Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many rolls on a pallet?

A: Each pallet contains 60 rolls or 600 square feet.

Q: How much does a pallet of sod weigh?

A: Our pallets of sod weigh approximately 2,200 lbs. to 2400 lbs. depending on moisture content.

Q: What size are our sod rolls?

A: Each sod roll is 2 feet wide by 5 feet long which equates to 10 square feet. Each sod roll weighs 35 lbs. to 40 lbs. OR MORE, DEPENDING ON MOISTURE CONTENT.

Q: How often should I water my new sod?

A: It depends on the time of year or the season. Please check out our Watering Guide Recommendations located here: Watering Guide Recommendations

Q: How long can sod sit on pallets?

A: Your new sod should be installed immediately, as it is a perishable product. This will ensure the best quality installation. 

Q: What if I can’t get all of my sod installed within 24 hours of when I receive it, is it ok to cover it up or water it while it is still rolled up on the pallet?

A: We DO NOT recommend this. Sod is a living, perishable plant, so it needs to be cared for properly. Sod is more perishable in hot humid weather than in either Spring, Fall or Winter. The weather should always be considered. Covering a pallet or watering the sod while rolled up, especially in hot weather, will basically “cook” the sod or make the sod begin to ferment due to turf grass containing a lot of nitrogen. Only in cooler temperatures such as early Spring, Fall or Winter, is it advisable to go beyond the general “24 hour rule”.

If you absolutely cannot install all of your sod within 24 hours, to help prolong the shelf life of your sod, here are a couple tips: place your sod in the shade or break the pallets down by taking off the top half of the rolls. This reduces pressure and heat on the bottom layers.

Q. Is there a time of year that I can’t install sod?

A: We harvest and sell sod year round. The only time we can’t harvest is if the ground is frozen or if the field is too wet from excessive rain. Sod is a year round crop commodity that can be installed year round. Depending on the time of year that you purchase sod, we will provide you with specific information at that time.

Winter sod installations have the extra benefit of being able to take advantage of “mother nature’s” refrigeration providing the customer more time to lay the sod and not so detrimental on the “24 hour rule”.

Q: Can I install the sod on top of my existing grass?

A: No, the soil needs to be bare dirt, smooth and level to include the removal of any debris such as rocks and sticks. The sod requires bare dirt contact with your ground so that the root structure can penetrate and take hold. Anything under the sod such as straw, weeds, etc. can rot and cause issues with the health of the sod.

Q: How is sod sold?

A: We sell our sod by the square foot.

Q: How do I calculate the square footage needed for my project?

A: You will need to measure the area that you plan to lay sod. You will then take the width measurement and multiple it by the length measurement. The result is the square footage needed for that specific area. It is best to always try to square off the areas if possible when measuring.

(Example) 25 Feet Wide multiplied by 40 Feet Long would equal 1000 sqft. of sod

We recommend that you plus up your sod order by 10% to 20% to account for waste if there are areas that you need to cut around such as pools, landscape boxes, trees, shrubs, play areas, etc. This will also allow a little extra left over for blending or cutting the sod into other areas of your existing lawn.

Q: How long does it take for sod to take root?

A: It can take up to a few weeks for the sod to penetrate and start to develop a root system. As the sod develops its shallow root system and moves on to develop a deeper root system, it’s critical to increase the amount of time between watering to encourage roots to grow deeper in search of moisture without stressing the lawn.

Q: How do I care for my sod?

A: Sod is a living, perishable plant that we have cut fresh-to-order so that you can transplant it into your yard. Sod is mature grass that, once fully re-established in your yard (which takes about a year), should be treated just as you would any other lawn. Proper watering, mowing, and fertilizing are the main pillars that will ensure your sod looks beautiful year to year.  Proper thatching and aerating are also good to keep in mind. We provide recommendations regarding sod care at this link: Caring for Your Sod

Q: There are gaps that have shown up after I laid my sod. What should I do?

A: This is called sod shrinkage and is due to lack of moisture. These gaps can easily be avoided if your new sod is kept consistently moist or irrigated following our recommendations located here: Watering Guide Recommendations .  Sod shrinkage can be anywhere from mild to very noticeable. The good news is that sod will tend to grow in to fill these gaps over time and with correcting your watering practices.

Q: When can I mow my new sod?

A: New sod should not be mowed immediately. Typically you should mow your new sod about three weeks after installation. Once the grass is about 3 inches tall, you can take off one inch. Avoid cutting it too short. Make sure your mower blade is sharp, and never cut more than one-third of the blade length. If your sod has been installed in the Summer, we recommend the mower deck be set on a high setting all the way through Fall.

Q: How do I prepare my ground prior to installing sod?

A: This can vary from property to property. We recommend you call our office at 1-800-377-1421 to discuss your specific situation and property. In general, your property needs to have all debris such as rocks, sticks, etc. removed where sod is being installed. The soil should be tilled to remove current top layer (existing grass, weeds, etc.) as applicable. The soil surface should be graded, smooth and level for preparation of sod installation. The addition of top soil is determined on a case by case basis depending on the specific ground. Any necessary weed or soil treatments are determined on a case by case basis specific to your property situation.