Greg Peker
An Expert in Sodding, Gardening & Landscape.
Installing a lawn may seem a straightforward process, using standard materials such as soil and sod. However, this is not always the case. So, what determines the cost of sodding? Here, you will find out what determines the cost of sodding.
Indeed, the type of materials used and the way Sod is installed can differ drastically, significantly affecting its long-term outcomes. Moreover, it is essential to determine what is included in the cost of a new sod lawn from your contractor.
Like in any other type of service, there are many options available in sodding. Varying degrees of work quality as well as follow-up service availability.
- Sodding estimates (which should be free!) are normally provided on a cost-of-sodding-per-square-foot basis. It is important to identify what is included in your Sodding estimate.
Main factors determining the cost of sodding a new turf lawn:
- Quality of pre-sodding weed control
- Type and amount of soil used
- Scope of ground preparations done (is grading included?)
- Type of fertilizer applied (if at all)
- Follow up Service and support
1. Quality of pre-sodding weed control
The use of Pesticides in Toronto, the GTA, and rest of Ontario is forbidden for several years now. This is quite a challenge – as lawn installation should ideally be done on a clean, weed-free ground.
Even before the pesticide ban, the team at Niko’s was looking for safe and harmless ways to do weed control. We’ve developed an effective, powerful, and completely safe Vinegar based weed control spray. Before each sodding job in Toronto, Markham, Richmond hill, and rest of the GTA – we always make sure to treat all weeds. This is an obvious part of our work, and is an option we provide to all of our sodding service clients.
- Make sure that effective but 100% safe weed control is an option in your sodding estimate
2. Type and amount of soil used is part of determining the cost of sodding
When Sodding in Toronto and the GTA area, there are generally two types of soils available:
- Top Soil- Screened blend of top soil and sand, contains between 4 and 10% organic matter. Primary use is for grading as it compacts well.
- Triple Mix-A dark rich, multi purpose planting soil, containing between 15 and 19% organic matter. This soil has a smooth uniform texture and a porosity rate of 28%. Contains composted pine mulch, screened top soil, leaf compost and sand.
The long-term health, strength, and vigor of your newly installed lawn depends on the foundation upon which it is placed. Triple Mix soil is the best choice by far, and will result in rapid developed of a strong root system. As a standard, we place a minimum of 1″ inch layer of Triple Mix soil on top of the existing soil.
By using Triple Mix in all of our sodding projects we provide the best value for our customer’s money – the lawns we install are there for many years to come, and are bound to be drought and disease resistant.
- Make sure the best type of soil is used for your sodding project!
3. Scope of ground preparations done (is grading included?)
After all weeds are killed and removed by a sod cutter a fresh layer of soil (we use Triple Mix) is applied.
Proper grading and leveling should be done at this point, assuring straight surface on one hand, and considering drainage directions on the other.
This part is quite important, and should be done right, and with proper attention – after all, after the new lawn is installed – it will be very difficult to alter the grading of the surface.
- Make sure that basic grading is included in the estimate of sodding your lawn!
4. Type of Fertilizer applied
Applying a high-quality fertilizer when installing a new lawn, accelerated the root-development process of the sod. While not practiced by all sodding service providers, this is quite important: remember, the sod used in your garden had an extensive root system before it was cut out off the farm for you, and is in great distress (that’s why you must water your lawn several times a day on the first weeks of installation). A good fertilizer alleviates some of the stress, providing your yard with a prompt vigor, and rapid grass growth right away.
- Make sure a high-quality fertilizer is included in the estimate of sodding your lawn.
5. Follow-up service and support
When re-sodding a yard, the lawn installation is only the first step. While getting it done right has a direct effect on the quality and beauty of your future lawn, it is also very important to know:
– How to water the freshly sodded lawn – When to mow the freshly sodded lawn for the first time – How to fertilizer and look after the freshly sodded lawn
Needless to say, there are many things that could go wrong, or at least cause a great deal of stress – having someone who was directly involved in the initial creation of the lawn – available for sodding support and advice is invaluable.
Niko’s team always makes itself available to it’s customers – we are glad to provide sodding support and arrive to inspect your new lawn when needed, wherever you are – Markham, Richmond Hill, North York, Etobicoke, Toronto or anywhere else in the GTA: if we installed your lawn, we will be there to help you keep it healthy and green just like on the day the sodding was complete!
- Make sure your sodding provider is known for its post-service support and follow-up.
