How much does Zoysia sod cost?
How much does Zoysia sod cost?
$315 – $585 average cost per pallet
$0.70 – $1.30 cost per square foot for sod only
$1.20 – $2.80 cost per square foot with installation
Average price of Zoysia sod
Zoysia sod costs $0.70 to $1.30 per square foot or $315 to $585 per pallet, not including installation, or $1.20 to $2.80 per square foot with professional installation. This dense, warm-season grass thrives in full sun, tolerates moderate shade, and offers excellent heat and drought resistance. Its slow growth means less mowing, and it keeps a rich green color even during challenging weather conditions.
| Unit | Average sod price* |
|---|---|
| Per square foot | $0.70 – $1.30 |
| Per square yard (9 SF) | $6.30 – $11.70 |
| Per roll (10 SF) | $7.00 – $13.00 |
| Per pallet (450 SF) | $315 – $585 |
| Per 1,000 SF | $700 – $1,300 |
| 1/4 acre | $7,600 – $14,200 |
| 1/2 acre | $15,200 – $28,300 |
| Per acre | $30,500 – $56,600 |
*Sod price only. Does not include site prep, delivery, or installation labor.
Zoysia grass sod cost by variety
Zoysia japonica is the most popular and widely used species of Zoysia grass, offering numerous varieties suitable for various climates and lawn needs. Many popular varieties like Meyer, Empire, and Zenith are cultivars of this species, while others such as Emerald are valuable hybrids created by crossbreeding different Zoysia species to enhance specific lawn characteristics.
| Variety | Average price per pallet* |
Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Cavalier | $315 – $380 | Fine-bladed; good cold tolerance |
| Crown | $320 – $500 | Coarse-bladed; robust for hot and humid climates |
| Empire | $330 – $495 | Shade-tolerant; medium texture |
| Emerald | $310 – $425 | Fine blade; dense growth |
| Harmony | $340 – $585 | Soft texture; moderate shade tolerance; wear resistant |
| JaMur | $340 – $450 | Coarse-bladed; high traffic tolerance |
| Meyer | $315 – $360 | Cold-hardy; uniform appearance |
| Palisades | $315 – $500 | Dense; medium-coarse texture; heat-resistant |
| Zeon | $335 – $550 | Premium variety; excellent color retention |
| Zenith | $340 – $565 | Medium blade; cold tolerant; fast growth rate |
*Price based on 450 SF per pallet. Sod price only; does not include site prep, delivery, or installation labor.
Zoysia sod cost factors
Sod prices vary based on several important factors, including the time and care needed to grow the sod and deliver it to market. Sod varieties that grow slowly and require more attention, have higher prices to cover production costs. Other elements that affect the total cost of your lawn project include:
Quality: Better grass varieties cost more but tend to grow better and last longer.
Quantity: Larger orders may get bulk discounts, reducing the cost per square foot.
Professional labor: Sod installation costs $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot for labor to lay the sod. Most lawn care and landscaping companies have minimum fees of $100 or more for sod installation.
Site preparation: Costs to prepare the site range from $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot and may include grading and topsoil costs.
Delivery: Transportation fees run $50 to $200 per load for delivery.
Existing lawn removal: Clearing adds $0.50 to $2.00 per square foot to the project costs.
Soil analysis: Soil testing costs $10 to $50 to measure nutrient composition and pH levels for best grass growth.
Seasonal changes: Winter might offer lower prices but with limited availability.
Zoysia sod vs. other varieties
Zoysia grass stands out among lawn varieties, delivering remarkable performance in challenging environments. Its dense, fine-bladed structure provides superior shade tolerance and creates a luxurious, uniform turf that outperforms many traditional grass types.
However, Zoysia is considered a premium lawn solution with higher pricing compared to other sods. Bermuda sod prices range from $180 to $380 per pallet, making it a more budget-friendly alternative, with widespread availability. St. Augustine sod costs $200 to $405 per pallet, providing a lush alternative that still offers cost savings over Zoysia.
| Feature | Zoysia grass | St. Augustine grass | Bermuda grass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price (per pallet)* |
$315 – $585 | $200 – $405 | $180 – $380 |
| Locations | Southern U.S., transition zones (Zones 6-11) |
Gulf Coast, southern coastal regions (Zones 8-10) |
Southern U.S. (Zones 7-10) |
| Climate tolerance | Good heat tolerance; adaptable | Thrives in warm, humid coastal regions | Excellent heat tolerance; thrives in full sun |
| Shade tolerance | Moderate (tolerates partial shade) | Excellent (most shade-tolerant) | Poor (requires full sun) |
| Disease resistance | Good | Moderate to low | Moderate |
| Texture and color | Medium blades; dark green; lush | Coarse, wider blades; thick | Fine, thin blades; vibrant green |
| Watering needs | Moderate | High | Low |
| Soil preference | Prefers well-drained soil | Prefers rich, moist soil | Adapts to various soil types |
| Mowing frequency | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Recommended mowing height | 1 – 2 inches | 2 – 4 inches | 1 – 1 ½ inches |
| Best uses | Residential lawns, moderate traffic | Coastal regions, shaded yards | Residential, sports, golf, commercial landscapes |
*Sod prices only; not including installation labor
Sod vs. seed
The best way to renew your lawn depends on your budget, how quickly you want results, and how you want it to look. Sod is the fastest option but the most expensive. Seeding is cheaper but takes longer and might look patchy.
Total lawn replacement costs $1 to $4 per square foot, which includes turf removal, topsoil, seeding, and fertilization. Common lawn replacement methods via seeding are:
Overseeding costs $0.04 to $0.18 per square foot for existing lawns.
Hydroseeding costs: $0.07 to $0.22 per square foot for bare ground.
FAQs about Zoysia sod
Where can I buy Zoysia sod near me?
Purchase Zoysia sod from local garden centers, landscape supply stores, nurseries, home improvement centers like Home Depot and Lowe's, and specialized sod farms throughout the southeastern United States. Many suppliers offer delivery or in-store pickup options.
When should I lay Zoysia sod?
The best time to lay Zoysia sod is during early fall or spring when temperatures are moderate. While sod can be installed year-round, early summer is also ideal. Avoid laying sod during extreme cold or peak summer heat to ensure successful establishment.
How often should I water new Zoysia sod?
Water new Zoysia sod 2 to 3 times daily for the first two weeks, keeping the soil consistently moist. Aim for short, frequent watering sessions of 3 to 5 minutes each time. After two weeks, gradually reduce watering frequency and transition to a regular schedule.
When do I fertilize new Zoysia sod?
Wait 30 days after installation before applying fertilizer. Plan to fertilize 2 to 3 times yearly, focusing on late spring, mid-summer, and early fall when the grass is actively growing. Always follow specific product recommendations for your Zoysia variety.
Can you seed Zoysia grass?
Yes, you can seed Zoysia grass, but the process requires careful preparation and timing. Zoysia grass should be seeded during specific periods–mid to late spring or early fall before the first frost. The recommended seeding rate is 2 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet.
Getting estimates from sod installers
When seeking estimates for Zoysia sod installation, follow these tips:
Get 3 to 5 quotes from different landscaping contractors to compare pricing and services.
Ask contractors to provide a detailed breakdown of sod material costs, labor, site prep, sod removal, and cleanup
Verify the specific Zoysia variety being used (e.g., Zeon, Empire).
Request references and check reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Confirm the total project cost, including materials and installation.
Discuss warranty and post-installation care instructions.
Consider timing your project during optimal growing seasons.
Ask about potential discounts for larger lawn areas.
Questions to ask a sod installation company
When consulting a sod installation company about Zoysia installation, ask the following questions:
What specific Zoysia variety do you recommend for my lawn conditions?
What site preparation steps do you take before laying the sod?
Will you perform soil testing and amend the soil if necessary?
How fresh is the sod you'll be installing? How soon after harvesting will it be laid?
What's your recommended watering schedule for newly installed Zoysia sod?
Do you offer any warranty or guarantee on the sod installation?
How long should I wait before mowing the new Zoysia lawn?
What's the expected timeline for the sod to fully establish?
Are there any specific care instructions for Zoysia in our local climate?
How long before installation should existing grass be killed with herbicide?
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.