Quick Intro
San Jose, California has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This type of climate is perfect for warm-season grasses, like Bermuda grass, St. Augustine grass, and Zoysia grass.
Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue, can also grow in San Jose but may require frequent irrigation during the summer and protection from extreme cold during the winter. San Jose’s lack of humidity helps to ward off turf-destroying diseases.
Generally, the best grass for this climate should be able to tolerate hot temperatures, survive periods of drought, and withstand the occasional cold snap.
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
Bermuda | Kentucky Bluegrass | Zoysia | Tall Fescue | |
---|---|---|---|---|
500 sq ft | $185 - $335 | $185 - $360 | $285 - $460 | $310 - $435 |
1000 sq ft | $360 - $660 | $360 - $710 | $560 - $910 | $610 - $860 |
1500 sq ft | $535 - $985 | $535 - $1060 | $835 - $1360 | $910 - $1285 |
2000 sq ft | $710 - $1310 | $710 - $1410 | $1110 - $1810 | $1210 - $1710 |
2500 sq ft | $885 - $1635 | $885 - $1760 | $1385 - $2260 | $1510 - $2135 |
3000 sq ft | $1060 - $1960 | $1060 - $2110 | $1660 - $2710 | $1810 - $2560 |
*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 60° and 83° degrees fahrenheit, the sod will be able to take root and grow quickly.
Average high in september
83°Average low in september
60°september is a
to lay sod in San Jose, CA
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 San Jose, Northern California, the best sods to grow are transition grasses. Below is a list of these grasses and their ballpark prices:
Price Considerations
When it comes to sodding your new lawn in San Jose, Northern California, 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 $160 per pallet when buying in bulk from sod farms near San Jose, 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 San Jose:What else?
San Jose has a population of roughly 930,862, which can be a double-edged sword when it comes to landscaping pricing. This means that sod companies in San Jose may charge more to cover the cost of living in a larger city. But at the same time you will have more options to choose from, so make sure to get multiple quotes. Prices can vary wildly!
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 $160 to $555 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 San Jose in the Fall and Spring. Warm season grasses grow best in the Summer.
If your goal is to get just 200 square feet of sod in San Jose, 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
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.