How Much Does Sod Installation Cost in Canada?

Looking to replace your existing lawn but don’t want to wait several months for new grass seeds to grow and mature? Installing sod is a great way to instantly get a lush, thick lawn. Of course, you’ll need to pay a premium for your overnight lawn.

Understanding Sod Installation Costs

In Canada, sod is most often measured and priced per square foot. Generally speaking, sod cost per square foot is $0.75 to $2. This is only the cost for the sod itself and does not include labour and installation costs.

If you choose to hire a professional landscaper to install your sod, you’ll be looking at a sod cost per square foot more along the lines of $1.80 to $3.5 per square foot. That means if you hire a pro to install sod on a 1,000-square-foot lawn, you can expect to shell out anywhere from $1,800 to $3,500. The Grounds Guys® will give you an accurate estimate upon visiting your property and understanding your vision.

The Major Factors Affecting the Price of Sod in Canada

While the price of sod can vary from province to province, the real difference in the overall cost of your sod installation project will come down to the nitty-gritty details of your specific lawn and the needs of your project.

Land Preparation

If you have an existing lawn, you or your landscaper will need to remove it before putting down the sod. Even if you’re starting with an empty plot of land, you’ll still want to get rid of tree roots, rocks, and debris. Any extra services your landscaper provides or additional time they spend on the project will increase costs.

Land Excavation

If your land needs grading or leveling prior to sod installation, or if your landscaper needs to remove major obstacles like large rocks and roots, you can expect a premium added to the price of your sod project. The extra cost might be worth it to achieve a smooth, flat lawn where your sod can thrive.

The Size of Your Lawn

The larger the lawn, the more sod you’ll have to buy and the longer it will take your landscaper to finish your project. That said, you may be able to enjoy discounts on sod and labor costs for larger projects. For especially large lawns, you may be priced per acre of sod rather than by square foot. Don’t hesitate to ask if your landscaper provides discounts for big lawns.

Sod Type

The actual type of grass you choose for your yard will also impact the price of sod. For example, Kentucky Bluegrass and ryegrass are two very popular low-cost options that look great and thrive in most parts of Canada. Fescue is another common grass but typically costs a little more per square foot of sod.

If you plan to hire a professional landscaper to install your sod, they can give you recommendations and price quotes on different types of sod that will work best in your climate zone and yard.

Additional Services and Fees

Your sod installation cost could increase in a number of other ways, especially if your landscape professional performs extra services or if your lawn requires special considerations. For example, it’s common for lawncare pros to test soil quality before laying down sod to make sure the grass will thrive. The testing isn’t very expensive, but if your soil’s pH is too low or too high, you may need to add topsoil.

If your yard is difficult to access, it could slow down the landscape team. Any extra time the landscapers take on your project will translate into a higher labor cost. That’s especially true if your yard contains hardscape features, like sidewalks, water features, or decorative stones. The landscapers will need to cut and shape the sod to work around the existing features.

Finally, your landscaper may recommend fertilizing your sod after installation to give it the best chance possible to thrive. All these extra services will add more cost to the entire project.

What to Look for in a Sod Installation Quote

If you want to know the true price of sod, the best thing to do is request a quote from an experienced and trusted landscaper in your area. Top-notch landscapers should come to your property to measure and assess your lawn and give you an accurate quote. They should also answer your questions and work with you to choose the right type of sod for your climate, budget, and personal preference.

If you want a fair and competitive quote for sod installation, contact us at The Grounds Guys. We have knowledgeable and friendly teams throughout Canada ready to show you what our Neighbourly Done Right Promise™ is all about. We’d love the opportunity to provide you with a free estimate for sod installation and any other landscaping projects on your to-do list this year. Count on your local The Grounds Guys team.