How Much Does a Sod Installation Cost?
Laying down a new lawn is an investment. On average, you might spend about $1 to $2 per square foot for sod. But this number can change. Factors like your location, amount of sod, delivery costs from the sod farm, and the type of grass you choose play a big role.
For instance, if you’re in Georgia or Atlanta, the price might differ from what someone pays in California. The type of sod matters too. Bermuda, Fescue, Zoysia, or St. Augustine each has their own price range.
As a homeowner, you must know what fits your budget and yard. Understanding the overall cost helps you plan better. This article will break down the price of sod and give you tips on what to expect. From prep work to the final mow, you’ll get a clear picture of what goes into sod installation to create a green lawn.
Types of Grass and Their Costs
Bermuda
Bermuda grass costs around $0.30 to $0.85 per square foot. It thrives in warm climates and is drought-resistant. This grass is tough and handles foot traffic well, making it great for active families.
Zoysia
Zoysia grass ranges from $0.28 to $0.80 per square footage. It’s known for its lush texture and ability to grow in various soil types. Zoysia is hardy, tolerates shade, and requires less mowing, making it ideal for low-maintenance lawns.
Fescue
Fescue costs about $0.35 to $0.70 per square foot. It’s perfect for cooler climates and stays green year-round. Fescue grows well in shaded areas and has deep roots, which helps it stay healthy in different soil conditions.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine grass is priced between $0.30 to $ 0.80 per square foot. It’s well suited for warm, coastal areas and tolerates salt well. This grass type has broad blades and creates a dense lawn that crowds out most weeds.
Kentucky Bluegrass
Kentucky Bluegrass ranges from $0.30 to $0.55 per square foot. It’s popular in cooler regions and known for its rich color and soft texture. This grass thrives in well-drained soils and sunny areas.
Ryegrass
Ryegrass costs about $0.40 to $0.85 per square foot. It’s often used for overseeding warm-season grasses during cooler months. Ryegrass is established quickly, making it a good choice for temporary cover or winter lawns.
Centipede
Centipede grass averages $0.35 to $0.90 per square foot. It’s ideal for the Southeast and grows well in acidic soils. This grass requires little mowing, herbicides, and fertilization, making it a favorite for low-maintenance lawns.
Buffalo
Buffalo grass ranges from $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot. It’s a native grass suited for arid regions. Buffalo grass is highly drought-tolerant and needs minimal watering and lawn mowing, making it an eco-friendly option.
Cost of Sod Installation By State
The average cost of laying new sod varies greatly across the United States. Factors like location, labor costs, sod delivery fees, additional costs, grass seed, existing lawn, and grass type all play a role. Below is a table with rough cost estimates for sod installation in different states.
These figures are based on an average yard size of 10,500 square feet of sod.
| State | City | Zip Code | Estimated Cost Per Sq Ft. | Total Estimated Cost |
| Alabama | Montgomery | 36104 | $1.82 – $2.99 | $19, 099 – $31,379 |
| Alaska | Juneau | 99801 | $2.18 – $3.69 | $22,935 – $38,748 |
| Arizona | Phoenix | 85001 | $1.87 – $3.08 | $19,598 – $32,338 |
| Arkansas | Little Rock | 72201 | $1.82 – $3.00 | $19,149 – $31,476 |
| California | Sacramento | 95814 | $1.99 – $3.33 | $20,945 – $34,926 |
| Colorado | Denver | 80202 | $1.87 – $3.09 | $19,673 – $32,483 |
| Connecticut | Hartford | 06103 | $1.96 – $3.26 | $20,586 – $34,236 |
| Delaware | Dover | 19901 | $1.93 – $3.21 | $20,313 – $33,711 |
| Florida | Tallahassee | 32301 | $1.80 – $2.96 | $18,941 – $31,076 |
| Georgia | Atlanta | 30303 | $1.84 – $3.04 | $19,364 – $31,890 |
| Hawaii | Honolulu | 96813 | $2.25 – $3.81 | $23,603 – $40,031 |
| Idaho | Boise | 83702 | $1.90 – $3.14 | $19,954 – $33,021 |
| Illinois | Springfield | 62701 | $1.92 – $3.18 | $20,133 – $33,366 |
| Indiana | Indianapolis | 46225 | $1.91 – $3.16 | $20,011 – $33,132 |
| Iowa | Des Moines | 50309 | $1.86 – $3.07 | $19,544 – $32,235 |
| Kansas | Topeka | 66603 | $1.86 – $3.06 | $19,479 – $32,111 |
| Kentucky | Frankfort | 40601 | $1.82 – $3.00 | $19,149 – $31,476 |
| Louisiana | Baton Rouge | 70802 | $1.82 – $2.99 | $19,091 – $31,366 |
| Maine | Augusta | 04330 | $1.90 – $3.14 | $19,903 – $32,925 |
| Maryland | Annapolis | 21401 | $1.90 – $3.14 | $19,903 – $32,925 |
| Massachusetts | Boston | 02201 | $2.03 – $3.39 | $21,319 – $35,643 |
| Michigan | Lansing | 48933 | $1.94 – $3.23 | $20,392 – $33,863 |
| Minnesota | St. Paul | 55102 | $1.97 – $3.28 | $20,679 – $34,415 |
| Mississippi | Jackson | 39205 | $1.79 – $2.94 | $18,811 – $30,827 |
| Missouri | Jefferson City | 65101 | $1.84 – $3.04 | $19,372 – $31,904 |
| Montana | Helena | 59623 | $1.87 – $3.08 | $19,587 – $32,318 |
| Nebraska | Lincoln | 68502 | $1.83 – $3.00 | $19,178 – $31,531 |
| Nevada | Carson City | 89701 | $1.97 – $3.27 | $20,665 – $34,387 |
| New Hampshire | Concord | 03301 | $1.84 – $3.03 | $19,300 – $31,766 |
| New Jersy | Trenton | 08608 | $1.97 – $3.28 | $20,679 – $34,415 |
| New Mexico | Santa Fe | 87501 | $1.91 – $3.16 | $20,054 – $33,215 |
| New York | Albany | 12207 | $1.93 – $3.20 | $20,248 – $33,587 |
| North Carolina | Raleigh | 27601 | $1.82 – $2.99 | $19,084 – $31,352 |
| North Dakota | Bismarck | 58501 | $1.91 – $3.16 | $20,011 – $33,132 |
| Ohio | Colombus | 43215 | $1.90 – $3.14 | $19,910 – $32,939 |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma | 73102 | $1.84 – $3.03 | $19,307 – $31,780 |
| Oregon | Salem | 97301 | $1.92 – $3.18 | $20,126 – $33,353 |
| Pennsylvania | Harrisburg | 17101 | $1.88 – $3.11 | $19,745 – $32,621 |
| Rhode Island | Providence | 02903 | $1.98 – $3.30 | $20,823 – $34,691 |
| South Carolina | Colombia | 29217 | $1.81 – $2.97 | $19,012 – $31,214 |
| South Dakota | Pierre | 57501 | $1.86 – $3.07 | $19,551 – $32,249 |
| Tennessee | Nashville | 37219 | $1.85 – $3.04 | $19,386 – $31,931 |
| Texas | Austin | 78701 | $1.81 – $2.96 | $18,962 – $31,117 |
| Utah | Salt Lake City | 84111 | $1.84 – $3.04 | $19,372 – $31,904 |
| Vermont | Montpelier | 05602 | $1.91 – $3.17 | $20,104 – $33,311 |
| Virginia | Richmond | 23219 | $1.81 – $2.98 | $19,027 – $31,241 |
| Washington | Olympia | 98507 | $2.00 – $3.33 | $20,967 – $34,967 |
| West Virginia | Charleston | 25301 | $1.91 – $3.17 | $20,090 – $33,284 |
| Wisconsin | Madison | 53703 | $1.92 – $3.18 | $20,126 – $33,353 |
| Wyoming | Cheyenne | 82001 | $1.90 – $3.14 | $19,932 – $32,980 |
Prepping for the Spring Sod Season
Spring is the perfect time to lay down new sod. The mild temperatures and consistent rain help the grass establish. To ensure your lawn thrives, start with a soil test. This will guide you in adding the right nutrients. Aerate the soil to improve water and nutrient absorption. Water the lawn using a sprinkler system in the early morning to minimize evaporation and help the grass take hold.
Your new lawn needs care and attention. Follow a strict watering schedule and keep an eye out for any signs of trouble. Healthy grass means a beautiful yard and enhanced curb appeal that you can enjoy all season long.
For professional sod installation and landscaping services, contact Verified Outdoor Services. Reach out today and give your yard the lawn care it deserves with our professional services, including landscape maintenance or yard drainage solutions. Get a free quote to get estimates of your project cost.
