Northern California El Dorado CountyGuide to Sod Installation in South Lake Tahoe, Northern California
Quick Intro
Intro to Sod Grass in the South Lake Tahoe Area
South Lake Tahoe, CA has a high alpine Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm, but with large swings in temperature, while winters are cold and snowy.
The area experiences an extended growing season and mild temperatures due to its proximity to the lake. This climate means that well-drained soils and grasses tolerant of short periods of cold and heat are best for the area.
Popular grasses for this climate include Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, ryegrass, and perennial ryegrass.
Let's take a look at some costs for different lawn sizes.
South Lake Tahoe Sod Cost Chart
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
Is Now the Best Time to Lay Sod in South Lake Tahoe?
Because the daytime temperature averages between 36° and 63° degrees fahrenheit, the sod will be able to take root and grow, but it may take a little longer than usual. Make sure to keep it well hydrated!
Average high in may
63°Average low in may
36°may is an
to lay sod in South Lake Tahoe, CA
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 South Lake Tahoe, Northern California, the best sods to grow are transition 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 South Lake Tahoe, Northern California, there are two options to consider. Each offers its unique set of advantages and disadvantages:
Hiring Sod Professionals
Going with a landscaping company means a comprehensive, hands-free solution. They have teams that manage everything from sourcing quality sod to preparing the ground, taking care of sod delivery to your property, and installing the turf grass for you.
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 South Lake Tahoe - Local CA 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 $160 per pallet when buying in bulk from sod farms near South Lake Tahoe, 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.
Poor Online Support: Don't expect a sophisticated online browsing experience. Most sod farms have basic websites, so you'll likely need to make a phone call or fire off an email conversation to get ahold of availability and pricing.
Interested in going the farm route?
Here are the 2 closest sod farms to South Lake Tahoe:- Dayton Valley Turf290 Kietzke Lane at Glendale Reno, NV 89502 42 miles away
- High Desert TurfHigh Desert Turf 455 Franklin Way, Sparks, NV 89431 43 miles away
What else?
Other Factors that Affect Pricing in South Lake Tahoe
Sod Supplier & Delivery Distance
Sacramento is the largest city within 100 miles of South Lake Tahoe. This means that Sacramento lawn companies near South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe?
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.
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 South Lake Tahoe, Northern California?
Cool season grasses grow best in South Lake Tahoe in the Fall and Spring. Warm season grasses grow best in the Summer.
How much is 200 square feet of sod in South Lake Tahoe?
If your goal is to get just 200 square feet of sod in South Lake Tahoe, 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
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.
