When embarking on a new lawn project, one of the first steps is to estimate how much sod you’ll need to order. But determining the exact amount can be confusing when sod is sold in so many different units – pieces, squares, rolls, pallets, and even pounds!
Pricing models used by sod farms are anything but straightforward. Cost per pallet can vary drastically depending on the type of grass, thickness cut, weighing methodology, and transportation fees. To get the lushest lawn for your landscaping vision and budget, you’ll need to understand the different factors that influence sod cost before installation day.
Breaking Down the Basics of Sod
Sod consists of strips or patches of grass-covered soil held together by dense root mass. Sod pieces are cut in standard sizes from open grassy fields or grown on specialty mats. The harvesting process preserves the pre-grown turfgrass so it can be transplanted as rolls or flats with an intact root system. This allows the grass to continue growing upon installation instead of needing to germinate from seed.
Sod vs. Other Lawn Establishment Methods
When creating a new lawn or replacing bare spots, sod offers instant gratification compared to grass seed or synthetic grass options. However, it’s generally more expensive upfront. Here’s how the different lawn establishment methods stack up:
- Sod – Offers immediate results but requires careful installation. Fully establishes within 2-3 weeks.
- Seeds – Cheaper initially but can take months to fully grow in.
- Hydroseeding – Uses a slurry sprayed across yards. Still needs time to germinate.
- Artificial Turf – No maintenance but not as soft and higher long-term costs.
When Should I Choose Sod?
Sod is best for those patiently awaiting lush lawns. It thrives during home builds and renovations needing quick green coverage. Sod also conceals unsightly patches faster than seeding.
Pricing Sod by the Piece, Pallet or Pound
From mini-rolls to jumbo slabs, sod comes in all shapes and sizes when harvested. Pieces are then bundled onto wooden transport pallets for easier handling. So what exactly are you paying for when you get that shocking total sod cost estimate?
Sod Sold by the Piece
The most basic sod transaction is paying by the piece. Measurements and terminology vary by region. Northeastern farms sell mini-rolls covering around 5 ft2. Floridian fields cut small 2 x 1 ft rectangles called slabs. In the transition zone, sections run from 15 to 25 ft2 each. The per piece price averages $3 based on grass species and thickness.
Sod Priced by the Pallet
For larger projects, full pallets keep installation moving smoothly. A standard pallet measures 4 x 4 ft and can handle 1,000+ lbs of stacked sod. While sizes fluctuate slightly, an average pallet includes 100 pieces totalling 500 ft2 of coverage. Price per pallet ranges $200-$500 before accounting for delivery.
Sod Calculated by the Square Foot
To simplify estimation, many sod farms now advertise costs per square footage instead of pieces. Average coverage rates run $0.20 to $0.90 per ft2. This allows buyers to budget projects based on total lawn square footage. However, you still need to reference pieces per pallet to place orders accurately.
Sod Sold by the Pound!
Believe it or not, some sod growers price their turfgrass by the pound! Heavier pallets mean more robust sod and faster maturation. Prices span $100 to $200 per 1,000 lbs batch. But weight measurements can get skewed based on soil moisture and grass health during harvesting.
Reasons Behind Fluctuating Sod Prices
If your head is spinning from all the sod statistics so far, here are the key elements that dictate cost when buying pallets of grass:
Grass Species and Cultivars
Not all sod is created equal. Pricing aligns with quality expectations amongst grass types. Golf course Bermuda runs $0.30+ per ft2 while basic residential fescue starts around $0.15 ft2. Expect to pay even more for proprietary patented sod varieties.
Cut Thickness
Thinner sod slices easier during harvest and stacks more pieces per pallet. But thinner grass risks drying out and requires gentler handling. Most farms cut sod 1 to 1 1/2 inches deep for ideal durability and coverage. Deeper cuts mean heavier pallets and fewer sections per order.
Growing Region and Farm Practices
Northern cold-season grasses perform differently than southern warm season varieties. Growth cycles, irrigation methods and even mowing equipment vary amongst farms based on climate. These operational factors influence cost per piece and pallet weights.
Transportation Distance
Adding delivery with pallets weighing up to 2,000 pounds increases supply costs. Fuel prices and driver shortages make long-distance transport especially expensive. Compare pick-up and per mile delivery rates when budgeting grass projects.
Plan Sod Coverage Area Needs
While complexities abound when costing pallets of sod, you won’t know true project investment until estimating yardage needs. Follow this process when ordering materials:
Calculate Total Landscape Area Needing Coverage
Sketch property boundaries and landscape shapes on grid paper. Divide sections into manageable squares and rectangles. Total the square footage measurements of spaces getting new sod laid.
Determine Number of Pieces Necessary
Check supplier guidance on average pieces included per pallet. Then divide your total area by the typical ft2 coverage rate per piece to reach estimated quantities needed. Remember to account for recommended installation overlapping and edging allowances.
Convert Pieces to Required Pallets
Finally, compare desired number of pieces to pallets containing 100 pieces on average. Round up pallets to the next whole number to ensure full area coverage. Use more pallets for thinner grasses requiring greater overlap.
Ordering and Installing Sod
Arrange delivery dates for pallets to arrive as close to installation day as possible. Store rolled sod in shaded areas and water daily if holding several days. Rake soil until smooth and moisten thoroughly before laying pieces in staggered rows, pressed tightly with no gaps between sections. Water newly laid sod for 2 weeks while grass mends together for a seamless lawn.
While sod farming math makes ordering grass more confusing, carefully comparing species, thickness, transport fees and yardage needs takes the guesswork out of budgeting lush landscape projects. Once your pallets arrive, proper preparation and care ensure root systems knit together to create an envy-worthy emerald carpet welcoming bare feet all season long!
