Table of Contents
1. Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?
Never assume. Always ask.
Hiring a company that’s licensed and insured isn’t just about legality—it’s about protecting yourself. Licensing ensures the company meets state and local standards. Insurance protects you in case someone gets injured or your property is damaged.
✅ Pro Tip: Ask for a certificate of insurance (COI). A reputable company won’t hesitate to provide it.
2. How Many Years Have You Been in Business?
Years in business equates to experience, and experience means fewer mistakes. Companies with a long history have likely faced (and solved) a wide range of challenges—poor soil, tough slopes, tricky drainage, extreme weather, etc.
🎯 Real Example: A seasoned company might know how to install sod on a heavily shaded slope using erosion control netting—something newer companies may not be familiar with. If you’d like to learn more about how to lay sod then read our blog How to Lay New Sod: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
3. What Type of Sod Do You Recommend—and Why?
The best sod installers tailor their recommendations based on:
Climate: Cool-season vs. warm-season grasses
Sunlight: Full sun, partial shade, or deep shade
Soil: Sandy, loamy, clay-heavy, or rocky
Use: Play areas, pets, high foot traffic, decorative use
They should be able to explain why they’re choosing, say, tall fescue over Kentucky bluegrass.
💡 Insider Tip: Avoid companies that recommend a “universal” grass for all lawns.
4. Is the Sod Locally Sourced and Freshly Cut?
Sod should be installed within 12–24 hours of being harvested. Anything older risks root damage, browning, and transplant shock.
Ask:
Who is their sod supplier?
How far is the sod farm from your property?
What’s the delivery schedule?
🌱 Why it Matters: Locally grown sod is already acclimated to your region’s climate, reducing stress and boosting survival rates.
5. Do You Perform a Soil Test Before Installation?
Great lawns start underground. A soil test checks:
pH levels
Organic matter
Nutrient deficiencies (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium)
Soil compaction
These results guide how the soil should be amended before installation—whether it needs lime, compost, or aeration.
🧪 Pro Tip: If a company skips this, they’re cutting corners.
6. What’s Included in the Estimate—And What’s Not?
Make sure your quote clearly states:
Removal of old turf or weeds
Grading and leveling
Soil amendments
Sod cost per square foot
Delivery and installation
Clean-up and disposal
Optional extras like sprinkler repair or edging
📋 Watch Out For: Companies that give vague estimates like “starting at $X” without a written breakdown. If you’d like to learn more about average cost of sodding then read our blog Price Guide for Sod Installation: Average Costs in 2025
7. Can You Share Photos or Reviews from Past Projects?
Ask for a portfolio—before and after photos are ideal. A trustworthy company will be proud to showcase their work and connect you with past clients.
📣 Bonus Tip: Look at third-party review platforms like Google, Yelp, or BBB to spot patterns in customer satisfaction.
8. What’s Your Process for Preparing the Site?
Site prep is where many failed installations begin. A quality sod installer will:
Kill and remove old grass or weeds
Till or aerate the soil
Grade the surface for drainage
Add soil amendments as needed
Water the area before laying sod
Lay sod in a staggered, brick-like pattern for stability
📏 Pro Tip: Ask if they use a roller to press the sod down. This helps roots make better contact with soil.
9. How Quickly Will You Install the Sod After Delivery?
Timing is crucial. Sod begins to deteriorate quickly once harvested. Look for companies that install sod the same day it’s delivered or early the next morning.
⏱️ Watch Out: If a company installs multiple days after delivery, the sod might already be compromised.
10. Do You Provide a Guarantee or Warranty?
Reputable companies often offer a:
Workmanship guarantee (typically 30–60 days)
Sod health warranty (if maintained according to their care guide)
Be sure to ask what’s covered—and what voids the warranty.
🛑 Note: Most companies will not guarantee sod that isn’t watered or maintained properly by the homeowner.
11. Do You Offer a Post-Installation Care Plan?
Proper aftercare is essential for successful rooting and long-term lawn health. Ask if they provide:
A printed watering schedule
First mowing and fertilizing instructions
Pest/disease prevention tips
Seasonal lawn care recommendations
🧠 Value Add: Some companies even offer follow-up visits to monitor progress or provide optional lawn care services.
12. What If We Encounter an Issue Mid-Project?
Things can go sideways—weather delays, hidden debris in the soil, sprinkler line hits, etc.
Ask:
How do they communicate schedule changes?
Do they have a project manager or point of contact?
How do they handle add-ons or scope changes?
📞 Pro Tip: Look for companies that provide project updates via text, email, or client portals for full transparency.
Bonus Questions (If You Want to Go Even Deeper)
- Do you subcontract any part of the installation?
- How do you handle drainage or low spots?
- What type of equipment will you use on my property?
- Can you install sod around hardscapes, flower beds, or slopes?