How Much Does Sod Cost
Do you need an instant new lawn? A sod is the instant answer to this need. A sod is a mature lawn that was professionally cultivated and cut into squares or rolls for instant use. However, using sod for a lawn can be very expensive. In fact, it is around 20 times more expensive than a seeded lawn and 10 times more expensive than a plugged or sprigged lawn.
Typical Cost Of Sod
The cost of sod ranges from 8 to 30 cents per square foot.
Included in this price is a roll of sod measured per square foot. Some stores offer free shipping as well.
Factors That Affect The Price Of Sod
Variety. The price of sod can fall on the cheaper or higher end depending on its type and variety. Types of sod include Kentucky bluegrass, rye grass, tall fescue, Bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine, and centipede. Your choice of sod will depend on the kind of climate in your area and the type of soil in your yard.
Quantity. The more you purchase, the more discounts you can get for each square foot of sod.
Grass work. How do you intend to install the sod to your property? The above-quoted price for a square foot of sod refers to the sod alone. Meaning, planting it on your land is your responsibility. If, on the other hand, you consider professional sod installation, the price of sod per square foot can be doubled. The price runs from 40 to 60 cents per square foot. This includes the sod, shipping, professional installation, and labor fees.
Lawn condition. If you are installing sod on a lawn with a steep slope or with an unusual shape, the price of sod can increase a lot. Moreover, a narrow area where hauling makes it difficult can be more expensive as well.
Store or contractor. Different stores and contractors offering DIY or professionally installed sods price differently. This usually depends on the geographical location and the quality of sod the store or contractor offers.
Additional Costs
Preparing the area for the sod installation can be an added expense, especially when speaking of DIY installations. The land preparation can include removing trees or bushes and root systems. This may also include raking, leveling, and net installation.
Laying down the sod yourself means additional costs such as equipment rental. A rotor tiller can be rented from $60 to $100 per day and a lawn roller can be rented from $10 to $15 a day.
Caring for the planted sod can mean additional costs as well. Mulch, for instance, can cost from $100 to $150 and gypsum fertilizer is around $100.
Handling sods and transporting them to difficult terrains such as a steep slope or off-road places can cost you extra.
Tips Before You Decide To Buy Sod
Calculate the overall size of the yard you want to cover with sod. This will help you get the right quantity of sod for the project. You can even draw a rough map of the area and submit it to a contractor to double check how much sod is needed. Take note that calculating the quantity of sod can be tricky especially if the space has an irregular shape and there are lots of steep slopes within the property.
Choose a type of grass that can efficiently grow in your area. Grasses that are grown by the local nursery in your area will instinctively be the best sod types for you. For cool climates, Kentucky bluegrass, rye grass, and bentgrass are usually the best options. On the other hand, St. Augustine, Bermuda, and zoysia are best for warmer climates. You must also talk to an expert regarding the best grass type for the traffic you are expecting for your lawn and the type of soil you have in your property.
If you are installing the sod yourself, directly purchase rolls of sod at stores. This will save you a lot of money. Moreover, you can consider getting sods at their wholesale prices to even save more.
Once you receive the sod at home, lay it as soon as possible, the best time is within 24 hours. In case you cannot attend laying down the sod sooner, make sure to keep it in shade and keep it moist all the time.
Inspect the sod you are purchasing. To check the freshness of the sod, the grass must not be yellowed and the sod must look moist and fresh.