Sod, often referred to as turfgrass, is a layer of mature grass with its attached soil and root system that is harvested and sold in rolls or slabs. This product allows for the immediate establishment of a lawn rather than waiting for seeds to grow. Understanding the specific square footage contained within a standard delivery pallet is necessary for accurately planning and budgeting any landscaping project. Knowing this information ensures you order the correct quantity, avoiding both shortages and unnecessary waste.
Standard Pallet Coverage
A standard pallet of turfgrass typically contains between 400 and 500 square feet of sod. Although 450 square feet is often cited as the average, this range accounts for minor variations in harvesting and packaging practices across different suppliers. The sod is cut into smaller pieces, such as slabs (about 16 inches by 24 inches) or rolled pieces (up to 10 square feet each), and then stacked onto the pallet.
The packaging method ensures the product remains manageable for transport and installation. The total weight of a full pallet is a significant consideration, as the sod includes the grass, soil, and root mass. A pallet of sod fully saturated with water can weigh between 2,500 and 3,000 pounds, which is the primary factor limiting the square footage.
Factors Affecting Pallet Dimensions
The precise square footage of sod on a pallet is not universally fixed and varies due to several production elements. A significant factor is the grass type and its inherent density, which dictates the maximum weight the pallet can carry. Denser varieties, such as St. Augustine or Kentucky Bluegrass, hold more water and have a thicker root structure. To remain within safe transportation weight limits, farms must reduce the total square footage of these heavier grasses on a single pallet.
The specific harvesting machinery utilized by a farm also plays a role in the final dimensions of the pallet. Different sod harvesters cut the turf into varying dimensions, producing smaller slabs, mini-rolls, or large rolls. For example, northern regions favoring cool-season grasses may use large rolls containing up to 700 square feet per pallet. Conversely, suppliers of warm-season grasses in the South often use smaller slabs, resulting in a 400 to 500 square feet pallet.
Regional transportation regulations and supplier standards also influence the final coverage area. Farms must account for the sod’s moisture content, which can fluctuate dramatically based on recent rainfall and add up to 50% more weight. Local laws governing the maximum load weight for trucks and trailers indirectly dictate how much material can be safely stacked onto a pallet before shipment.
Calculating Your Sod Needs
Successfully ordering sod requires a systematic approach that begins with accurate site measurement. Use a tape measure to determine the length and width of the area, multiplying these figures to find the total square footage. For irregular shapes, divide the space into simpler geometric forms (rectangles and triangles), calculate the area of each, and then add the results together.
After determining the base square footage, you must apply a waste factor to the total area. Industry practice is to add an additional 5% to 10% to account for necessary cuts and trimming around obstacles like flower beds and walkways. This extra material ensures a seamless installation without requiring a small, expensive reorder later.
The final step is using this adjusted total to determine the number of pallets needed for the project. Contact your local supplier to confirm the specific square footage of their pallets, as this number varies significantly between providers. Divide your total required square footage (including the waste factor) by the supplier’s confirmed pallet coverage to arrive at the precise number of pallets to order.