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One of the most asked questions we get on a daily basis around sod is “how much does a pallet of sod weigh”? The answer varies on the type of sod in question. So below we have addressed the weight for the majority of sod types you can buy from farms or a local greenery.
A single pallet can weigh anywhere from 1500 to 3000 pounds, the weight can increase by up to 50% depending on soil content, moisture, and other factors.
Overall, on average a pallet of sod weighs between 1500-3000lbs
- Bermuda Sod Pallet – 1750lbs
- St. Augustine Grass Pallet – 3000lbs
Sod, which is also known as turf, is living grass that offers a quick solution for landscaping without having to wait for grass seed to grow.
If you’re looking to landscape or improve the yard or lawn that you already have, you will need a large amount of sod. Bringing the sod itself to your location is easier said than done. Unlike grass seed, the sod comes on a heavy pallet.
Sod prices are usually by pallet, with pallet sizes varying between 400 square feet and 700 square feet. In terms of coverage, the area depends on the particular cut of sod. Slabs usually cover between 380 and 510 square feet. Mini rolls range from 400 and 500 square feet while big rolls can reach between 500 and 700 square feet.
The cost of a pallet will depend on the variety of grass you buy and where you purchase it. You should also factor delivery costs, which will usually be higher the farther you are away from the place where you purchased the sod. One of the best places to buy sod online is from SodSolutions. Check out all the different types of sod you can have delivered to your door or job site.
Why Does Sod Come on Pallets?
While the sod is easy to store and transport without damage, pallets are heavy and unwieldy. Because of this fact, you need to understand how much sod weighs, and how much you need to cover the area that you will landscape.
You also need to know how much sod weighs on a practical level so that you can decide how to transport it. The weight of a pallet of sod depends on the sod type and the way it’s cut.
Pallets tend to vary depending on their materials and design.
An Overview of Pallet Sizes
A full pallet of sod can come in one of two sizes: either it will be 450 square feet or 500 square feet. Regardless of how much sod it carries, the pallet that covers 500 square feet will inevitably be heavier.
Another factor in the weight of a pallet of sod is the sod itself. While the turf is what you need to grow the grass, the amount of soil that comes with it is usually at the manufacturer’s discretion. Some sod rolls are thicker than others because they contain more soil.
The thicker rolls are necessarily heavier than thinner options. When there is more soil, the grass is likely to remain healthy during transit and also after you put it down. It may also grow faster with proper watering.
The problem is that the thicker sod will also be heavier and could require specialized transport.
The weight of the sod will also depend on whether the sod is dry or wet. Higher moisture content in the soil will make the sod heavier regardless of how thick it is.
Different Sod Cuts
Sod doesn’t get sold in a single shape or size. It mainly comes in the form of “sod cuts,” which most landscaping companies sell by the pallet. A few types of sod cuts are prevalent.
Big Rolls
Big rolls are for large areas, such as commercial properties, golf courses, athletic fields, or lawns. The standard dimensions of a big roll are about 40 inches wide by 100 feet long.
Often the width isn’t one continuous 40-inch-long cut, but rather two smaller 20-inch long sections bound together using biodegradable netting.
Big rolls often need to be placed mechanically using tractors or specialized machines. For this reason, these cuts are mostly for professional landscapers, rather than individual homeowners.
Big Rolls Coverage and Weight
Big rolls are also conventional in the northern markets and anywhere where winter seasons are colder.
They are for buyers who want to cover extensive areas. The standard pallet sizes for big rolls are 500 square feet, 600 square feet, and 700 square feet, with a single pallet packing between 50 and 70 rolls.
The most common grass types sold in this form are Kentucky bluegrass and the tall fescue.
It is essential to know pallet sizes and weights when planning to purchase sod for your landscaping because it can affect both the price you pay and transportation plans.
With such variability in pallet sizes, it is essential to be careful to get all the information and pricing so that you can be sure you are getting the correct amount.
Mini Rolls
Mini sod rolls are smaller versions of big rolls. They are easier to handle and, therefore, accessible for landscaping in smaller areas and commercial and residential properties.
Mini rolls are often 20 inches long by 60 inches wide. Mini-rolls of sod covers 10 square feet each. Typically, they are stored on pallets of 450 and 500 square feet, depending on the particular variety of grass.
Mini Hand Rolls Coverage and Weight
Mini hand rolls are most common in northern markets. About 80 rolls fit onto a 400 square foot pallet, with 450 and 500 square foot pallets respectively holding approximately 90 and 100 rolls.
Slabs
Slabs are the default cut for harvesting sod.
A slab is 24 inches long by 16 inches wide. Each piece weighs about 10-11 pounds, and it can cover just over 2.5 square feet.
Slab Pallet Coverage and Weight
Most slab pallets range from 400 to 500 square feet, with common grass types being zoysia, Bermuda, centipede, and St. Augustine.
The most important thing to note here is the price per square foot of coverage, rather than per pallet.
Plugs
A plug or sprig is the most common mode of storage and transportation for warm-season grass. These grasses are planted vegetatively rather than by seed.
This planting method is because they are often hybrid grasses that do not produce viable seeds. Plugs are small bits of rhizomes and live stems that get planted in the soil, fertilized, and watered.
They take up to three months to cover an area, but the growth rate depends on the weather and the variety of grass. Sprigs may be hand planted for small areas, but they require mechanical planting for larger spaces.
You may also be interested in planting low or no-mow grasses in areas where its hard to get a mower to or if you just don’t want to mow that often.
Hi, Alex Kuritz here. Growing up I remember that my family had one of the best lawns in the neighborhood. Richly green and lush. I did a lot as I grew up in terms of caring and tending for not only my family’s lawn but also my neighbors. I can say I have years of experience, and I am here to share it with you.