A pallet of sod is pre-grown turfgrass harvested in strips or squares, stacked for transport. This method allows for the instant establishment of a healthy lawn without the months-long wait required for seeding. Understanding the precise coverage of a pallet is the first step in planning a lawn project and ensuring you buy the correct amount of material. The exact square footage a pallet covers is not a fixed number, but a standard range influenced by logistical and biological factors.
Standard Pallet Coverage
The typical coverage provided by a full pallet of sod generally falls between 400 and 500 square feet. Pallets sold in the southern United States, often featuring warm-season grasses like Bermuda or St. Augustine, frequently contain around 400 to 500 square feet of turf. In contrast, pallets in northern regions sometimes have larger coverage, ranging from 500 up to 700 square feet, particularly when using large-format rolls.
The total square footage is determined by the dimensions of the individual pieces and the number of pieces stacked on the pallet. Sod is commonly cut into slabs measuring about 16 by 24 inches (approximately 2.66 square feet each) or into mini hand rolls (about five square feet per piece). A standard 450-square-foot pallet, for instance, might contain around 165 of the smaller slab pieces.
Factors Affecting Pallet Dimensions
The reason coverage is a range rather than a precise figure relates to both the biology of the grass and regional harvesting practices. Different turf varieties possess distinct growth characteristics that influence how they are packaged. Denser grass types, such as Zoysia or Kentucky Bluegrass varieties, may be cut into thinner slabs or fewer pieces per pallet to manage the overall weight and prevent crushing during transit.
The size and count are also dictated by the harvesting equipment and local distribution standards used by the sod farm. Slabs are more common in the South, while mini hand rolls and large rolls are gaining popularity in the North, with each form resulting in different square-foot totals per pallet. Sod farms must balance maximizing the turf quantity with adhering to safe transport weight and size limits.
Calculating Your Project Needs
Accurately calculating the amount of sod needed begins with determining the total area of your project in square feet. For a rectangular or square area, this is a straightforward calculation of multiplying the length by the width. If the area is irregularly shaped, the most reliable method is to break the space down into smaller, definable geometric shapes like rectangles and triangles, calculate the area of each shape, and then add the results together for a precise total.
Once the total square footage is established, incorporate a waste factor into the final quantity. This factor accounts for material lost during the necessary trimming around curved edges, obstacles, and the general fitting of the pieces. Landscaping professionals recommend adding an extra 5 to 10% to the total square footage to ensure you do not run short during the installation process. You then divide this adjusted total by the specific square footage of the pallet you plan to purchase to determine the number of pallets needed.
Practical Considerations for Delivery and Handling
When a pallet of sod arrives, the weight and perishable nature of the product require immediate attention. A full pallet of sod is extremely heavy, typically weighing between 2,000 and 3,000 pounds, a range that can increase significantly if the turf is wet. This substantial weight means that specialized equipment, like a forklift, is necessary for unloading, and it presents a risk of damage to driveways or soft ground where the pallet is placed.
The most time-sensitive consideration is the sod’s short shelf life, as it is a living, perishable product that has been cut off from its nutrient and water source. Sod should be installed immediately upon delivery, ideally within 24 hours, to prevent the turf from yellowing and the roots from drying out. When turf is stacked on a pallet, the pieces generate heat, and if left too long, the center of the stack can quickly overheat and begin to decompose, leading to permanent damage and root rot.