How Much Sod Do I Need For My Yard?

The amount of sod you need depends on your yard’s total square footage, property layout, curves, slopes, and how much extra material is needed to account for cutting and waste during installation. 

Here at Siouxland Sod, our friendly experts know exactly how to assess your yard’s sod needs, preventing over-or-under ordering. They’ll measure the square footage of your yard by multiplying length × width for each section, then add the totals together, making sure to include extra material for cuts, curves, and installation waste.

 How to calculate sod needed

How To Measure Your Yard For Sod

If you’re interested in measuring your own yard for sod ordering, we’re here to help! As you start measuring the square footage of your yard, be sure to follow these steps:

• Measure your yard in square or rectangular sections. Begin by making a drawing of your yard, mapping out as much of it into rectangular sections as you can.

• Break irregular areas into smaller sections. For the sections of your yard that are irregular, break them into small circles and triangles, taking up as much of those sections as possible.

• Calculate the square footage of each shape. Use our helpful sod calculator to calculate the square footage of each shape, or multiply length x width of each section.
• Add the measurements of each shape together. After measuring and calculating the square footage of each shape, add those numbers together to calculate the total square footage.

A common homeowner mistake is underestimating how much sod is needed around curves, trees, landscaping beds, and walkways. You can avoid this by adding 5% to 10% of the total square footage to your final sod order. 

How Many Square Feet Does A Pallet Of Sod Cover?

At Siouxland Sod, we offer pallets of Tall Fescue Sod and HD Sports 2.0™ Kentucky Bluegrass Sod, each consisting of large or small rolls. The table below outlines the general coverage and cost of sod rolls here at Siouxland Sod, but we recommend contacting us directly for pallet sizes, as they can vary depending on your needs, and sod coverage can vary slightly depending on moisture levels, cutting sizes, and harvesting methods.

Should You Order Extra Sod?

Measuring and estimating your yard’s sod needs can be a tricky process, and it’s important to take into account the following factors: 

• Curved Borders
• Landscaping Features
• Sloped Areas
• Tight Corners
• Trimming Waste

Every sod project is different, and it’s important to be as accurate as possible as you measure sections of your yard. Because it can be difficult to account for the above factors, we recommend first using Siouxland Sod’s sod calculator, and ordering 5% to 10% extra sod to cover any irregularities.

Common Mistakes When Calculating Sod Needs

We’ve been helping homeowners measure their yards for sod for decades, and we’ve seen what happens when our customers’ calculations are off. Especially in the case of ordering too little sod and having to order more later,  you run the risk of mismatched sod colors due to differing harvest times. 

These are the most common homeowner mistakes we’ve seen when it comes to calculating sod needs:

• Forgetting Curved Areas
• Not Accounting For Waste
• Incorrect Measurements
• Ignoring Slopes
• Ordering Too Little Sod
• Delaying Installation

Factors That Affect Sod Quantities

We are always happy to guide our homeowner clients as they measure their yards for sod, but we do recommend contacting us for a formal measurement and estimate. Our experts have been working with sod in Iowa for decades, and have the knowledge and experience necessary to account for a variety of factors that may affect sod quantities. Some of these include:

• Yard shape
• Drainage grading
• Slopes
• Retaining walls
• Landscaping features
• Walkways and patios

All of these factors can affect sod quantities, project timelines, and lawn establishment, and the experts at Siouxland Sod know exactly how to account for them.

Why Proper Planning Matters Before Sod Installation

There is more to a sod lawn than just measuring and installation. At Siouxland Sod, we specialize in the planning necessary for successful installation that keeps your yard green, healthy, and durable for as long as possible. We focus on coordinating soil preparation with fresh sod installation timing, ultimately preventing installation delays and ensuring your yard is ready for a new sod lawn’s intense watering needs. 

Factors like the intense Midwestern heat, wind, and adverse seasonal weather can affect sod installation timing. We see this most often in situations where customers underestimate their sod needs due to improper measuring, which pushes their project timelines into less-ideal portions of the planting season.

Why Homeowners & Contractors Choose Siouxland Sod

The experts here at Siouxland Sod have been working in Iowa and the Midwest for decades, and have watched many growing seasons come and go. We have experience with both residential and commercial projects, and know how to time growing and harvesting for reliable delivery and installation scheduling. 

By choosing locally-grown, Midwestern sod for your lawn, you’re choosing grasses that are acclimated to fickle Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota climates. This sod is far more likely to thrive in the long run, keeping your lawn green and beautiful, and protecting your investment.

Talk to Siouxland Sod about Your Project

FAQ

How do I calculate how much sod I need?

Measure the square footage of your yard by multiplying length × width for each section, then add the totals together and include 5% to 10% extra material for cuts, curves, and installation waste. Try our sod calculator for accuracy.

How much sod does a pallet cover?

A full sod pallet can cover approximately 450 sq ft, but because pallets vary in size, we recommend contacting Siouxland Sod for an accurate estimate.

Should I order extra sod?

Yes. We recommend ordering an extra 5% – 10% of your yard’s total square footage to account for factors like curves, trees, landscaping beds, and walkways.

How do you measure an irregular shaped yard?

Break your yard into various shapes – rectangles, squares, circles, and triangles – and measure each shape individually before calculating square footage. 

How much sod do I need for 1,000 square feet?

Pallet sizes can vary – call Siouxland Sod for an accurate estimate today. 

Can Siouxland Sod help estimate my project?

Yes. Contact us today to set up a free estimate..

What type of sod works best for Midwest lawns?

Siouxland Sod recommends Tall Fescue Sod and HD Sports 2.0™ Kentucky Bluegrass Sod for our midwestern heat and extreme winters.