Are you wondering what the standard size and weight of a sod roll is? You are not alone. Whether you’re planning a lawn renovation project or just curious about your options, it’s essential to know more about what these rolls look like, how big they are, how thick the sod is, and how much they weigh. Sods provide an easy way to lay down grass with minimal effort.
So in this blog post, we’ll explore all of these aspects related to the standard size and weight of sod rolls.
How Big is a Piece of Sod?
Have you ever been curious about how big a piece of sod is? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think, as it can vary depending on a few factors. For example, sod can come in rolls, slabs, or minor patches. The size of these pieces also depends on the land area you want to cover. However, a general rule of thumb is that a single piece of sod can be as follows:
Sod Size Dimensions
The typical sod roll has the following dimensions:
- Length: 4.5 feet
- Width: 2 feet
- Thickness: 1 inch
This means that the standard sod roll covers an area of approximately 9 square feet.
Sod Weight Range
The weight of a sod roll varies significantly, ranging from a minimum weight of 8 – 45 pounds to a maximum weight of 100 pounds. Several factors can impact the importance of the sod:
- Weather conditions: Rainfall and evaporation will affect the moisture content of the sod, thus altering its weight.
- Type of soil: The soil composition in the growing field also has a direct impact on the weight of the sod.
- The thickness of the harvested sod: When a sod is harvested with a thicker layer of soil and roots, it will naturally add to the overall weight.
How do you Calculate the Correct Amount of Sod?
The amount of sod you will need to cover your area depends on several factors, such as the size of your yard and the type of grass you are looking for. Generally speaking, it is recommended to use a coverage calculator to determine precisely how much sod you need for it to fit perfectly.
One piece of sod is 16″ x 24″, which equals 2.75 square feet.
500/2.75 = 181.818
A 500-square feet pallet contains approximately 180 pieces of green sod.
To calculate it, measure the total area of your lawn and divide it by the size of 1 piece of sod.
For example, if your area is 1000 square feet, you will need approximately 2 pallets of sod or 360 pieces of green sod to cover it.
It is also essential to take into consideration the size and weight of the sod when deciding how much to buy. This is because heavier rolls will cover less area than lighter ones, so you may need more to cover your entire area. Furthermore, it is always better to overestimate the amount of sod you purchase as there is often wastage due to measuring errors or unforeseen circumstances.
Finally, check with the sod supplier for their specific size and weight measurements to determine precisely how much sod you need. They will be best equipped to give you an accurate estimate based on your needs.
Sod Calculator
If you want to calculate, go to www. Royallandscapenursery website directly. They have the sod calculator, an easy and convenient way to ensure you get precisely the amount of sod you need for your project. The calculator allows you to input your desired coverage area in square feet and then calculates how many pallets or rolls are necessary to cover it.
Installing & Caring for New Sod: Avoid Top 4 Mistakes
Buyers of sod should be aware of a few potential pitfalls when installing their green grass investment to ensure it pays off for years. Knowing how to install, water, and care for sod can help ensure a flourishing lawn.
1) Waiting too long to install the sod:
Sod begins to decompose once it is harvested, with the rate of decay determined by air temperature. In wintertime, sod can last up to a week on pallets; however, if installed during hot summer weather, this lifespan is reduced to 24 hours or less. Watering while still on pallets is not effective against heat-induced decomposition. If some green blades remain after a delay in installation, then there is still hope – proper watering may bring the sod back.
How to avoid: Prepare for delivery and install as soon as possible after receiving your order.
2) Not watering soon enough:
Sod harvested is separated from its root system, making it vulnerable to drying out quickly once unrolled. To prevent this, it should be watered within 30 minutes of installation – even faster if the weather is warm or windy.
How to avoid: Set up a sprinkler before installing so you’re all set for immediate watering when necessary.
3) Not watering deeply enough:
For the first two weeks after installation, your new sod must be watered daily with around an inch of water each time. This helps promote deep rooting and draws the sod into your soil. To do this effectively, use a sprinkler instead of hand watering – it needs to be on for one or two hours to soak in properly.
How to avoid: Set up a hose and sprinkler and measure the water applied with a rain gauge or coffee cup.
4) Watering in the evenings during summer:
Hot, humid summers provide ideal conditions for fungus growth, which is made worse by leaving grass wet overnight. Take extra precautions when establishing sod at this time of year, especially after the first watering (which should happen as soon as possible, even if in the evening). After that, only water in the morning so the grass can dry out later in the day.
How to avoid: Set up a timer for morning watering and consider applying a fungicide as a preventative measure in extreme heat or humidity or when rain is frequent during hot weather.
Summary
Size of Sod comes in standard sizes of 4.5 feet in length, 2 feet in width, and 1 inch in thickness, which covers 9 square feet. The weight of a sod roll can range from 8 to 100 pounds, depending on the weather conditions, soil composition, and thickness.
To calculate how much you need to cover your area, use a coverage calculator or the rule of thumb that 1 pallet of sod covers 500 square feet. Installing and caring for your new sod properly is vital to its success – make sure you water it within 30 minutes of installation and consider using a timer or fungicide in hot weather. These steps will ensure your sod has the best chance of thriving and providing many years of lush green grass.
Douglas Mackalie is a Founder of Mackalies Garden. He is one of the most exciting people you’ll ever meet. He has 25 years of experience in horticulture and gardening, most of which he’s spent outdoors getting his hands dirty.