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Sod provides a fast way to get grass growing in your yard without having to wait for seeds to germinate. The sod installation process consists of transplanting the sod from a farm to your outdoor space, which can all happen within a day.
When choosing a sod installation service, make sure the sod you are getting is freshly cut, delivered, and installed within 24 hours, as failing to do so within that timeframe may impact the delicate roots from properly taking hold. The best companies follow these best practices, plus they are certified, insured, and experienced. For your peace of mind, we have lined up the best sod installation services that meet all of these criteria here.
Best Sod Installation Services of 2023
- Best Overall: The Grounds Guys
- Best for Commercial: BrightView
- Best for New Construction: LOVING
- Best for Expertise: Henderson Turf
Best Overall : The Grounds Guys
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The Grounds Guys
- Lawn Services: Sod installation, lawn seeding, maintenance, aeration
- Service Area: More than 180 franchise locations in the U.S. and Canada
- Warranty: Limited to "Done Right Promise"
We selected The Grounds Guys as the best company overall because it has reliably provided sod installation services for many years, has the largest network across the United States, and the sod installation comes with the warranty that the services will be "done right". Another plus: With the weekly schedule you receive for taking care of the sod, you'll be able to take over the lawn care, unless you choose to hire the company for additional services.
Nationwide coverage
Provides both sod installation and maintenance services
Has an established installation plan
Provides weekly care schedule for homeowner
"Done Right Promise" for its services
Services may vary by location
Offering sod installation services for commercial and residential properties, The Grounds Guys has been in the landscaping business since 1987. The company has more than 180 locations around the United States and Canada. It is an active member of the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) and follows its guidelines.
The Grounds Guys has the experience and knowledge to get your sod installation underway for any property. Its team of landscapers will prepare your soil so it's free of weeds and old grass if needed, make soil adjustments, and level up the ground and create a pitch for proper drainage.
The company follows the best sod installation guidelines in the industry. In addition, its technicians will check your irrigation system to ensure it gets the right amount of water. You will also get a weekly schedule to take care of your new sod and ensure the best results. If you prefer, you have the option to get lawn care from the company as well.
You can get a free quote by reaching out to your local office or by calling the company’s national hotline.
Best for Commercial : BrightView
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BrightView
- Lawn Services: Sod installation, lawn weed and pest management, fertilization, mowing
- Service Area: More than 200 branches across the U.S.
- Warranty: None listed on website
For commercial facilities, we made BrightView our top choice. The company has been an expert in providing sod installation services for decades. Its landscapers will guide you to find the right sod for your property and primary use of the turf, such as an athletic field, and also the type of grass that grows best in your climate and soil.
Offers a detailed execution plan
Specializes in commercial properties
Nationwide outreach
Adapts sod to use, climate, and soil type
Does not offer residential services
BrightView is a public entity trading on the New York Stock Exchange and is one of the biggest commercial landscaping companies in the U.S. It offers different types of lawn services, including sod installation, maintenance, project management, development, maintenance, and more. The company has been in business for more than 80 years and offers is services in 35 states.
As part of its landscape construction services, BrightView provides sod installation for a wide range of entities, including athletic venues, schools, golf courses, and hospitality facilities.
The company's sod experts will help you choose the right sod that is not only best for your property but also its climate and soil. Plus, its team of installers will use the aforementioned best practices to get your new sod roots established, during a time that works best for your schedule.
You can request your estimate by filling out the request form online or by contacting your BrightView office directly.
Best for New Construction : LOVING
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LOVING
- Services: Sod installation, lawn maintenance and care
- Service Area: 14 locations in the southeastern U.S.
- Warranty: None listed on website
For sites with new construction, our top choice is LOVING because the company is specializing in that area and partners with home builders so the entire sod installation is coordinated and happens with minimal delays and disruption. What we also like about LOVING is that the company has its own sod farm so you know that the sod you are getting is fresh and from a reliable source.
Offers installation and maintenance services
Expertise in landscaping for new homes
Has its own sod farms
Partners with major home builders
Limited regional coverage
Mike Haynes founded The LOVING Companies in 2003 as a small landscaping business offering mowing services to his local community. Today, LOVING offers a wide range of services for homeowners and businesses, from landscaping to sod farming and installation services across all its locations from North Carolina to Florida and Texas.
As an expert in outdoor development for new construction, the company not only offers sod installation services but also has its own sod farm division that brings the best and freshest sod to your landscape.
The company partners with recognized home builders nationwide to execute your dream landscaping without delaying the construction. Plus, if all you need is sod, it can be delivered to you if you're located within the company's coverage areas.
You can get a quote for any of your outdoor living needs, including sod installation services, by filling out the contact form on the company's website or by sending an email.
Best for Expertise : Henderson Turf
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Henderson Turf
- Services: Sod installation, erosion control, lawn seeding, hydroseeding, soil preparation
- Service Area: Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio
- Warranty: None listed on website
Henderson Turf is the company that we view as the expert for all things sod. It offers a whole gamut of services, from growing sod in its own sod farm to installing and delivering sod rolls of different types. What we also like: You can opt to prep the soil yourself before laying the sod, which cuts down on the cost.
Offers sod installation and seeding
Big roll sod and thick-cut sod
Own sod farm
Family-owned business
You can prepare the soil yourself
Only serves Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio
Henderson Turf is a family business established in the 1960s. The company grows its own sod on a farm in Warren County, Ohio, and serves that state, along with Kentucky and Indiana. Its list of services includes selling sod, sod installation, sod seeding, and more.
Henderson Turf's sod installation services are available to both individuals and commercial facilities. Its sod installers have the expertise to offer high-quality sod installation, and you have the flexibility to choose to prep the soil yourself or add it as part of the installation process.
The company offers its own unique big roll sod that helps the sod get in place and grow faster, with fewer seams. Henderson Turf also offers thick-cut roll sods, which are great for athletic fields and can be used as soon as the sod is installed.
You can order your sod directly on the company’s website or call the company to discuss your sod project.
Final Verdict
Our best overall pick is The Ground Guys for sod installation services on residential and commercial properties, following high professional standards and offering nationwide coverage from more than 180 locations in the U.S. and Canada. The Ground Guys is the best overall company but if you are located in the southeastern U.S. and need to install sod on a site with new construction, also check out LOVING, which grows high-quality sod in its own sod farm.
Compare the Best Sod Installation Services
Company | Services | Service Area | Warranty |
The Grounds Guys Best Overall | Sod installation, lawn seeding, maintenance, aeration | More than 180 franchise locations in the U.S. and Canada | Limited to "Done Right Promise" |
Brightview Best for Commercial | Sod installation, lawn weed and pest management, fertilization, mowing | More than 200 branches across the U.S. | None listed on website |
LOVING Best for New Construction | Sod installation, lawn maintenance and care | 14 locations in the southeastern U.S. | None listed on website |
Henderson Turf Best for Expertise | Sod installation, erosion control, lawn seeding, hydroseeding, soil preparation | Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio | None listed on website |
Frequently Asked Questions
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How Much Does It Cost to Lay 500 Square Feet of Sod?
Based on the average price of $0.60 per square foot, 500 square feet would cost $300 just for the sod. Add to this price the cost of the installation, which can vary greatly depending on your location. Expect the price to be between $0.90 and $1.80 per square foot, which includes sod, labor, and other materials. For 500 square feet, the total ranges between $450 and $900.
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Is Sod Worth the Money?
In locations that are hard to reach, or where grass is difficult to establish, for example on a steep hillside, using sod is worth the money. In all other locations that are suitable to start grass from seed, you need to determine whether the instant result is worth paying extra money.
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How Much Sod Can One Person Lay in an Hour?
It takes an average person 1 to 2 hours to lay a pallet of sod, which covers approximately 450 square feet. That assumes that you do not need to cut the sod to size into smaller sections. If the area where the sod is installed is not a straight square or rectangle but oddly shaped with corners and angles, laying the sod will take much longer.
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Is It Better to Water Sod at Night or in the Morning?
Generally watering sod early in the morning is preferred because it is cooler and there is less evaporation. Watering in the evening can lead to problems—the moisture on the grass can promote the growth of fungi and the spreading of turfgrass diseases.
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When Is the Best Time of Year to Install Sod?
The best time to install sod depends on various factors and the type of sod you are using, since some are better for dry climates or terrains and others are best for wetter climates. Generally, you should have your sod installed during fall, followed by the spring as the next best time. You can talk to your sod installers to get their professional advice based on your location and the sod of your preference.
Methodology
We researched more than 20 different companies offering sod installation services and narrowed our list down to the best ones based on the number of locations served, expertise, affiliations, licenses, and services offered. Plus, we took into consideration the installation process and overall customer satisfaction, as well as warranty information provided on the company website.
While sod installation services are often very localized and offered by individual landscape professionals, we have selected companies that serve multiple states to give you options to choose from.
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Spruce HPC / Design by Amelia Manley