Sod is exactly what you need to restore your lawn’s health. Signs that your grass needs replacing include bare patches, an increase in weeds, puddle development, and poor drainage. With sod, all you need to do is contact an expert company who will till your current lawn and then roll out the sod layers. With frequent watering, the sod will take root and you will have a vibrant lawn you’ve always wanted. But how much does sod cost? Let’s find out.
Explore Different Types of Sod for Your Lawn
Did you know there are different types of sod, which sways the sod installation cost? The most common types of sod used are topsoil and loam. So, what’s the difference? Topsoil is mixed with sand. The duo promotes better plant growth and only takes a few weeks to install.
This type of sod is typically grown on farms. For topsoil in particular, professionals will use it as the foundation before planting grass seed. Loam is a more sustainable option and is made with organic materials, like cow dung, as well as compost and clay.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Sod
Aside from the type of sod you choose, there are several other elements that influence the cost of sod. First off, the size of the area matters. With larger yards, it takes longer for companies to cover the area with grass seed. As a general rule of thumb, typical house yards span 8,712 square feet. Based off this size, on average, homeowners will spend anywhere from $6,623 to $13,681. This size does not apply to all yards, so if you want a more accurate quote of how much it will end up costing you, take measurements.
Another factor that comes into play for the cost of sod in Ontario is accessibility. If the workers don’t have feasible access to the area of your lawn that needs sod, this means they need to carry the materials a farther distance, upping the labour cost. Additionally, delivery, prepping the area, added services and other obstacles will be considered to determine sod prices. Some companies charge a delivery fee, some will charge for prepping your lawn, and additional services will cost extra. Sometimes lawns have landscape obstacles that will need to be worked around, which increases sod grass prices.
Average Costs of Sod Installation
Based on sizing, labour, and materials, the average sod price in Ontario is $6,810, with the common range being anywhere from $4,780 to $8,050. The cheapest sodding cost in Ontario is $780 while the most expensive is $17,760. These prices are based off square footage. So, per square foot, the price is usually $0.35 to $0.80.
When it comes to labor and materials per square foot, the price is usually $0.90 to $1.80. To put this into context, if your lawn is 1,000 square feet, the service would cost $870 to $1,760.
DIY vs. Professional Sod Installation
When it comes to installing sod yourself vs. hiring professionals, it really comes down to how much time, patience, and expertise you have. Doing it yourself will take two to three days, so if you have an open weekend, you may be able to do it. However, you want the job done right so that you do not have to redo it and spend more money.
Make sure to do research and that you feel confident in your abilities. If you don’t, it is best to hire the professionals. DIY sodding is more affordable, costing, on average, $1,700. Sometimes though it is better to pay more for an expert to do it.
Sod Installation Process
The process can be broken down into 13 steps. Installing sod is not the easiest project in the world, as it is time-consuming and requires finesse, but it is totally worth it. Here is the process step-by-step:
Step 1: Soil testing. You or the professional can do this to test for issues. From there, they can form a strategy to give you a healthy lawn on top of sodding.
Step 2: Measure the dimensions of your lawn and calculate its square footage.
Step 3: Deliver and transport the sod to your home.
Step 4: Breaking up of the sod. This is usually done with a rototiller.
Step 5: Level out the soil.
Step 6: Roll the soil with a lawn roller.
Step 7: Fill lower areas with extra topsoil as needed.
Step 8: Distribute fertilizer.
Step 9: Install the sod.
Step 10: Cut the turf to fit around trees, plants, ponds, etc.
Step 11: Compress the sod with a shovel to ensure it’s flat.
Step 12: Irrigation installation.
Step 13: Water the sod. This should be done regularly, especially at first, so that the roots can flourish.
Tips for Saving on Sod Costs
If you want to sod your lawn on a budget, there are a few things you can do to pinch pennies. Get the cheapest blend available and install the sod DIY style. Some companies will charge a delivery fee. To avoid this, pick up the materials yourself.
For smaller and harder-to-fit areas, ask companies about using remnants (scraps of sod). They sell these for much cheaper than full rolls. Additionally, ask the company if they have any sales or discounts going on.
Long-Term Maintenance Costs for a Healthy Sod Lawn
With proper lawn mowing, watering, fertilizing, weed-pulling, and pest-monitoring routines, you will get the best quality out of the sod for years to come. These little acts of care go a long way. A top tip: if you believe you have a severe pest infestation, contact a pest control professional. They can diagnose the problem and get your lawn back to full health.
Sodding is not a small project, and it can cost a pretty penny, but in the end, having a healthy lawn is worth it. If you want your lawn to look lush and vibrant, call IRS Gardening at 416-831-7076 for a free quote. We’re garden experts you can trust.