Quick Intro

Intro to Sod Grass in the Waltham Area

The climate in Waltham, MA is considered temperate and humid, with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winter months. The temperature usually ranges between 20-90 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. This moderate climate means that grasses must be tolerant of a hot and humid summer and fairly cold winters.

Popular grasses that thrive in the Waltham climate include bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fescues. These grasses are especially suited to the region because they are drought-resistant and tolerate cold temperatures well. The warm summers allow them to rapidly grow and fill in any gaps, while the cold winter months help to keep them healthy and strong.

It's important to also note that a Waltham lawn should also be well-ventilated in order to avoid potential fungal growth. Be sure to avoid overwatering and using too much fertilizer, as these can contribute to a compromised lawn. With proper care, these grasses should be able to thrive in the climate found in Waltham, MA.

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

Waltham Sod Cost Chart

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

Kentucky BluegrassTall FescuePerennial RyegrassFine Fescue
500 sq ft$195 - $370$320 - $445$170 - $345$245 - $395
1000 sq ft$370 - $720$620 - $870$320 - $670$470 - $770
1500 sq ft$545 - $1070$920 - $1295$470 - $995$695 - $1145
2000 sq ft$720 - $1420$1220 - $1720$620 - $1320$920 - $1520
2500 sq ft$895 - $1770$1520 - $2145$770 - $1645$1145 - $1895
3000 sq ft$1070 - $2120$1820 - $2570$920 - $1970$1370 - $2270

*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 Waltham?

As you can see in our handy chart below, october is generally a great time to lay sod in Waltham.

Because the daytime temperature averages between 43° and 64° degrees fahrenheit, the sod will be able to take root and grow quickly.

Average high in october

64°

Average low in october

43°

october is a

good time

to lay sod in Waltham, MA

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 Waltham, Massachusetts, 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 Waltham, Massachusetts, there are two options to consider. Each offers its unique set of advantages and disadvantages:

Hiring Sod Professionals

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.

Sod Procurement options in Waltham, Massachusetts: Landscaping Company vs. Sod Farm

Where to Buy Sod in Waltham - Local MA 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 Waltham, 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 5 closest sod farms to Waltham:
  • Tim's Turf & Landscaping Material LLC15 Colby Road, Litchfield, NH 03052 36 miles away
  • Turf Inc550 South County Trail North Kingstown, RI 02852 59 miles away
  • Sodco264 Exeter Rd Saunderstown, RI 02877 60 miles away
  • Rainey Sod Fam Inc35 County Road 640 Corinth, MS 38834 60 miles away
  • A. Turf farm Inc.168 SOUTH CANTERBURY ROAD, CANTERBURY, CT 06331 62 miles away

What else?

Other Factors that Affect Pricing in Waltham

Sod Supplier & Delivery Distance

Boston is the largest city within 100 miles of Waltham. This means that Boston lawn companies near Waltham 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 Waltham 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 Waltham?

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 Waltham, Massachusetts?

Cool season grasses grow best in Waltham in the Fall and Spring.

How much is 200 square feet of sod in Waltham?

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

Terrance Sowell

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.

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