Michigan Grand Traverse CountyGuide to Sod Installation in Traverse City, Michigan
Quick Intro
Intro to Sod Grass in the Traverse City Area
The climate in Traverse City, MI is humid continental with warm summers and cold winters. The average daily low temperatures in winter generally range from low teens to mid-twenties (Fahrenheit).
Snowfall typically occurs between November and April. The climate of this region is ideal for many types of cool-season grasses, such as bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescue.
These grasses are heat- and drought-tolerant, making them well-suited for the warm summer and cold winter conditions of Traverse City. They also can take occasional foot traffic, making them suitable for lawns.
Let's take a look at some costs for different lawn sizes.
Traverse City 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 | $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 Traverse City?
Because the daytime temperature averages between 33° and 51° 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 april
51°Average low in april
33°april is a
to lay sod in Traverse City, MI
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 Traverse City, Michigan, 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 Traverse City, Michigan, 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 Traverse City - Local MI 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 Traverse 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.
Unfortunately, we don't know of any sod farms near Traverse City currently. If you know of one that should be listed, please let us know by reaching out to support@sodcalculator.com and we will add it for free.
What else?
Other Factors that Affect Pricing in Traverse City
Sod Supplier & Delivery Distance
Because there aren't any large metropolitan cities near Traverse City 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.
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 Traverse 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 Traverse 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 Traverse City, Michigan?
Cool season grasses grow best in Traverse City in the Fall and Spring.
How much is 200 square feet of sod in Traverse City?
If your goal is to get just 200 square feet of sod in Traverse 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
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.
