Quick Intro
Wilmette, IL has a humid continental climate. This climate type is characterized by hot, humid summers and cold winters. The temperature range can also vary considerably from season to season.
Winters tend to be cold and snowy, while summers average around 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (24-27 degrees Celsius). Due to the wide range of temperatures and moisture extremes, this climate type is best suited for cool-season lawn grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass. Cool-season lawn grasses grow best when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15-27 degrees Celsius).
They tend to go dormant during hot and dry summer months, and they are susceptible to winter 'burn' (from cold temperatures) and may require overseeding. Warm-season grasses like Zoysia, Bermudagrass, or St. Augustinegrass may struggle in this climate due to the cold winters and hot summers.
Let's take a look at some costs for different lawn sizes.
Listed below are average price ranges for various yard sizes and sod types
Kentucky Bluegrass | Tall Fescue | Perennial Ryegrass | Fine Fescue | |
---|---|---|---|---|
500 sq ft | $195 - $370 | $320 - $445 | $170 - $345 | $245 - $395 |
1000 sq ft | $370 - $720 | $620 - $870 | $320 - $670 | $470 - $770 |
1500 sq ft | $545 - $1070 | $920 - $1295 | $470 - $995 | $695 - $1145 |
2000 sq ft | $720 - $1420 | $1220 - $1720 | $620 - $1320 | $920 - $1520 |
2500 sq ft | $895 - $1770 | $1520 - $2145 | $770 - $1645 | $1145 - $1895 |
3000 sq ft | $1070 - $2120 | $1820 - $2570 | $920 - $1970 | $1370 - $2270 |
*Keep in mind these sod prices only include the sod itself - not delivery fees, sod installation, and other lawn care services.
Timing it just right
Because the daytime temperature averages between 25° and 39° degrees fahrenheit, it will be difficult for the grass to take root and grow. Consider waiting until the weather warms up a bit.
Average high in december
39°Average low in december
25°december is a
to lay sod in Wilmette, IL
Click/scroll on the months above to see average temperatures and how that affects the best time to lay sod.
Because of the climate in Wilmette, Illinois, the best sods to grow are cool-season grasses. Below is a list of these grasses and their ballpark prices:
Price Considerations
When it comes to sodding your new lawn in Wilmette, Illinois, there are two options to consider. Each offers its unique set of advantages and disadvantages:
Opting for a professional lawn and landscaping service offers a complete, effortless approach. These companies provide full-service teams that handle the entire process: they source high-quality sod, prepare the site, arrange delivery to your location, and professionally install the grass, leaving you with nothing to do.
Cost: This is when you want the white glove "do it all for me" approach. You're not just paying for the product but also for professional labor, project management, and often, a service warranty. Expect to pay $300 or more per pallet of sod and double that figure for installation.
Want to save a little cash? Sod farms are the way to go. This DIY approach comes with its own set of challenges, but the cost-saving potential for homeowners is significant.
Cost: Prices can drop to as low as $165 per pallet when buying in bulk from sod farms near Wilmette, offering you substantial savings. You'll sometimes need to go pick up the sod yourself as well.
DIY: The trade-off here is the manual labor involved in self-installation. Additionally, many sod farms operate on a minimum purchase policy, commonly starting at multiple pallets, which typically covers at least 1000 square feet.
Limited Online Presence: Sod farms typically lack advanced websites. Instead of a seamless online shopping experience, you'll probably need to reach out via phone or email to inquire about stock and costs. Don't anticipate comprehensive online support or information.
Interested in going the farm route?
Here are the 10 closest sod farms to Wilmette:What else?
Milwaukee is the largest city within 100 miles of Wilmette. This means that Milwaukee lawn companies near Wilmette may charge more to cover the cost to travel to your property. But at the same time you will have more options to choose from, so make sure to get multiple quotes. We've seen how prices can vary wildly!
The following factors can make a huge difference in the cost and either save you or cost you big time:
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to us directly at team@sodcalculator.com
As mentioned above, it depends on if you want the DIY or the white-glove approach, but it can range anywhere from $165 to $560 a pallet. Most of the time it's somewhere in the middle around $350 per pallet.
Different companies have different pallet sizes, but the most common is 500 square feet. We've also seen 400 square feet, 450 square feet and even 504 square feet. Make sure to check with the company!
Cool season grasses grow best in Wilmette in the Fall and Spring.
If your goal is to get just 200 square feet of sod in Wilmette, you might have some luck looking on Facebook Marketplace, NextDoor, or Craigslist. Otherwise you might be out of luck and have to purchase a whole pallet (400-500 sq ft).
Writer & Editor, SodCalculator.com
Avid gardener and passionate landscaper, Amelia brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to her readers. With a background in environmental studies, she combines her love for nature with her drive to create sustainable, picturesque outdoor spaces.