Quick Intro

Intro to Sod Grass in the Oak Ridge Area

Oak Ridge, TN is a city located in Eastern Tennessee. The climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters. The average high in summer is around 86°F and the average low in winter is around 25°F.

Due to the moderate climate, there are a variety of grass types that do well in Oak Ridge, TN. Warm-season grasses such as zoysia, bermuda, and centipede are some of the most common types of grass for Oak Ridge, TN and nearby areas. Cool-season grasses, such as fescue and rye, can also be found in this area during the winter.

Over seeding helps keep cool-season grasses healthy and vibrant during the winter months.

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

Oak Ridge Sod Cost Chart

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

BermudaKentucky BluegrassZoysiaTall Fescue
500 sq ft$175 - $325$175 - $350$275 - $450$300 - $425
1000 sq ft$350 - $650$350 - $700$550 - $900$600 - $850
1500 sq ft$525 - $975$525 - $1050$825 - $1350$900 - $1275
2000 sq ft$700 - $1300$700 - $1400$1100 - $1800$1200 - $1700
2500 sq ft$875 - $1625$875 - $1750$1375 - $2250$1500 - $2125
3000 sq ft$1050 - $1950$1050 - $2100$1650 - $2700$1800 - $2550

*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 Oak Ridge?

As you can see in our handy chart below, october is generally a great time to lay sod in Oak Ridge.

Because the daytime temperature averages between 49° and 70° degrees fahrenheit, the sod will be able to take root and grow quickly.

Average high in october

70°

Average low in october

49°

october is a

good time

to lay sod in Oak Ridge, TN

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 Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the best sods to grow are transition 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 Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 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 Oak Ridge, Tennessee: Landscaping Company vs. Sod Farm

Where to Buy Sod in Oak Ridge - Local TN 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 Oak Ridge, 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 1 closest sod farms to Oak Ridge:
  • Crossroads Sod Farm6121 New Hope Rd Sweetwater TN 37874 24 miles away

What else?

Other Factors that Affect Pricing in Oak Ridge

Sod Supplier & Delivery Distance

Because there aren't any large metropolitan cities near Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge?

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 Oak Ridge, Tennessee?

Cool season grasses grow best in Oak Ridge in the Fall and Spring. Warm season grasses grow best in the Summer.

How much is 200 square feet of sod in Oak Ridge?

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