Indiana Marion CountyGuide to Sod Installation in Indianapolis, Indiana
Quick Intro
Intro to Sod Grass in the Indianapolis Area
The climate of Indianapolis is a humid continental climate, with humid summers and cold winters. This type of climate makes it ideal for warm-season grasses, such as tall fescue, bluegrass, ryegrass, and Zoysia grass.
Tall fescue is the most common type of grass in the area, as it can withstand the harsh winters. In the summer months, the area typically experiences some periods of very hot, dry weather, which can cause some of the warm-season grasses to struggle.
During these periods, it is best to water the grass regularly as to avoid stress and ensure optimal growth.
Let's take a look at some costs for different lawn sizes.
Indianapolis Sod Cost Chart
Listed below are average price ranges for various yard sizes and sod types
| Kentucky Bluegrass | Tall Fescue | Perennial Ryegrass | Fine Fescue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | $175 - $350 | $300 - $425 | $150 - $325 | $225 - $375 |
| 1000 sq ft | $350 - $700 | $600 - $850 | $300 - $650 | $450 - $750 |
| 1500 sq ft | $525 - $1050 | $900 - $1275 | $450 - $975 | $675 - $1125 |
| 2000 sq ft | $700 - $1400 | $1200 - $1700 | $600 - $1300 | $900 - $1500 |
| 2500 sq ft | $875 - $1750 | $1500 - $2125 | $750 - $1625 | $1125 - $1875 |
| 3000 sq ft | $1050 - $2100 | $1800 - $2550 | $900 - $1950 | $1350 - $2250 |
*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
Is Now the Best Time to Lay Sod in Indianapolis?
Because the daytime temperature averages between 33° and 50° 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 november
50°Average low in november
33°november is a
to lay sod in Indianapolis, IN
Click/scroll on the months above to see average temperatures and how that affects the best time to lay sod.
The Best Types for Your Area
Because of the climate in Indianapolis, Indiana, the best sods to grow are cool-season grasses. Below is a list of these grasses and their ballpark prices:
Price Considerations
DIY vs. Hiring a Sod Installation Company
When it comes to sodding your new lawn in Indianapolis, Indiana, there are two options to consider. Each offers its unique set of advantages and disadvantages:
Hiring Sod Professionals
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.
Where to Buy Sod in Indianapolis - Local IN Sod Farms
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 $150 per pallet when buying in bulk from sod farms near Indianapolis, 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 6 closest sod farms to Indianapolis:- Ameri-Turf 4600 West 96th Street Indianapolis, IN 46268 11 miles away
- Ameri-Turf 12595 Cumberland Road Fishers, Indiana 46038 16 miles away
- Genesis Sod Farms1448 Conner St, Noblesville, IN 46060 20 miles away
- Indysod.com3005 North 350 West Lebanon, IN 46052 29 miles away
- Clegg & Sons' Farms6739 E CO RD 950 N Seymour, IN 47274 54 miles away
- Myers Sod Farm1519 E County Road 600 N Seymour, IN 47274 57 miles away
What else?
Other Factors that Affect Pricing in Indianapolis
Sod Supplier & Delivery Distance
Indianapolis has a population of roughly 871,449, which can be a double-edged sword when it comes to landscaping pricing. This means that sod companies in Indianapolis may charge more to cover the cost of living in a larger city. But at the same time you will have more options to choose from, so make sure to get multiple quotes. Prices can vary wildly!
Preparation Work
The following factors can make a huge difference in the cost and either save you or cost you big time:
- Regrading: Need to flatten your yard? This can vary pricing wise but expect to pay roughly $0.55 per square foot extra on average.
- Soil needs: If it's new construction or you have poor soil, you may need to add topsoil. Expect to pay somewhere in the ballpark of $0.25 per square foot for this.
- Removal of existing sod: If you have existing grass that needs to go, this can cost an additional $0.45 per square foot.
- Removal of other debris: Let's just say you have lot's of pebbles and rocks in your soil. It's going to cost extra to remove those.
Installation Labor Costs
The next thing to consider pricing wise is the cost of labor. Here are some of the factors that can influence labor costs:- Ease of access to your yard: Is it in a back yard that's hard to access? Up on a hill that laborers have to walk up? This will add to your cost.
- Random objects: Best case scenario: it's wide open grass. If there are lots of trees, irrigation systems, or other objects this can add to labor cost.
- Time of year: Since it's a seasonal business, and there's less demand for sod in Indianapolis in the winter, you can sometimes get deals in the off-season.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to us directly at team@sodcalculator.com
What is the cost for a pallet of sod in Indianapolis?
As mentioned above, it depends on if you want the DIY or the white-glove approach, but it can range anywhere from $150 to $545 a pallet. Most of the time it's somewhere in the middle around $350 per pallet.
How much sod is in a 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!
What time of year do you lay sod in Indianapolis, Indiana?
Cool season grasses grow best in Indianapolis in the Fall and Spring.
How much is 200 square feet of sod in Indianapolis?
If your goal is to get just 200 square feet of sod in Indianapolis, 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).
Nearby Cities
- Noblesville, IN19 miles away
- Whitestown, IN18 miles away
- West Lafayette, IN62 miles away
- Fishers, IN16 miles away
- Columbus, IN41 miles away
- Greenwood, IN12 miles away
- Lawrence, IN10 miles away
- Plainfield, IN13 miles away
- Bloomington, IN47 miles away
- Westfield, IN18 miles away
- Carmel, IN13 miles away
- Crawfordsville, IN44 miles away
- Zionsville, IN18 miles away
- Frankfort, IN40 miles away
- Marion, IN59 miles away
Writer & Editor, SodCalculator.com
Terrance is a former engineer turned sod connoisseur, who brings a unique, scientific approach to the world of landscaping. His analytical style and dedication to environmentally responsible practices make his content an invaluable resource for the eco-conscious homeowner.
