Quick Intro

Intro to Sod Grass in the Orange Area

The climate in Orange, CA is mild and typically sunny, with warm summers and mild, wet winters. The average temperature in the summer is around 86°F (30°C), and during the cooler months it averages some 59°F (15°C).

This climate is ideal for many types of grass, especially dwarf St. Augustine grass which thrives in these warm temperatures. The mild rain allows for a wide variety of grass types to thrive, including Bermuda and Fescue.

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

Orange Sod Cost Chart

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

BermudaZoysiaSt. AugustineBuffalo
500 sq ft$175 - $325$275 - $450$250 - $450$275 - $400
1000 sq ft$350 - $650$550 - $900$500 - $900$550 - $800
1500 sq ft$525 - $975$825 - $1350$750 - $1350$825 - $1200
2000 sq ft$700 - $1300$1100 - $1800$1000 - $1800$1100 - $1600
2500 sq ft$875 - $1625$1375 - $2250$1250 - $2250$1375 - $2000
3000 sq ft$1050 - $1950$1650 - $2700$1500 - $2700$1650 - $2400

*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 Orange?

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

Because the daytime temperature averages between 66° and 86° degrees fahrenheit, the sod will be able to take root and grow quickly.

Average high in september

86°

Average low in september

66°

september is a

good time

to lay sod in Orange, 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 Orange, Southern California, 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 Orange, Southern California, 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 Orange, Southern California: Landscaping Company vs. Sod Farm

Where to Buy Sod in Orange - 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 $155 per pallet when buying in bulk from sod farms near Orange, 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 10 closest sod farms to Orange:
  • Superior Sod 7000 Merrill Ave, Building A-310 Chino, CA 91710 12 miles away
  • Irvine Sod CompanyIrvine, CA 13 miles away
  • California Sod Center7000 Merrill Ave. Suite A310 Chino, CA 91710 13 miles away
  • Riverside Sod FarmRiverside County, California 22 miles away
  • A-G Sod Farms HQ30932 Palm Ave Nuevo, CA 92567 38 miles away
  • West Coast Turf / Western Sod31755 Winchester Rd, Winchester, CA 92596 41 miles away
  • Quality Turf, Inc1121 N Warren Rd, San Jacinto, CA 92582, United States 43 miles away
  • Valley Sod Farm16405 Chase St, North Hills, CA 91343 49 miles away
  • A-G Sod Farms HQ41120 40th Street East Palmdale, CA 93552 53 miles away
  • West Coast Turf / Western Sod1365 Descanso Ave, San Marcos, CA 92069 58 miles away

What else?

Other Factors that Affect Pricing in Orange

Sod Supplier & Delivery Distance

Los Angeles is the largest city within 100 miles of Orange. This means that Los Angeles lawn companies near Orange 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 Orange 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 Orange?

As mentioned above, it depends on if you want the DIY or the white-glove approach, but it can range anywhere from $155 to $550 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 Orange, Southern California?

Warm season grasses grow best in Orange 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 Orange?

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