Sod is popular with American homeowners for good reason—it lets you enjoy the closest possible thing to an instant lawn. There are many articles you can find online (and on this website!) that give you information on laying sod and buying pallets of sod. But you may be planning your installation and wonder how much does a roll of sod weigh?
In this article I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the weight of different size rolls of sod, and provide some helpful tips for transporting and handling sod rolls during your project.
This article was last updated on by Lawn Chick Owner Sarah Jameson
Article content reviewed for accuracy by Horticulturist Arthur Davidson, A.S.
So, How Much Does a Roll of Sod Weigh?
A roll of sod will usually weigh between about 15 and 30 pounds. The exact weight of a roll of sod depends on a few factors. These include:
- How the sod is cut (thickness),
- How big the piece of sod is (length and width), and
- Moisture content (how recently it was cut, or when it was watered last).
A full pallet (500 square feet) of sod typically holds 100 pieces. This means that a pallet of sod can weigh be between about 1,500 and 3,000 pounds.
When Should You Install Sod?
In general, the best times of year to install sod are in the fall and spring.
Avoid installing sod in the summer. You don’t want your new lawn to have to deal with the stressors of very hot weather or drought when it is trying to get established in your yard.
There are certain steps that you need to take before installing sod on your property.
One of those is removing all the grass and weeds that may already be there. If you leave anything on your yard, you will find that your new sod will be lumpy, or weeds may grow through your new sod, potentially ruining all of your hard work.
In addition, ensure that there are no rocks in the area and that it is flat.
Before you order sod and arrange to have it delivered, you need to measure the space in which you want to install it.
You must find out the space’s square footage. Measure the area’s length and width in order to calculate this.
Transporting Sod to Your Home
Remember that sod is perishable. That’s why it’s always best to try to install the sod the very same day it has been cut. At the very least, you should install your sod the same day it is delivered.
You should be very organized in making your arrangements for a delivery when buying sod.
Make sure the area where you’ll be installing your new sod is properly prepared. If you have to settle for an afternoon delivery, see if you can get your sod delivered in the garage where it will stay cool and shaded, then you can install it bright and early the following morning and get it watered in.
You can pick up a pallet of sod on your truck or trailer, but most people find it’s simpler and easier to just get it delivered.
Transporting Sod from the Pallet to Your Lawn
The most popular size for a roll of sod is 16 inches by 24 inches, and it is typically delivered on a pallet and in rolls.
These are pretty easy to carry by hand from the pallet to your lawn, but for bigger jobs you’ll want a wheelbarrow to cut down on trips between your delivery location and the job site.
Just make sure you smooth out any ruts from footprints and wheels as you install your new lawn, or it could end up bumpy.
You will be able to find sod in other sizes, too. The size of a piece of sod depends a great deal on the grower doing the cutting, and the buyer.
B2B sod that is sold to professional installation and landscaping companies may come in larger pieces. Most residential customers can expect 16″x24″ pieces that weigh under 30 pounds.
The thickness of sod usually varies from between one and three inches.
Ideally you’d like to have nice thick sod with a healthy established root system.
A Tip from an Expert
Aaron Patton, Assistant Professor and Turfgrass Extension Specialist at Purdue Extension, says that you should lay your sod “soon after it is delivered.” As he warns, “The longer the sod sits on the pallet the more it will deteriorate.”
How to Take Care of Newly Installed Sod
After installation of the sod, you must check on your new grass regularly for at least one week. This is because it’s important that the turf has the moisture it needs to thrive.
It may be necessary to check your lawn for its moisture level more often in windy or hot weather.
When inspecting the turf, use a screwdriver to poke through the sod and into the soil below. This will give you a sense for the moisture level of the sod and the soil below it.
If you find any soil that forms footprints or there are puddles of water, water a little less.
If the turf seems especially firm, gently lift up the sod at the corner in a few places. You should find that it’s only just damp instead of very dry or extremely wet.
Expert Tip for a Healthy Sod Job
Giving your newly installed sod the right care is crucial for its success. As Aaron Patton, Assistant Professor and Turfgrass Extension Specialist, tells us, there are several things you need to do to correctly care for your new turf.
These include using a higher mower setting, using “adequate fertilizer,” and being careful with any herbicide you use. When it comes to fertilization, Aaron points out that “New sod will require additional nitrogen fertilization.” Giving your new lawn extra nitrogen is important for creating a “healthy, dense turf.”
You can learn more about the entire sod installation process, along with my recommended starter fertilizer, and my tips for properly watering your new lawn during the first month in my complete guide to laying sod.
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-Sarah
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