Quick Intro
Chattanooga, TN has a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Due to the high humidity, the city experiences occasional drought conditions. Summers tend to be both wet and hot and winters tend to be mild and wet.
This climate affects the types of grass that are best grown in Chattanooga. During the summer months, warm season grasses such as Bermuda and Zoysia thrive due to their tolerance of heat and humidity. Cool-season grasses such as Kentucky Bluegrass and Fescue do well during the milder months of fall and spring, however they often struggle during the hot and humid months of summer.
It is also important to water regularly and deeply during the summer months to keep the grass healthy and thriving.
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 | $165 - $315 | $165 - $340 | $265 - $440 | $290 - $415 |
1000 sq ft | $340 - $640 | $340 - $690 | $540 - $890 | $590 - $840 |
1500 sq ft | $515 - $965 | $515 - $1040 | $815 - $1340 | $890 - $1265 |
2000 sq ft | $690 - $1290 | $690 - $1390 | $1090 - $1790 | $1190 - $1690 |
2500 sq ft | $865 - $1615 | $865 - $1740 | $1365 - $2240 | $1490 - $2115 |
3000 sq ft | $1040 - $1940 | $1040 - $2090 | $1640 - $2690 | $1790 - $2540 |
*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 37° and 55° 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
55°Average low in december
37°december is a
to lay sod in Chattanooga, TN
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 Chattanooga, Tennessee, 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 Chattanooga, Tennessee, there are two options to consider. Each offers its unique set of advantages and disadvantages:
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.
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 Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga:What else?
Because there aren't any large metropolitan cities near Chattanooga 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.
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 $145 to $540 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga, 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
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.