Landscaping costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Professional sod installation costs between $1,080 and $3,072, depending on your yard size and grass type.
The grass variety you select and the condition of your soil determine how much prep work your project needs.
Account for land leveling, old grass removal, soil testing, and delivery fees when you create your final sod installation budget.
Hiring a local sod service professional ensures proper grading and grass selection and increases your home's curb appeal.
In 2026, the national average cost for sod installation is $2,076, based on 9,489 verified projects from Angi Pros. Most homeowners pay between $1,080 and $3,072, with yard size, grass type, and soil conditions as the primary drivers of the spread. A smaller 500-square-foot yard can cost as low as $450, while a 2,000-square-foot yard can run more than $5,650—and you can generally expect to pay between $1 and $6 per square foot for sod installation.
Your yard's square footage is the single biggest factor in what you'll pay for sod installation, since sod is priced per square foot. Smaller patches may come in under $1,000 in total, while sodding a quarter of an acre or more pushes costs substantially higher. The table below breaks down estimated sod installation costs by yard size for both new lawns and resodding existing yards:
| Yard Size | Average Sod Installation Cost (New Lawn) in 2026 | Average Sod Installation Cost (Resod Existing Yard) in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 500 square feet | $500–$1,300 | $1,000–$2,300 |
| 1,000 square feet | $1,000–$2,500 | $2,000–$4,500 |
| 1,500 square feet | $1,500–$3,800 | $3,000–$6,800 |
| 2,000 square feet | $2,000–$5,000 | $4,000–$9,000 |
| 3,000 square feet | $3,000–$7,500 | $6,000–$13,500 |
| 4,000 square feet | $4,000–$10,000 | $8,000–$18,000 |
| 5,000 square feet | $5,000–$12,500 | $10,000–$22,500 |
| 1/4 acre | $10,900–$27,300 | $21,800–$49,000 |
| 1/2 acre | $21,800–$54,500 | $43,600–$98,000 |
When buying by the yard, divide your square-foot measurements by nine to determine how much you need. For example, if your yard is 350 square feet, divide 350 by 9 for a total of 38.9 yards, and round that up to 39 yards of sod. Because most material is nonrefundable, be as accurate as possible while measuring and doing the math.
The type of grass you choose for your sod affects your overall cost, though the price differences between varieties are not dramatic. Some grasses thrive in heat and drought, while others perform best in cooler or more moderate climates. Speak with a local sod company to identify which variety will perform best in your region before committing to a grass type. The table below shows cost ranges by grass type:
| Type of Grass | Average Cost per Square Foot (Labor and Materials) in 2026 | Type of Climate |
|---|---|---|
| Bahia | $1.20–$2.40 | Warm to hot |
| Bermuda | $1.35–$2.85 | Warm to hot |
| Centipede | $1.75–$2.85 | Warm |
| Fescue | $1.35–$2.65 | Cool to warm |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | $1.35–$2.40 | Cool |
| Ryegrass | $1.35–$2.65 | Moderate |
| St. Augustine | $1.35–$2.75 | Warm with high humidity |
| Zoysia | $1.40–$2.85 | Warm to hot |
Hiring a landscaper to install sod ensures the job is done correctly and efficiently, with labor costs for a 2,000-square-foot yard ranging between $2,000 to $4,000. Landscape professionals typically charge $50 to $150 per hour, depending on the type of equipment needed. Common additional services your pro can handle during the installation process include:
Soil testing: $20–$100
Lawn aeration: $75–$200
Fertilizing treatment: $75–$375
Landscape professionals typically charge $50 to $150 per hour based mainly on the type of equipment needed to perform the task safely and efficiently.
Where you live directly influences what you'll pay for sod installation, with homeowners in high-cost-of-living areas and arid regions typically spending more. Local labor rates, climate conditions, and water availability all contribute to regional price differences. The table below shows what to expect for sod installation costs across several major cities:
| Location | Average Cost in 2026 |
|---|---|
| New York | $1,300–$3,500 |
| Los Angeles | $1,300–$3,400 |
| Philadelphia | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Phoenix | $1,400–$3,800 |
| Houston | $800–$2,300 |
| Portland, OR | $1,300–$3,700 |
| Indianapolis | $875–$2,700 |
Your final sod installation cost depends on more than just the grass itself, since yard preparation, site accessibility, and ongoing maintenance can all add to the total. Factors like soil condition, existing lawn removal, and land leveling are common budget additions that homeowners overlook. Reviewing these additional costs before you get quotes helps you build a more accurate budget from the start.
| Additional Cost | Average Cost in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Delivery fees | $65 to $230 per truckload |
| Yard accessibility and obstacles | Up to 10% more to the total price to install sod |
| Old grass and weed removal | $1 to $2 per square foot |
| Land leveling | $1 to $3 per square foot |
| Soil testing | $20 to $100 |
| Soil prep | $45 to $200 |
| Topsoil | $12 to $55 per cubic yard |
| Fertilizer and herbicide treatment | $0.02 to $0.08 per square foot |
| Sprinkler system | $1,650 to $3,600 |
Whether you're starting with bare ground or an existing lawn is one of the first factors that shapes your sod installation cost. Installing sod on a new lawn is less expensive than removing an existing lawn and resodding it, since the latter requires additional materials and labor. In some cases, you may be able to sod over an existing lawn—check with your sod installation pro to find out if that's a viable option for your yard.
Sod delivery costs range from $65 to $230 per truckload, and whether this fee is included in your project estimate or billed separately depends on the company. Many sod companies bundle delivery into the total quote, but it's worth confirming upfront so you're not caught off guard. If you plan to handle delivery yourself, keep in mind that sod is extremely heavy and requires a large vehicle capable of supporting the load.
Obstacles such as hardscaping and structural objects—like stepping stones, raised garden beds, and even trees and their roots—can also slow your project down and add up to 10% to the total cost of installing sod. One way to reduce grass installation costs is to clear your yard of any potential obstacles before laying the sod.
Clearing old grass and weeds before laying new sod costs between $1 to $2 per square foot on average, making it one of the more significant prep expenses for resodding projects. The final price depends on how much vegetation needs to be removed and how long the work takes. Getting this step done professionally ensures a clean, level surface that gives your new sod the best chance to take root.
If your yard needs grading before sod can be laid, budget an additional $1 to $3 per square foot on top of your base installation cost, according to the price of leveling or regarding your yard. Regrading is often necessary to ensure proper drainage and prevent water from pooling on your new lawn. Skipping this step in yards that need it can lead to uneven growth and long-term drainage problems.
Soil testing costs around $60 on average, with prices ranging from $20 to $100 depending on the depth of analysis. A professional soil test reveals what amendments your soil needs and helps your new grass establish a thick, healthy root system. It also helps you and your pro determine which grass variety is best suited to your lawn's specific soil conditions.
Soil prep is a critical step in sod installation, since poor soil quality makes it difficult for grass to take root and establish itself. In some cases, the soil must be modified before the turf is laid, which adds to the overall project cost. Lawn aeration costs $45 to $200 and may be necessary to loosen compacted soil and give your new sod the best possible foundation.
Adding a layer of topsoil costs between $12 to $55 per cubic yard and is often the best solution for soil that is infertile, overly compacted, or prone to weeds. Soil amendments can improve marginal soil, but some conditions are too severe to correct without starting fresh. In those cases, laying a new layer of fertile topsoil before installing sod gives your lawn the strongest possible foundation.
Fertilizing your lawn before laying sod costs between $0.02 to $0.08 per square foot and is a worthwhile investment in the long-term health of your new grass. Applying fertilizers and herbicides prior to installation gives the sod an immediate nutrient boost and helps it resist weed pressure from the start. This step is especially valuable in yards with a history of weed problems or nutrient-poor soil.
Adding a sprinkler system during your sod installation is a smart time to do it, since the ground is already being worked, and disruption to your finished lawn is minimal. On average, installing a new sprinkler system costs between $1,650 to $3,600. The right system keeps your new sod consistently watered during the critical early weeks when it's most vulnerable to dehydration.
Choosing the right type of sprinkler system for your garden can be complicated, so it's a good idea to consult an expert for an accurate cost estimate. The cost of installing a professional sprinkler system can vary greatly depending on the size of your lawn and the type of system you choose.
Sod is generally lower-maintenance than seeded grass, but both sod and seeded yards require ongoing care to stay healthy and looking their best. Maintenance tasks include mowing your new lawn, removing weeds, and implementing pest control. Most local landscaping companies can handle these tasks for you, with costs ranging from $35 to $190 per hour, depending on the job.
Calculations are based on the cost of installing sod in a 2,000-square-foot yard and are rounded to the nearest whole number.
| Sod Installation Labor | 2,000 square feet | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Optional: Remove Old Sod | 2,000 square feet | $2,000–$6,000 |
| Optional: Land Leveling | 2,000 square feet | $2,000–$6,000 |
| Optional: Soil Testing | 1 soil test | $20–$100 |
| Optional: Fertilizing the Lawn | 2,000 square feet | $40–$160 |
| Total | $2,000–$4,000 | |
| Total per Square Foot | $1–$2 | |
| Total with Options | $6,060–$16,260 | |
| Total per Square Foot with Options | $3–$8 |
A sod installer can measure your yard for you as part of their quote. To measure your property yourself:
Sketch the outline of your yard, breaking it into smaller sections if needed.
Measure the areas in feet and write down the measurements as you go.
Multiply the length and width of each area.
Add them all together.
While you can't change the cost of materials for this project, there are some ways that you can trim back on sod installation costs to stay within your budget.
Buy lower-priced species, such as Bahia grass and Kentucky bluegrass.
Remove your own grass rather than having the pros do it.
Perform any necessary lawn preparation, like regrading, aeration, and adding topsoil, before the pros install your sod.
To cover a smaller area, ask your sod installation pro if any remnants (precut pieces leftover from other projects) are available at a discounted price.
Buy the materials separately and only pay for labor, which costs about $35 to $75 per hour.
Spring is the best time for sod installation, but it can be done in the fall. You want the temperatures appropriate for grass growth, and you'll need to water constantly during the early stages of installation.
Though it’s easy enough to lay sod DIY-style, it can take a lot of time and energy. Not to mention, all the equipment, soil testing, and materials you’ll need to lay sod on your own often cost around the same as it costs to hire a pro.
If you’re not up for a physical workout and the trial and error of choosing the best type of sod for your yard, save this one for the pros. A local sod installer knows the ins and outs of laying sod in your area and can help you make decisions regarding the type of sod that works best for your climate and soil type.
Proper sod installation requires careful prep and timing. Here’s why it’s best to hire a pro for the job:
Professionals know how to properly grade soils to prevent pooling, erosion, and uneven growth.
Pros understand how to choose the right sod for your climate and soil conditions.
DIY installations can result in patchy areas, poor drainage, and sod that won’t take root.
Experienced pros can complete the job quickly to increase the chance of survival.
Professionally installed sod enhances curb appeal and can increase your home’s value.
To assist with the project, consider helping out with the following tasks:
Remove rocks, debris, and landscaping to prepare for your pro.
Spread topsoil or fertilizer with your pro’s guidance.
Help your pro clean up leftover soil, sod, or packaging.
Water the new sod according to your pro’s instructions.
Discuss with your pro which type of sod best fits with your budget and lawn condition.
Provide your pro with the size, condition, and layout of your yard.
Ask about additional services, such as irrigation system installation or edging, that can be bundled with your service.
Go over any necessary prep work with your pro, such as soil testing or land leveling.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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