Quick Intro

Intro to Sod Grass in the University City Area

University City, MO has a humid continental climate that is characterized by hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. This climate allows for a variety of grasses to be grown, but warm- and cool-season grasses tend to perform best.

Warm-season grasses, such as St. Augustine grass, Bermuda grass, and Zoysia grass, prefer hot, humid conditions and can be established during the spring and summer months. Cool-season grasses, such as Fescue and Rye, thrive in cooler and less humid conditions and should be planted in the fall or late summer.

Let's take a look at some costs for different lawn sizes.

University City Sod Cost Chart

Listed below are average price ranges for various yard sizes and sod types

Kentucky BluegrassTall FescuePerennial RyegrassFine Fescue
500 sq ft$185 - $360$310 - $435$160 - $335$235 - $385
1000 sq ft$360 - $710$610 - $860$310 - $660$460 - $760
1500 sq ft$535 - $1060$910 - $1285$460 - $985$685 - $1135
2000 sq ft$710 - $1410$1210 - $1710$610 - $1310$910 - $1510
2500 sq ft$885 - $1760$1510 - $2135$760 - $1635$1135 - $1885
3000 sq ft$1060 - $2110$1810 - $2560$910 - $1960$1360 - $2260

*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 University City?

As you can see in our handy chart below, december is generally not the best time to lay sod in University City.

Because the daytime temperature averages between 29° and 47° 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

47°

Average low in december

29°

december is a

bad time

to lay sod in University City, MO

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 University City, Missouri, the best sods to grow are cool-season grasses. Below is a list of these grasses and their ballpark prices:

How much will it cost me?
lot lines graphic

Price Considerations

DIY vs. Hiring a Sod Installation Company

When it comes to sodding your new lawn in University City, Missouri, 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.

Sod Procurement options in University City, Missouri: Landscaping Company vs. Sod Farm

Where to Buy Sod in University City - Local MO 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 $165 per pallet when buying in bulk from sod farms near University City, 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 University City:
  • R. Schroeder Sod Farm4720 Aubuchon Rd Hazelwood, MO 63042 10 miles away
  • Schaefer-Meyer Seed-sod Division 13910 Elm Point Road St. Charles, Missouri 63301 15 miles away
  • Heartland Turf FarmsP.O. Box 215 9607 Levee Rd. Columbia, IL 62236 18 miles away
  • Keeven Brothers Sod Farms602 Laura Hill Rd Saint Peters, MO 63376 21 miles away
  • Emerald View Turf Farms1722 Highway 79 O'Fallon, MO 63366 22 miles away
  • Big River Sod Farms5599 Bolte Lane Cedar Hill, MO 63016 27 miles away

What else?

Other Factors that Affect Pricing in University City

Sod Supplier & Delivery Distance

St. Louis is the largest city within 100 miles of University City. This means that St. Louis lawn companies near University City 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 University City 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 University City?

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.

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 University City, Missouri?

Cool season grasses grow best in University City in the Fall and Spring.

How much is 200 square feet of sod in University City?

If your goal is to get just 200 square feet of sod in University City, 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

Amelia Anderson

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.

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