Sod Contractors in Dallas, TX

Sod Installation in Dallas

Sodding is a project that can be done professionally or as a project to tackle on your own. Sodding is popular in and around the neighborhoods and suburbs of Dallas in areas like University Park, Watauga and Bedford, as well as communities like Addison and Colleyville where median house values range from $315,000 to $482,000. Whether sodding as a home project or seeking the services of a professional installer, purchasing sod is the biggest expense of the process, but is well worth the investment for Dallas homeowners.

Table of Contents:

1. Sod Installation Price Factors
2. Types of Sod
• St. Augustine
• Common Bermuda
• Celebration Bermuda
• Buffalo
• Palisades Zoysia
3. Pros and Cons of Sodding
4. Items & Costs to Consider
5. Licensing and Qualifications in Dallas
6. Other Projects to Consider

Sod Installation Price Factors

In the Dallas area, sod installation pricing can vary dramatically. While the national average cost for sod installation is $1,711, the average cost spent by homeowners on sod installation in Dallas is $1,550 with a low of $450 and a high of $3,100. Most homeowners spend in the neighborhood of $951 to $2,149.

Popular Types of Sod

Different types of sod have varying characteristics that appeal to homeowners in Dallas for their texture, tolerance, and care level, especially when it comes to warmer temperatures and plentiful sunshine. Based on growth factors and ease of care, below are some of the most popular types of sod chosen by Dallas residents.

St. Augustine

Perhaps the most common sod variety in the Dallas area is St. Augustine. This type of sod features a rich, dark green color and has a low to medium traffic tolerance. Not only does it thrive well in the Texan climate, but also it is the most affordable sod and is sought-after by builders for its natural, thick appearance. St. Augustine does require more water than other types of sod, which means that it may not thrive in water-restricted areas of Dallas and requires more maintenance.

Common Bermuda

Also popular amongst homeowners in Dallas is Common Bermuda sod. This type of sod is often used on football fields and golf courses. It works well on property with little shade, which means that ample Dallas sun will help it grow densely. Common Bermuda is drought-resistant, easy to establish in a yard, and is the most affordable in the Bermuda family of sod.

Celebration Bermuda

Celebration Bermuda is a popular choice for Dallas homeowners because it is very drought tolerant and grows well in humid environments, which is ideal for warm Texas weather. It also is shade-tolerant and develops rapidly, flourishing in a variety of soil types under many weather conditions. Celebration Bermuda has a softer, finer texture and is extremely durable, performing better in areas with shade than Common Bermuda sod.

Buffalo

As the only grass type native to Texas, Buffalo does very well in the Dallas climate. It can withstand heat and maintains a pleasant green color through the summer when paired with proper irrigation. Although Buffalo does not do well with heavy foot traffic, it is still rugged, drought tolerant, and resistant to disease. It is also low-maintenance, making it ideal for busy homeowners in Dallas.

Palisades Zoysia

Within the Zoysia family of sod, Palisades Zoysia is the most popular amongst residents in Central Texas. Palisades Zoysia features a medium-course texture and a dark green color, which appeals to many homeowners in Dallas for its natural look. This type of sod is low maintenance and tolerates shade very well. It has a high drought tolerance as well as a great tolerance to cold, and is a great option for high-traffic areas.

Pros and Cons of Sodding

Pros to consider when deciding whether or not to lay sod include:

• Sod installation is a quicker process than seeding
• Homeowners are able to mow sooner
• Son can be installed any time of the year
• Sod doesn’t require as much water
• Sod creates a stronger and more reliable root

The cons to take into consideration before choosing to lay sod include issues like the following:

• Sod is more expensive than seeding
• Sod may not take root and need pulled out and re-installed
• Sod is harder to install than seeding and typically requires a professional's expertise, as well as professional tools

Items and Costs to Consider for Sod Installation

When it comes to installing sod, there are a variety of factors that either you or a contracted landscaper in Dallas needs to consider before installation. All of these various tasks add up in expense, with tools and materials costing the following on average:

• Spade or shovel: $20
• Sod cutter: $80/day (rental)
• Tiller: $350
• Fertilizer: $0.02-$0.03/square foot
• Hand tamper: $35
• Sod: $0.30-$0.80/square foot
• Sod knife: $20
• Overseed: $50
• Lawn roller: $50

All told - not including your time - costs for a sod project can be a minimum of $2,000. A licensed, contracted professional should have all of the necessary tools, materials, and supplies needed to complete the installation of sod properly and within your desired schedule.

Local Licensing and Qualifications

While licensing is not required statewide for most general contractors in Texas, hiring a licensed and insured professional to install sod in Dallas is important for getting the job done correctly. A registered, contracted professional should have insurance to cover damage or injuries that may occur on the job, whether from use of power equipment or from an unforeseen accident. It is also important that professionals meet the qualification requirements, which often comes from working as an apprentice or from years of experience with landscaping.

Before working as a general contractor or a landscaping contractor in Dallas, professionals should acquire the proper permits and insurance. This most often includes filling out the necessary forms and applications for approval by the city, and potentially registering as a vendor. When you are considering contractors to hire for sod installation, review any available permits, licenses, and insurance documentation to help you choose the most qualified professional for the job.

Other Projects to Consider

Laying sod is a great way to give a yard or property new life. However, homeowners can further improve their property by tackling additional projects that enhance their home even further, such as:

• Flower gardens are something to consider when installing sod. Homeowners will already have a reworked yard space, so now is the time to look at relocating or planting new flower beds.
• Repairing and repainting an old deck is a great way to complement your new sod, as well as create a new and inv