How Much Lawn a Single Pallet of Grass Covers

For homeowners looking to establish a new lawn or patch bare spots, sod provides an instant green carpet of grass. But how much area will a pallet of sod cover? Understanding the size and dimensions of sod can help you estimate how much you need for your lawn project.

A pallet of grass typically covers 400-500 square feet of area. However, the exact coverage depends on several factors:

Sod Sizes and Dimensions Vary by Grass Type

Sod comes in different sizes and shapes depending on the grass variety:

• Warm season grasses like Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Zoysia are often sold in rectangular slabs measuring 16-18 inches wide, 24-36 inches long, and 1-1.5 inches thick. Each slab covers 2-3 square feet.
• Cool season grasses like fescue and bentgrass come in mini-rolls that are 16-18 inches wide and 18-24 inches long. Rolls cover 4-5 square feet each.

Bermuda and St. Augustine sod slabs are larger and heavier than other varieties. Zoysia slabs are smaller in size. Fescue and ryegrass rolls are thin and light. Always check measurements with your supplier, as slab thickness and roll widths can vary.

The number of pieces per pallet also varies by grass type. You may get 10-30 pieces of slab sod or 50-100 rolls per pallet. Multiply the coverage per piece by the number on a pallet to estimate total coverage.

Weight and Thickness Change Coverage Area

Thicker, heavier sod will cover less area per pallet. Wet or clay-rich soil makes sod heavier. Climate also affects weight - cool season grass sod is lighter than warm season varieties. Average weight per pallet ranges from 1000-2000 pounds.

To calculate coverage in square feet:

Pallet Weight / Sod Thickness (inches) x 12 inches/feet = Square Feet

For example, a 1500 lb pallet that's 1.5 inches thick will cover approximately 500 square feet (1500 lb / 1.5 in x 12 in/ft).

If you know the dimensions of each sod piece, you can also calculate area covered by multiplying the square feet per piece by the number of pieces per pallet.

Soil Type and Preparation Impact Coverage

The soil underneath your sod affects how well it takes root and flourishes. Heavy clay soil tends to hold more moisture while light sandy soils drain faster. Here are some tips based on soil type:

• Clay Soil: Till in 2-4 inches of compost to improve drainage before laying sod.
• Sandy Soil: Add compost or topsoil to increase water retention abilities.
• All Soil Types: Level and clear any debris, sticks or rocks. Dig to loosen top 2-3 inches before laying sod.

Properly preparing soil gives sod the moisture, nutrients, and room for root development it needs to thrive. It also allows for consistent contact and fewer air gaps between sod and soil.

The Shape of Your Lawn Matters

The square footage calculated from sod size and weight gives an estimate. But the usable coverage may be 10-15% less once laid due to:

• Overlapping edges
• Trimming sod to fit curves
• Work around obstacles like trees, fences, and flowerbeds

Bumpy terrain, slopes, and drainage ditches will also require extra cutting and fitting. Odd shaped lawns with lots of curves, obstacles or elevation changes will waste more sod. Adding a 10-15% buffer to your calculations is wise.

Ordering the Right Amount

To find how many pallets you need:

1. Measure your lawn's length and width to get total square footage.
2. Divide total area by the estimated coverage per pallet.
3. Round up generously to account for waste, uneven terrain and odd shapes.

For example, a 1500 sq ft lawn divided by 500 sq ft per pallet = 3 pallets. Round up to 4-5 pallets with 15% extra as a buffer.

When purchasing sod, always get measurements from your supplier for the specific grass variety. Accurately calculating the number of pallets for your particular project will save you money and extra work. It's better to have a little extra than to run short.

Timing Delivery and Installation

Sod requires careful coordination for the best results:

• Schedule delivery as close as possible to when you plan to install it, preferably within 24 hours.
• Begin prepping your soil 2-3 days before delivery allowing time for any amendments to settle in.
• If storing sod for more than a day before installing, keep it shaded and moistened.
• Lay all sod within 36 hours of harvest for the highest survival rate.

Proper timing keeps sod from drying out or overheating. Consult local sod farms on harvest and shipping days. Schedule truck deliveries early in the day before temperature rise.

Caring for Newly Laid Sod

Your work isn't done once the last piece of sod is laid. Follow these tips for sod care and maintenance:

• Water: New sod needs about 1-1.5 inches of water daily for two weeks. Water lightly 3-4 times a day to keep it constantly moist.
• Mow: Once sod takes root after 2-3 weeks, mow regularly at recommended height for your grass variety.
• Fertilize: Apply starter fertilizer 2-4 weeks after laying sod when roots establish.
• Weed: Monitor for weeds and remove by hand. Avoid weed killers for at least 6 weeks.

The better you care for new sod, the faster it will establish a mature, healthy lawn. Ongoing maintenance like mowing, fertilizing, aerating, and dethatching are also crucial.

Ordering sod from a professional, reputable grower or landscaper ensures:

• High quality, weed/pest-free sod
• Delivery of sod cut that day for freshness
• The grass variety best suited for your climate and sun conditions
• Knowledgeable guidance on preparing soil, layout, and ongoing care

Poor quality sod or improper installation can lead to dead patches, weeds, and wasted time and money. Do your research to find the best sod provider for your particular lawn and landscaping needs.

A pallet of sod can transform your yard into a lush, green lawn. Understanding the size, weight, grass varieties and requirements for quality sod ensures your landscaping vision becomes a reality.