How much does Bermuda grass sod cost?
How much does Bermuda grass sod cost?
$180 – $380 average cost per pallet (450 square feet)
$0.40 – $0.85 cost per square foot for sod only
$0.90 – $2.35 cost per square foot with installation
Average Bermuda sod prices
Bermuda sod prices average $0.40 to $0.85 per square foot or $180 to $380 per pallet not including installation, or $0.90 to $2.35 per square foot with professional installation.
Bermuda grass sod is popular for lawns, golf courses, and athletic fields due to its heat tolerance, drought resistance, and rapid recovery from wear. This sod thrives in southern states with warm climates and direct sunlight.
| Unit | Average sod price* |
|---|---|
| Per square foot | $0.40 – $0.85 |
| Per square yard (9 square feet) | $3.60 – $7.65 |
| Per roll (10 square feet) | $4.00 – $8.50 |
| Per pallet (450 square feet) | $180 – $380 |
| Per 1,000 square feet | $400 – $850 |
| 1/4 acre | $4,400 – $9,300 |
| 1/2 acre | $8,700 – $18,500 |
| Per acre | $17,400 – $37,000 |
*Not including site prep, delivery, or installation
Bermuda sod price by variety
Bermuda grass varieties range from common to advanced hybrids, each with unique characteristics and price points. Common Bermuda grass is the most affordable but high maintenance, while Tifway 419 strikes a good balance between price and performance. Premium hybrids like Celebration and Latitude 36 provide superior drought tolerance and disease resistance at a higher cost.
| Variety | Average pallet price | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Common Bermuda | $180 – $225 |
|
| Tifway 419 | $200 – $315 |
|
| Celebration | $240 – $380 |
|
| Latitude 36 | $225 – $350 |
|
| TifTuf | $200 – $340 |
|
Bermuda grass sod cost factors
Several factors influence sod prices, including the sod grade, production time, and specialized care required to bring it to market. Sod varieties that take longer to grow and demand more intensive cultivation techniques command higher prices due to increased production costs and limited availability.
These other factors also contribute to the cost of Bermuda grass sod:
Quality: Higher-quality sod tends to be more expensive but offers better growth potential and longevity.
Quantity: Bulk orders may qualify for discounts, potentially reducing the per-square-foot cost.
Professional labor: Sod installation costs vary by region and project complexity, with professional labor costing $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot, plus additional costs for sod removal and site prep. Most lawn and landscaping companies have minimum fees of $100 or more for sod installation.
Site prep: Site prep for grading or adding topsoil costs $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot.
Delivery costs: Distance from the sod farm, truck accessibility, and order size can impact delivery fees, which average $50 to $200 per load.
Existing lawn removal: Removing old grass or landscaping can add $0.50 to $2.00 per square foot to your labor costs.
Soil testing: Professional soil analysis costs $10 to $50, providing crucial insights into nutrient composition and pH levels necessary for optimal grass growth and establishment.
Accessibility: Difficult terrain or limited yard access can increase costs for additional equipment and manual labor requirements.
Season: Prices may be lower during winter months when demand is lower, but availability might be limited.
Bermuda sod vs. other varieties
Bermuda grass excels where other sod varieties struggle, offering superior heat tolerance, rapid growth, and exceptional durability. Its ability to withstand heavy foot traffic and quickly self-repair makes it a top choice for homeowners and landscapers seeking a resilient lawn solution.
While Bermuda is readily available, cheaper to produce, and can be planted as seed or sod, Zoysia and St. Augustine are popular premium lawn solutions with more specialized growth requirements and higher pricing. St. Augustine sod costs $200 to $405 per pallet, while Zoysia sod costs $315 to $585 per pallet.
| Feature | Bermuda grass | St. Augustine grass | Zoysia grass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price (per pallet)* |
$180 to $380 | $200 – $405 | $315 – $585 |
| Locations | Southern U.S. (Zones 7-10) |
Gulf Coast, southern coastal regions (Zones 8-10) |
Southern U.S., transition zones (Zones 6-11) |
| Climate tolerance | Excellent heat tolerance; thrives in full sun | Good in humid coastal regions | Good heat tolerance; adaptable |
| Shade tolerance | Poor (requires full sun) | Excellent (most shade-tolerant) | Moderate (tolerates partial shade) |
| Disease resistance | Moderate | Moderate to low | Good |
| Texture and color | Fine, thin blades; vibrant green | Coarse, wider blades; thick appearance | Medium blades; dark green; lush |
| Watering needs | Low | High | Moderate |
| Soil preference | Adapts to various soil types | Prefers rich, moist soil | Prefers well-drained soil |
| Mowing frequency | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Recommended mowing height | 1 – 1 ½ inches | 2 – 4 inches | 1 – 2 inches |
| Best uses | Residential, sports, golf, commercial landscapes | Coastal regions, shaded yards | Residential lawns, moderate traffic |
*Sod prices only; not including installation labor
Sod vs. seed
Choosing between sod and seed depends on your budget, desired timeline, and aesthetic preferences. Each method offers distinct advantages and disadvantages. Sodding provides immediate lawn coverage but at a higher upfront cost. Overseeding is less expensive but requires more time to establish and may result in patchy coverage.
The total cost for lawn replacement with seeding is $1 to $4 per square foot, which includes turf removal, topsoil spreading, seeding, and fertilization. Lawn replacement methods that use seeding instead of sod include:
Overseeding costs $0.04 to $0.18 per square foot on existing lawns.
Hydroseeding costs $0.07 to $0.22 per square foot on bare ground.
FAQs about Bermuda sod
When do you fertilize Bermuda sod?
Wait 30 days after installation before fertilizing new Bermuda sod. Apply fertilizer 2 to 4 times yearly from late winter through early fall, focusing on mid-spring, mid-summer, and early fall when the grass is actively growing.
How often do you water new Bermuda sod?
Water new Bermuda sod 2 to 3 times daily for the first two weeks, keeping the soil consistently moist. Gradually reduce to once daily for the next two weeks, then transition to a regular watering schedule.
Where can I buy Bermuda sod near me?
You can buy Bermuda sod from local garden centers, landscape supply stores, nurseries, sod farms, home improvement centers like Home Depot and Lowe's, and agricultural supply businesses throughout the southern United States.
Can you grow Bermuda grass from seed?
Yes, many people seed Bermuda grass to establish a lawn. You can sow Bermuda grass seed during late spring when soil temperatures consistently exceed 65° F. The recommended seeding rate is 1 to 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet for existing lawns or 2 to 3 pounds for new lawns.
Getting estimates from sod installers
When getting estimates for Bermuda sod installation, follow these tips:
Confirm whether Bermuda sod is suited for your climate and specific yard conditions.
Get multiple quotes from different lawn contractors to compare pricing and services.
Ask each contractor about their specific process, including grass removal, soil preparation, topsoil addition, grading and leveling, fertilization, and rolling.
Request a detailed, written estimate that breaks down material costs, labor charges, preparation work, total square footage, and estimated project timeline.
Verify each contractor's credentials, including online reviews, references, and professional certifications.
Questions to ask a sod installation company
Before contracting with a sod installation company, ask these important questions:
Where do you source your sod, and how fresh is it?
How much time passes between sod harvesting and installation?
What types of grass varieties do you offer?
How will you prepare the ground before installation?
Do you remove existing vegetation and condition the soil?
What specific steps do you take during installation?
Will you provide guidance on post-installation care and maintenance?
Can you explain your process for ensuring smooth, even sod placement?
Do you offer any lawn maintenance after the installation is complete?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.