If you are looking for a quick, low-maintenance lawn that looks good right away and is able to withstand drought and other environmental stresses, sod can be the best option for you to consider. However, a number of people might become skeptical about this option mainly because they are unsure of sod installation cost.
Despite all the benefits and advantages of sod installation, just like other home landscaping projects, laying sod can feel like a daunting process. And, without proper planning and preparations, a sod installation project can be expensive. It is helpful to have a little knowledge about sod installation as you begin your project to help prevent unplanned spending and other surprises along the way. Here are a few factors to consider before you can determine how much you might be spending on sod installation.
Cost of Production
Because sod grass is carefully cultivated on specialized farms, it is understandable that it will be almost always more expensive than seeding a lawn. On average, homeowners can expect to pay around 30 cents to 40 cents per square foot of grass sod and roughly $300 per sod pallet (which covers around 450 square feet). That translates to roughly $2,600 to $7,000 for a one-fifth-acre lawn.
Sod Type
Another factor that determines the amount you will have to spend on sod installation is the type of grass you install. And while this decision can depend in part on personal preference, it is more often subject to your zip code as well as the amount of available sun and shade your area receives. Other factors that impact sod choice include the climate and the average amount of precipitation in your area.
For example, fescue and Bahia grass are two of the more popular types of grass in the Southeastern United States due to their low price point and resilience amid heat and humidity. Zoysia and palmetto grass, on the other hand, are softer, more delicate grasses that thrive in shaded, cooler areas. Bermuda grass, another common choice throughout the U.S., is a great sod grass for hot, dry desert climates due to its natural resistance to drought. Chances are, wherever you live, there’s a sod farm relatively close by that grows the best types of sod for your climate.
Amount of Sod Needed
This is another important factor that greatly determines how much sod installation will cost you. Obviously, the larger the square footage of the project, the more it will cost. Because of this, you will want to be extra careful not to buy more sod than you will need. Unfortunately, this might not be always as easy as it sounds. Like laying tile or hanging wallpaper, sod rolls must be cut to fit certain areas of your lawn, so you may end up needing more rolls than you think. It is always advised that you purchase 5% more sod than you anticipate needing for the project. To stay safe, professional sod-installation services might be an option to consider.
Apart from helping you with the right calculation of the amount of sod needed, the professionals can also help with other lawn care services while you sit back and relax, trusting that the job will be done correctly. The professionals typically remove your old grass, prepare, and fertilize your soil and, finally, lay the new sod. On average, homeowners can expect to pay $1 to $2 per square foot for professional sod installation, not including the cost of the sod itself.
