In general, for sod installation labor only, it costs $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot. So, for example, if you need 1,000 square feet installed, then the sod installation cost will range from $1,000 to $1,500. It should be noted that removing and disposing of the old grass, purchasing and delivering new sod, regrading the lawn and installing sprinkler heads are usually considered extras that will add on to the overall price.

When you call a local sod delivery company, you should ask them if they can provide you with freshly cut sod that very day. Some shady sod delivery services try to sell you the old sod that’s been sitting there for 5-7 days. While it’s possible sod that old can survive, if you’re paying top dollar, you’ll want freshly farmed sod that has been cut within 24 hours.

Clear the lawn of all the current grass so it’s just bare dirt. Make sure the dirt slightly slopes away from the building structure. If necessary, add a 1-2 inch layer of new dirt such as pulverized screened topsoil with peat moss mixture. Condition the soil by cultivating and tilling the new soil into your existing grade. Use a metal rake to flatten out and level the soil. A lawn roller or power roller can be used to smooth out, settle, and firm the grade before the sod is installed.

When you lay sod, make sure the rolls are lined up so that there are no gaps in-between. The sod rolls should be flush, meaning they butt right up against each other. You should stagger the rolls of sod in a brickwork pattern. This makes it much harder to see the seams and makes the installation look more professional. If the sod roll happens to be too long, then just use a utility knife to cut off the extra part.

If the sodded area is on a steep hill, you will want to use galvanized landscape staples to secure the sod rolls in the ground. Lay the sod horizontally with the long edge of the sod strip parallel to the slope. These two steps will prevent the sod from detaching from the soil and sliding down the hill, which can happen on a very rainy day.

Yes, you should use a handheld steel tamper or a lawn roller to compact and flatten the rolls of sod with the soil. If you use a sod roller, you should roll it across your lawn in a grid-like pattern. This is best practice because it pushes the grass roots into the dirt on the ground. This serves as an adhesive to help the root come into contact with the soil and remove any air pockets.

You should water the sod within 1 hour of installation and then 1-2 times per day for the first week. Aim for the morning and afternoon if possible. Water until the soil is deeply saturated but not puddling. After 2 weeks of watering, feel free to walk on and enjoy your new lawn. By that time, the roots will be securely established in the dirt.

Some advantages to sodding are: immediate results, fast root establishment, immediate erosion control, and limited weeds. The advantages to seeding are: less expensive, long term quality, and more grass options. If you’re on a tight budget, you can try seed but the better choice is sod. Check out this blog for an in-depth analysis on the subject.

You should try to get a ballpark estimate on the total cost for your sodding project. Be prepared to answer questions about the dimensions of the areas that need sod as well as the condition of the soil. Ask the sod company how long they’ve been doing it and what their process is like. Google their company name to make sure they have good reviews online. Click here to get a sodding quote from His Workmanship.