Quick Intro

Intro to Sod Grass in the Aiken Area

Aiken, SC has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The highest temperature ever recorded in the area was 110 °F in 1986, while the lowest was -7 °F in December 1989. Average annual rainfall is between 41-45 inches a year.

The climate in Aiken, SC can affect the type of grass that is best grown there. Warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda, zoysia and centipede, are best suited for the area's hot summers and mild winters. These grasses are slow to turn green in the spring but turn brown in the cold winter months, requiring less water and fertilization to thrive.

Cool-season grasses, such as fescue and ryegrass, are primarily used in the warmer months because they can brown or go dormant during the hot summer months. These grasses require more frequent water and fertilization to stay healthy.

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

Aiken Sod Cost Chart

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

BermudaZoysiaSt. AugustineBuffalo
500 sq ft$165 - $315$265 - $440$240 - $440$265 - $390
1000 sq ft$340 - $640$540 - $890$490 - $890$540 - $790
1500 sq ft$515 - $965$815 - $1340$740 - $1340$815 - $1190
2000 sq ft$690 - $1290$1090 - $1790$990 - $1790$1090 - $1590
2500 sq ft$865 - $1615$1365 - $2240$1240 - $2240$1365 - $1990
3000 sq ft$1040 - $1940$1640 - $2690$1490 - $2690$1640 - $2390

*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 Aiken?

As you can see in our handy chart below, december is generally not the best time to lay sod in Aiken.

Because the daytime temperature averages between 39° and 60° 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 december

60°

Average low in december

39°

december is a

bad time

to lay sod in Aiken, SC

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 Aiken, South Carolina, the best sods to grow are warm-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 Aiken, South Carolina, 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.

Sod Procurement options in Aiken, South Carolina: Landscaping Company vs. Sod Farm

Where to Buy Sod in Aiken - Local SC 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 $145 per pallet when buying in bulk from sod farms near Aiken, 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 Aiken:
  • Carolina Fresh Farms1335 E Pine Log Rd Aiken, SC 29803 3 miles away
  • Nimmer Turf Farm Inc850 Blanchard Rd. Evans, GA 30809 25 miles away
  • New Life Turf2024 Willow Swamp Road Norway, SC 29113 35 miles away
  • Nimmer Turf Farm Inc440 Jamil Rd. Columbia, SC 2921 50 miles away
  • Modern Turf10070 Farrow Rd Columbia, SC 29203 57 miles away

What else?

Other Factors that Affect Pricing in Aiken

Sod Supplier & Delivery Distance

Because there aren't any large metropolitan cities near Aiken 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 Aiken 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 Aiken?

As mentioned above, it depends on if you want the DIY or the white-glove approach, but it can range anywhere from $145 to $540 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 Aiken, South Carolina?

Warm season grasses grow best in Aiken in the Spring and early Summer. Cool season grasses grow best in the Fall and Spring.

How much is 200 square feet of sod in Aiken?

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

Amelia Anderson

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.

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