The Cost of Sod

Are you unhappy with the look of your backyard? Sod rolls could quickly give a new lease of life to this faded land whose appearance is causing you so much despair. Before you start this project, you will surely want to know how much enjoying a new lawn this summer will cost you.

As is the case with many renovation or landscaping projects, two options are available for you: you can do it yourself or ask a professional to do it. To know how much you will have to pay for your sod installation project, read on.

How much does sod cost?

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As the saying goes, everything is in its own time. To make sure the installation of your sod rolls is not done in vain, you will need to choose the right moment to do it. On this matter, it should be noted that it is possible to lay sod rolls during spring, summer and fall.

However, it’s advised to do so between mid-May and the end of November to ensure that you get the best possible result. What’s especially important is to choose a moment when you can water every day, this being essential to guarantee the survival of your grass. Then, you will have to prepare your land, otherwise, all your efforts will be lost.  

Calculate the size of your yard

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To avoid paying for sod rolls that will become yellow behind your shed, calculate with the most precision possible the amount you will need to set aside for your project. To do this, take the width of your land and the length. Once these two measures have been multiplied, you will have a measurement in square feet corresponding to the number of sod rolls needed.

However, if you have flower beds (which is probably the case), a deck or a patio in your yard, be sure to calculate the size of this area as well. You will then deduct these measurements from the overall area of your land to obtain the most accurate number of sod rolls required for your project. Then, add a proportion of 2% to this quantity. These additional sod rolls will allow compensation for measurement errors and for little variations that could result from the irregular contours of the flower beds.

Once you arrive at the store, you will then be able to determine with relative accuracy the number of sod rolls needed based on their sizes. In general, it should be mentioned that a peak block covers 10 square feet. 

The Cost of Sod

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For the purchase of your sod rolls be aware that prices can greatly vary from one retailer to another. Also, other factors are considered such as the properties of the turf and its composition. On average, prices will range from $1 to $4/square foot. Here's a look at the price to cover a plot of:

• 1000 square feet: between $1,000 and $4,000

• 2000 square feet: between $2,000 and $8,000

• 3000 square feet: between $3,000 and $12,000

• 4000 square feet : between $4,000 and $16,000

• 5000 square feet : between $5,000 and $20,000

Note that these amounts do not include the additional amount of sod rolls purchased to deal with unforeseen events as well as measurement errors.

Laying sod rolls or seeding?

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Because of its lower cost (we’re talking about 4 to 5 cents per square foot, garden soil not included), some will choose to use seed instead of sod rolls. Despite its price, it’s worth noting that this option has many benefits. Indeed, it’s a task that can be executed relatively quickly and without the help of specialized equipment.

However, you will need to be patient before having the chance to see your grass reach full maturity. Indeed, this process can take many hours before it comes to fruition. Besides, you should also think about laying seeds during the fall or in the spring.

For their part and as this article points out, sod rolls are more expensive to purchase. On the other hand, this choice also offers some benefits that are worth mentioning. They also significantly reduce soil erosion problems.

Moreover, because of their width, sod rolls offer better resistance against weeds. Thirdly, when the installation process is done, you will enjoy a consistent result. Finally, it should be noted that for those who cannot wait, especially due to the imminent sale of their property, the installation of sod rolls is often the only option.

Don't want to lay sod rolls yourself?

Not everyone has a green thumb. For those in this category, reaching out to a professional is possible. As for the price you will have to pay, this is unfortunately difficult to determine. As mentioned in a previous article, landscapers are often paid on a flat-rate basis. Therefore, it is recommended to ask for several quotes to benefit from the best possible price.