area & Lay the Sod. Rake the soil and make sure it’s level, then sprinkle with water to prep the surface. …
  2. Position & Unroll Each Row. Place your next roll beside the first row. …
  3. Trim the Sod for Clean Edges. …
  4. Level Your Sod with a Lawn Roller. …
  5. Nourish Your New Sod with Plenty of Water.

Can I put sod over existing grass?

Sod, though,

can be applied directly over existing grass

.” … When the grass dies, it gives off nutrients that actually benefit the new sod above it. The main nutrient that the dead grass layer provides is nitrogen. Applying sod directly over grass is advantageous because it requires less work.

How long does sod take to root?

It can take

up to six weeks

for the sod to develop a deep root system. As the sod develops its shallow root system and moves on to develop a deeper root system, it’s critical to increase the amount of time between waterings to encourage roots to grow deeper in search of moisture without stressing the lawn.

Do you need topsoil for sod?


Adding topsoil is not essential for sod

but it will provide some benefits. … If you cannot have the topsoil mixed into the existing soil, then do not apply it! A thin layer of topsoil prevents grass plants from rooting deeply.

How late can I lay sod?

You can lay sod

anytime during the growing season

, although spring and early autumn are best—cool temperatures combined with occasional rain help sod quickly root.

Should I roll soil before laying sod?

Before Laying Sod

With dry soil conditions,

use a roller to fine-level the entire yard

. … In general, a proper sod-laying surface should only allow footprints as deep as 1/2 inch. If you have much deeper footprints, your soil is not compacted enough — another round of rolling is necessary.

Is it cheaper to buy sod or seed?

When it comes to price in sod vs seed, seed will always win.

Seed will always be much cheaper

due to the low amount of labor needed to cultivate it compared to sod. … On the other hand, sod costs an average of $1.29 per square foot, which is over 137% more expensive!

Is it better to use sod or seed?

One of the leading reasons why sod is

better than grass seed

is because it provides us with an instant lawn and instant gratification. It can take all season or even several seasons to get a thick, lush lawn from grass seeds, but sod takes root in only a couple, short weeks.

Should I reseed or resod?

As a general rule of thumb, if your

lawn is over 50% weeds

it might be best to renovate your lawn and start over with new sod. If your lawn is less than 50% weeds, putting in the effort to restore your lawn by overseeding may be worthwhile.

Can I lay sod without tilling?


If your yard has soft soil that is not compacted, you can install sod without tilling

. This can save you time, money, and result in a beautiful yard. In order to install sod with the no-till method: Test your soil to make sure it is soft enough that tilling isn’t necessary.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.