Iowa Pottawattamie CountyGuide to Sod Installation in Council Bluffs, Iowa
Quick Intro
Intro to Sod Grass in the Council Bluffs Area
The climate in Council Bluffs, IA is four-season, with hot and humid summers and long, cold winters. Council Bluffs experiences four distinct seasons, including a mild spring and autumn. Summers are usually hot and humid, with temperatures reaching a high of 87°F.
Spring and autumn temperatures are temperate, with lows reaching as low as 32°F. Precipitation is abundant, with an annual average being 27.3 inches. Due to its climate and soil, the best grass types to grow in Council Bluffs include Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, and Perennial Ryegrass.
These varieties of grass need frequent watering and thrive in sunny areas. Additionally, tall fescue has excellent drought resistance, making it a great choice for dry, hot summers. For optimal growth and color, it is important to give these grasses at least two to four inches of water every week throughout the growing season.
Let's take a look at some costs for different lawn sizes.
Council Bluffs 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 | $165 - $340 | $290 - $415 | $140 - $315 | $215 - $365 |
| 1000 sq ft | $340 - $690 | $590 - $840 | $290 - $640 | $440 - $740 |
| 1500 sq ft | $515 - $1040 | $890 - $1265 | $440 - $965 | $665 - $1115 |
| 2000 sq ft | $690 - $1390 | $1190 - $1690 | $590 - $1290 | $890 - $1490 |
| 2500 sq ft | $865 - $1740 | $1490 - $2115 | $740 - $1615 | $1115 - $1865 |
| 3000 sq ft | $1040 - $2090 | $1790 - $2540 | $890 - $1940 | $1340 - $2240 |
*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 Council Bluffs?
Because the daytime temperature averages between 20° and 38° 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
38°Average low in december
20°december is a
to lay sod in Council Bluffs, IA
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 Council Bluffs, Iowa, 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 Council Bluffs, Iowa, 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 Council Bluffs - Local IA 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 $145 per pallet when buying in bulk from sod farms near Council Bluffs, 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 4 closest sod farms to Council Bluffs:- Fast Grass W-M Farm14217 Penny Drive, Plattsmouth, NE 68048 18 miles away
- Sorensen Sod9349 Morningside Rd Fremont, NE 68025 30 miles away
- Todd Valley Farm950 County Rd M, Mead, NE 68041 32 miles away
- Nebraska Sod Company3830 S 6 St STE 7, Lincoln, NE, United States, Nebraska 55 miles away
What else?
Other Factors that Affect Pricing in Council Bluffs
Sod Supplier & Delivery Distance
Omaha is the largest city within 100 miles of Council Bluffs. This means that Omaha lawn companies near Council Bluffs 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!
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 Council Bluffs 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 Council Bluffs?
As mentioned above, it depends on if you want the DIY or the white-glove approach, but it can range anywhere from $145 to $540 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 Council Bluffs, Iowa?
Cool season grasses grow best in Council Bluffs in the Fall and Spring.
How much is 200 square feet of sod in Council Bluffs?
If your goal is to get just 200 square feet of sod in Council Bluffs, 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
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.
