What is Sod?

Sod, also known as turf, is a piece of surface soil with grass and its roots, grown and then cut into sections for laying on bare soil to create an instant lawn or to repair damaged areas of an existing lawn. 

How to Use the Sod Calculator

To use a sod calculator effectively, follow these simple steps:

1. Measure Lawn Dimensions: Measure the length and width of your lawn (or irregular shape).
2. Enter Dimensions: Input these values into the calculator.
3. Specify Price Per Roll: Enter the cost of each sod roll (usually given by your supplier).
4. Calculate Results: The calculator will provide the total area, required rolls, and total cost.

How to calculate sod needed

The formulas used in the sod calculator ensure accuracy. Let’s break down each formula and its purpose.

1. Calculating the Total Area of the Lawn

For a rectangular lawn, calculate the area by multiplying the length by the width:

$\text{Area} = \text{Length} \times \text{Width}$

For irregular-shaped lawns, the area might be divided into smaller rectangles, triangles, or circles. Calculate each section separately, then add them up for the total area.

2. Determining the Number of Sod Rolls Needed

Once you have the total lawn area, divide it by the area covered by one roll of sod. Typically, sod rolls cover a standard area (e.g., 10 square feet per roll).

$\text{Number of Rolls} = \frac{\text{Total Area}}{\text{Area per Roll}}$

3. Estimating the Total Cost of Sod

To calculate the total cost, multiply the number of rolls by the price per roll:

$\text{Total Cost} = \text{Number of Rolls} \times \text{Price per Roll}$

Example Calculation

Let’s go through an example to see how the formulas apply in real life.

Example Scenario: Lawn Dimensions

• Lawn Length: 30 feet
• Lawn Width: 20 feet
• Price per Roll of Sod: $5
• Area per Roll of Sod: 10 square feet

Step-by-Step Calculation

Calculate the Area of the Lawn:

Using the formula for area:

$\text{Area} = 30 \times 20 = 600 \text{ square feet}$

Calculate the Number of Rolls Required:

Divide the total area by the area each roll covers:

$\text{Number of Rolls} = \frac{600}{10} = 60$

Calculate the Total Cost:

Multiply the number of rolls by the price per roll:

$\text{Total Cost} = 60 \times 5 = 300$

Therefore, for a lawn of 600 square feet with sod rolls priced at $5 each, you’ll need 60 rolls, and the total cost will be $300.

FAQs

How often to water new sod?

During the first two weeks, the goal is to keep the sod consistently moist to encourage root establishment.

Water Frequency: Water the new sod 2–3 times per day, ideally in the early morning, midday, and late afternoon.

Duration: Each watering session should last 5–10 minutes, depending on soil type and climate. Aim to apply about ¼ inch of water per session.

Goal: Keep the topsoil consistently damp but avoid creating standing water or puddles.

How much does a pallet of sod weigh?

A standard pallet of sod usually covers around 450 to 500 square feet. This is often configured as 15 strips of sod, each approximately 16 inches wide and 5 feet long, or similar dimensions that total the same area.

Dry Sod: A pallet of dry sod might weigh around 1,500 to 2,000 pounds.

Wet Sod: When sod is wet, which is often the case when it's freshly cut and delivered, the weight can increase significantly, typically ranging from 2,500 to 3,000 pounds or more.