How Much To Sod A Yard? A Guide to Costs, Best Practices, and Options
- kellerlawnandlands
- Aug 27
- 10 min read
Updated: Sep 16
A lush, green lawn is one of the best ways to boost curb appeal, but getting there isn’t always easy. For homeowners who don’t want to wait months for grass seed to grow, sod offers an instant solution. Sod provides a fully developed lawn within hours, but the investment often leaves homeowners asking the same question: How much does it cost to sod a yard?
Whether you’re starting fresh or replacing an old lawn, understanding pricing and best practices will help you make the right decision for your yard.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
✔ The average cost to sod a yard ranges from about $0.60 per square foot for materials alone to $1.65 per square foot with full professional installation. ✔ The sod cost per square foot varies by grass type, with some budget-friendly options and others priced higher for durability, appearance, and climate suitability. ✔ The cost to install sod includes not just the grass itself but also delivery, skilled labor, and soil preparation, all of which are essential for long-term lawn success. ✔ Professional installation averages $37.50 to $77.50 per hour, or $0.55 to $1.00 per square foot, depending on lawn size and complexity. ✔ Proper ground preparation adds to the sod cost per square foot but is critical for root establishment since healthy soil is a living ecosystem that supports long-term growth. ✔ DIY sod installation may lower upfront sod cost, but professional crews deliver efficiency, expertise, and longer-lasting results that often justify the higher expense. |
How Much To Sod a Yard?
The answer depends on lawn size, sod type, and installation needs. On average, sod costs about $0.60 per square foot for materials only. With professional installation, the sod cost per square foot rises to about $1.65 per square foot. That price typically covers the sod itself, delivery, basic ground preparation, and installation labor.
For example, a 2,000-square-foot yard may cost around $3,300 for professional installation, or closer to $1,200 if you buy just the sod and handle the work yourself.
Sod Cost Per Square Foot by Grass Type
Not every lawn needs the same type of grass. Climate, soil conditions, and how much time you want to spend on maintenance all play a role in which sod you choose. Because of these differences, the sod cost per square foot varies widely across grass varieties. Some types are budget-friendly, while others cost more upfront but offer long-term durability and appearance.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of common sod types and what you can expect to pay:
Type of Grass | Sod Cost Per Sq. Ft. (No Installation) | Sod Cost Per Sq. Ft. (With Installation) |
Bahia | $0.20 – $0.33 | $0.77 – $1.26 |
Ryegrass | $0.28 – $0.58 | $0.85 – $1.51 |
Kentucky Bluegrass | $0.29 – $0.43 | $0.86 – $1.36 |
Fescue | $0.32 – $0.67 | $0.89 – $1.60 |
St. Augustine | $0.41 – $0.86 | $0.98 – $1.79 |
Bermudagrass | $0.44 – $0.83 | $1.01 – $1.76 |
Zoysia | $0.47 – $0.72 | $1.04 – $1.65 |
Bentgrass | $0.53 – $0.66 | $1.10 – $1.59 |
Centipede | $0.78 – $0.85 | $1.35 – $1.78 |
Breakdown of Key Options
1. Bahia Grass – Budget-Friendly and Hardy
Best for: Warm climates with sandy soil.
Why choose it: Bahia is low-maintenance, drought-resistant, and one of the most affordable options.
If you’re calculating the cost to sod a yard on a tight budget, Bahia is often the most economical choice.
2. Ryegrass – Fast Green Coverage
Best for: Cool-season regions or temporary lawns.
Why choose it: Quick germination and dense green coverage.
While it grows quickly, Ryegrass may need reseeding more often, which can affect the long-term sod cost of your yard.
3. Kentucky Bluegrass – Popular in Cooler Climates
Best for: Northeastern and Midwestern lawns.
Why choose it: Known for rich color and thick growth.
Homeowners often factor this in when comparing the cost to install sod in regions with cold winters.
4. Fescue – Versatile and Low Maintenance
Best for: Transitional zones with varying temperatures.
Why choose it: Tolerates shade better than many other grasses.
If you ever ask yourself how much to resod a lawn that gets partial shade, Fescue could be the best option.
5. St. Augustine – Popular in Southern States
Best for: Hot, humid climates like Florida and Texas.
Why choose it: Wide blades, thick coverage, and high shade tolerance.
Higher cost to sod a yard, but provides lush, carpet-like grass.
6. Bermudagrass – Durable and Sun-Loving
Best for: Warm, sunny yards with heavy foot traffic.
Why choose it: Extremely resilient and commonly used on sports fields.
Many homeowners see this as a long-term investment when budgeting for the cost to install sod.
7. Zoysia – Attractive but Pricey
Best for: Moderate climates with full sun to partial shade.
Why choose it: Dense, soft grass with great weed resistance.
Zoysia is a premium option, and while the cost to sod a yard with this grass is higher, it offers durability and long-lasting curb appeal.
8. Bentgrass – Premium for Golf-Style Lawns
Best for: Golf courses or homeowners seeking ultra-smooth turf.
Why choose it: Fine texture and elegant appearance.
Higher maintenance needs may influence the overall sod cost over time.
9. Centipede Grass – Low Maintenance but Expensive
Best for: Southeastern U.S. with acidic soils.
Why choose it: Requires little mowing or fertilizing.
While Centipede makes lawn care simple, the upfront cost to install sod with this grass can be among the highest.
Cost To Install Sod (Labor and Prep)
When most homeowners think about laying sod, they picture rolling out fresh green grass. But the cost to install sod involves much more than that. It includes soil preparation, delivery, and skilled labor—all of which play a role in whether your new lawn thrives or struggles. Proper prep ensures the sod’s roots establish quickly, making your investment last for years.
Labor Costs for Sod Installation
Hiring professionals saves time and guarantees proper placement of each roll or pallet. Labor costs vary based on yard size, accessibility, and complexity.
Per hour: $37.50 – $77.50
Per square foot: $0.55 – $1.00
These fees cover rolling out the sod, trimming edges, and performing the crucial first watering. Since poor installation can ruin your investment, many homeowners find the higher sod cost worthwhile when hiring a pro instead of attempting DIY.
If you’re budgeting the overall cost to sod a yard, labor is one of the largest line items, often equal to or greater than the price of the sod itself.
Ground Preparation Costs
Healthy soil is the foundation of a healthy lawn because it’s more than just dirt—it’s a living ecosystem filled with organisms that recycle nutrients and support root growth. That’s why proper prep work is critical before installation, and why it adds to the overall sod cost per square foot.
Task | Average Cost (Labor + Tools) | Details |
Removing weeds & old grass | $0.88 – $1.84 per sq. ft. | Includes disposal; essential if resodding |
Tilling & grading | $0.90 – $2 per sq. ft. | Loosens compacted soil and levels uneven yards |
Soil testing | $12 – $30 | Identifies pH or nutrient deficiencies |
Fertilizing | $0.02 – $0.07 per sq. ft. | Encourages root establishment |
Adding topsoil | $12 – $50 per cubic yard | Improves soil quality, covering ~100 sq. ft. at 3 inches depth |
Sprinkler system installation | $0.29 – $0.48 per sq. ft. | Optional but recommended for consistent watering |
When estimating the cost to sod a yard, don’t overlook these prep tasks. They’re especially important if you’re considering how much to resod a lawn, since old grass removal and disposal can significantly increase the final bill.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
When it comes to transforming your yard with sod, you’ll need to decide whether to roll it out yourself or hire a professional crew. The choice depends on your budget, available time, and comfort with hands-on yard work. Both approaches have advantages and trade-offs that affect the final sod cost and overall success of your lawn.
DIY Approach
Buying sod directly and installing it yourself can save money initially. As discussed, the average sod cost per square foot is about $0.60 without installation. This means you could cover a 2,000-square-foot lawn for roughly $1,200 in materials.
But here’s what you’ll need to consider:
Required Tools: Tillers, rollers, utility knives, and wheelbarrows are often necessary. Renting equipment adds to the total sod cost.
Time Commitment: Installing sod is labor-intensive, often requiring a full weekend or more.
Skill Level: Proper soil prep, correct roll placement, and timely watering are crucial. Mistakes can result in dead patches, uneven seams, and wasted rolls, raising your true sod cost per square foot.
If you’re estimating the cost to sod a yard using the DIY route, be realistic about hidden expenses. Delivery fees, extra sod for miscuts, and tool rentals can quickly narrow the gap between DIY and professional installation.
Professional Installation
Hiring a landscaping team for sod installation typically raises the cost to install sod. While this may feel like a steep jump, the investment often pays off in long-term savings.
Here’s why:
Expertise: Professionals know how to prepare soil, apply fertilizer, and ensure tight seams.
Efficiency: A crew can complete the job in hours, not days.
Quality Results: Correct installation reduces the chances of sod failure, minimizing replacement costs.
Convenience: No need to rent equipment, haul sod, or worry about proper watering schedules right after installation.
When you weigh the cost to sod a yard professionally, consider the value of guaranteed results and less physical strain.
5 Effective Tips for Saving Money on Sod
While sod delivers instant curb appeal, it can also be one of the most significant landscaping investments you make. The good news is there are several smart strategies to help you cut expenses without sacrificing lawn quality.
1. Buy in Bulk Instead of by the Roll
Purchasing sod by the pallet is almost always cheaper than buying it by the roll. A pallet covers around 450–500 square feet and can lower your sod cost per square foot by 15% to 40%.
When to choose pallets: If you’re tackling a full lawn installation or resodding large sections, bulk orders make sense.
When rolls are better: Small patches or decorative areas may not justify a full pallet, even though rolls are more expensive per unit.
If you’re calculating the total cost to sod a yard, buying in bulk is one of the easiest ways to stretch your budget.
2. Handle Some Prep Work Yourself
Labor is one of the most expensive parts of the cost to install sod, often equal to or greater than the price of the sod itself. You can save significantly by handling basic tasks on your own before professionals arrive.
DIY tasks that save money: Removing weeds, tearing out old grass, and basic soil grading.
Leave to the pros: Complex grading, sprinkler system installation, and soil treatments that require precision.
For example, if you’re wondering how much to resod a lawn, keep in mind that the removal and disposal of old sod can add $0.88–$1.84 per square foot. Doing this part yourself reduces the overall sod cost considerably.
3. Shop Local Sod Farms for Better Deals
Big-box garden centers may be convenient, but they aren’t always the cheapest source. Going straight to a local sod farm often means fresher grass, better service, and lower prices.
Local farms: Frequently offer wholesale rates, especially on larger orders.
Retail centers: Usually mark up prices for convenience, increasing the final sod cost per square foot.
When planning the cost to sod a yard, it’s worth making a few phone calls to compare direct farm prices with retail suppliers.
4. Schedule Your Installation During Off-Peak Seasons
Timing can influence the cost to install sod just as much as yard size and labor. Many homeowners schedule installations in late spring or early summer, creating high demand. Instead, aim for the shoulder seasons:
Spring: Sod establishes roots quickly in cooler weather.
Fall: Lower demand may mean discounted installation rates.
Avoid peak summer: Higher stress on sod, less availability, and increased water bills.
If you’re figuring out how much to resod a lawn, choosing the right season can shave hundreds of dollars off your project. Lower demand often means lower delivery fees and more flexible labor rates.
5. Use the Right Grass for Your Climate
Picking a grass variety that thrives in your region prevents costly replacements. For example, Bahia is affordable but only does well in warm, sandy soils, while Kentucky Bluegrass excels in cooler regions. Choosing the wrong type could force you to replace it early, increasing your long-term sod cost.
Looking at the sod cost per square foot alone can be misleading. The right variety for your yard ensures your investment lasts, making the overall cost to sod a yard more manageable over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you lay sod over existing grass?
Laying sod directly over existing grass is not recommended. While it may seem like a shortcut, the old grass and weeds will prevent the new sod from rooting properly. The underlying layer creates a barrier that keeps roots from accessing nutrients and water. To ensure success, the existing grass should be removed, the soil tilled and leveled, and a starter fertilizer applied before installation.
Why is sod so expensive?
Sod is expensive because it represents months of growth and maintenance before it ever reaches your lawn. Sod farms spend time cultivating, watering, fertilizing, and mowing the grass until it is strong enough to be harvested with intact roots and soil. The cost also reflects transportation, delivery logistics, and labor to cut and roll the sod. When you hire professionals, the cost to install sod increases further due to soil preparation and skilled installation. While the upfront sod cost is higher than seeding, it pays off with instant results and a lawn that is usable right away.
How long does sod take to root?
Sod usually takes between 10 to 14 days to develop shallow roots that anchor it to the soil. During this time, consistent watering is critical to keep the sod moist and help roots establish. Full root development may take several weeks, depending on grass type, climate, and soil conditions. Until the sod is firmly rooted, avoid heavy foot traffic and mowing, as this can disrupt growth and cause gaps.
What to do immediately after laying sod?
The most important step immediately after laying sod is to water it thoroughly and deeply. Fresh sod needs moisture right away to prevent drying and to encourage root growth. The soil beneath the sod should be damp to a depth of several inches, ensuring the roots have direct contact with moisture. Skipping or delaying watering in the first few hours after installation can cause the sod to shrink, turn brown, or fail to establish.
What is the lifespan of sod?
With proper care, sod can last anywhere from ten to twenty years. Factors such as watering habits, mowing frequency, pest control, and fertilization directly affect its longevity. Choosing the right grass type for your climate also plays a role in how long the sod will thrive. Eventually, even well-maintained lawns may need to be resodded, but careful maintenance can extend the life of your investment and keep your lawn healthy for decades.
Skip the Hassle—Get Guaranteed Sod Installation from Keller Landscaping
Sod is one of the fastest and most effective ways to create a lush, green lawn, but it’s also a major investment. At Keller Landscaping in Connecticut, we know what it takes to bring your outdoor space to life. Whether you need sod installation for an instant lawn, reseeding for long-term growth, or a complete landscape upgrade with perennials, annuals, shrubs, and trees, our team is here to make it happen.
Don’t wait another season to get the yard you’ve been dreaming of. Contact Keller Landscaping today to schedule your consultation!
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