What is sod installation, and what does the project entail?
Sod installation is when pre-grown grass is laid directly onto the surface of a yard, creating an instantly lush lawn. In most cases, here’s what you can expect when a pro is installing sod:
Clearing: Any existing structures, stumps or grass will be removed from the area.
Soil preparation: To aerate and loosen the soil, it will be rototilled from 3 to 6 inches deep.
Soil testing: A soil test will determine what nutrients and PH are needed to support healthy sod.
Adding amendments: Based on the soil test, fertilizer or other products may be added to the soil.
Grading: A hard rake is used on the loose soil to create a smooth, level surface that’s at least an inch lower than any paved surfaces (think: driveways or walkways).
Laying the sod: The sod is rolled out, beginning along a straight edge of the yard. As it’s laid, the surface is patted or rolled to smooth out any lumps.
Who can I hire to lay sod in my yard?
You can hire either a landscaper or a sod installation specialist to lay sod in your yard. When looking for a professional, make sure you complete the following steps:
Verify their license and insurance: License requirements for landscapers vary from state to state and sometimes change depending on the type of landscaping services offered. Be sure to do your research.
Get several estimates: An estimate should include materials and labor, plus any special equipment needed. Materials will include sod, topsoil and fertilizer.
Read their reviews: A great pro should have reviews that mention efficiency, complete site cleanup and thriving turf. Red flags would be mentions of unhealthy or poorly laid sod, messes left behind and damage to the property.
Look at their portfolios: Photos should show healthy lawns with even coverage. The cut grass level should not be significantly higher than the driveway or walkway surface levels.
Find out if they have warranties: Laying sod is usually an investment, and a warranty ensures that any problems will be addressed quickly. A warranty is also a sign of professional confidence.
Ask important questions: Ask how long the job will take. Laying sod is typically half preparation and half installation. If you’re on a tight budget, ask about cheaper turf varieties. Be sure to explain how you use your lawn and ask for a grass variety compatible with your needs.
For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page.
How much does it cost to sod your yard?
If you plan on sodding your yard, expect to pay between $250 and $1,250. You can get a better idea of your own cost by requesting free estimates from sodding professionals near you and calculating the square footage of your yard. Other factors will also affect your cost, including delivery prices, any prep work that needs to be done and additional labor costs.
Read our cost guide, “How much does sod installation cost?”
What types of sod can I install in my yard?
When choosing the right sod variety, you should understand each type first. Sod varieties can be grouped by climate suitability and physical characteristics like:
Warm-season sod: These thrive between 80 and 95 degrees, and can tolerate hot, southern summers. Examples include Bermuda, centipede, St. Augustine and zoysia.
Cool-season sod: These sod varieties grow well between 60 and 70 degrees, and can handle colder climates like the Midwest and North. Examples include bluegrass, fescue and rye.
Your yard’s sun to shade ratio also plays a part. Sod types like rye, zoysia and bluegrass do well in direct sunlight. St. Augustine and zoysia can thrive in shadier locations.
When choosing a sod style, consider how you use your yard. In warmer climates, St. Augustine sod is lush but prefers minimal foot traffic. Zoysia is tougher and holds up to wear from kids and pets. In cooler climates, go for ryegrass or fescues, which are tolerant of heavy foot traffic.
Is it difficult to DIY sod installation?
Laying sod can be hard for some homeowners, so it’s usually best to hire a professional. When deciding between DIY vs. hiring a professional, consider the following:
Tools and materials: A pro will have a sod cutter or rototiller, landscape edger, sod roller, hard rake and topsoil for leveling and a wheelbarrow. These tools can get pricey for a DIY-er.
Labor: Installing sod takes a lot of physical labor, effort and time. Depending on your yard’s size, it can take several people two to five days to complete the job.
Skills required: Laying sod takes strength, endurance and patience. The yard must be measured accurately so you don’t waste material, and sod should be laid within a couple of days of being cut or it may not root properly.
Results: Some professional sod installers offer warranties because even under the best of conditions, things can go wrong. Poorly laid sod can have an uneven surface, weed-filled gaps or it may not survive in your yard.
What are the benefits of installing sod in my yard?
Here are some of the benefits of choosing sod for your yard:
Speed: Installing sod will give you a lush lawn almost instantly. If you don't have the patience or expertise to properly seed a lawn, then sod installation might be for you.
Appearance: Well-installed sod can give your home serious curb appeal. If your lawn is patchy, browning or filled with weeds, it's almost impossible to achieve the same level of lushness and uniformity.
Value: A lush, attractive lawn may not add dollar value to a home, but it is a wonderful way to spruce up the overall look and feel of your property. This can cause higher, more competitive bids if you decide to sell your home.
Maintenance costs: Installing sod usually requires less maintenance in the long term versus trying to revive a dry, patchy lawn.
