Quick Intro
The climate in Johnston, IA is a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Summers are typically hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F. Winters can be extremely cold, with lows dropping as low as 10-20°F.
Precipitation varies throughout the year with the most occurring in the spring and summer months. The climate in Johnston, IA is mostly suitable for warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda grass, zoysia, and centipede grass. The area's hot, humid summers and cold winters can cause these types of grasses to require frequent maintenance and mowing.
Cool-season grasses, such as fescue, bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass, withstand cold temperatures better and don't require as much maintenance and mowing as warm-season grasses.
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 | $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
Because the daytime temperature averages between 41° and 61° degrees fahrenheit, the sod will be able to take root and grow quickly.
Average high in october
61°Average low in october
41°october is a
to lay sod in Johnston, IA
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 Johnston, Iowa, 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 Johnston, Iowa, there are two options to consider. Each offers its unique set of advantages and disadvantages:
Opting for a professional 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 $155 per pallet when buying in bulk from sod farms near Johnston, 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 1 closest sod farms to Johnston:What else?
Because there aren't any large metropolitan cities near Johnston you'll need to find a local sod supplier. Usually this means you'll have fewer options to choose from, but you can get a good deal as the cost of living (and thus services) is likely lower than big cities.
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 $155 to $550 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 Johnston in the Fall and Spring.
If your goal is to get just 200 square feet of sod in Johnston, 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
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.