Sod is pre-grown grass cultivated on a farm and harvested in rectangular or rolled sections, complete with a thin layer of soil and the root system. This mature turf is laid directly onto prepared ground, providing an almost instant lawn compared to seeding. Accurate measurement ensures you avoid the costly delay of a shortage or the financial waste of ordering too much perishable material.
Preparation and Essential Tools
Before beginning the measurement process, gather a few specific tools to ensure accuracy and ease of recording. A long tape measure, preferably one that extends to 100 feet, allows for fewer movements and more consistent readings across larger spaces. A calculator, pencil, and graph paper should be on hand for sketching the area and recording measurements.
The initial step is to walk the area and create a rough, proportional sketch of the entire lawn space on the graph paper. This drawing will be used to divide the lawn into smaller, manageable geometric shapes, such as squares, rectangles, or triangles. Using stakes or brightly colored marking paint to define the boundaries of these smaller sections helps maintain straight lines during the actual measurement phase.
Measuring Rectangular and Square Areas
For any area that is square or rectangular, the calculation is straightforward using the basic formula: Area equals Length multiplied by Width (A = L x W). Measure the length of the area, ensuring the tape measure remains straight and parallel to the edge. Next, measure the width perpendicular to the length measurement.
If the area is slightly out of square, measure the length and the width at two or three different points. Record each measurement and then use the average length and the average width for the final calculation. This technique accounts for minor inconsistencies in the shape and results in a more accurate total square footage for that section.
Handling Irregular and Curved Spaces
Most lawns are not perfect squares, requiring a specialized approach to accurately determine the total area. The most effective method for measuring an irregularly shaped space is to break it down into a series of smaller, simple geometric shapes. Use the straight-line boundaries marked earlier to create a collection of rectangles, squares, and triangles that cover the entire lawn.
For any triangle created within the irregular space, the area is calculated by multiplying the base measurement by the height, and then dividing that total by two. If the lawn includes large, smooth curves or sections that are close to circular, estimate the area by measuring the longest diameter and using the formula for a circle (pi multiplied by the radius squared). Alternatively, approximate the area by boxing the entire irregular section with a large rectangle and then subtracting the areas of the unneeded spaces outside the curve.
Another technique for complex shapes is to overlay a grid pattern on the area, either physically with string or mentally on your sketch, and then measure the component shapes within the grid. This process ensures that all unique sections of the lawn are accounted for, from a narrow strip alongside a fence to a wide, curving border around a garden bed. Once all the smaller shapes have been measured and calculated individually, add all the resulting square footage totals together.
Converting Measurements into Sod Quantity
The total square footage of the lawn area is determined by summing the individual areas of all the smaller geometric sections measured in the previous steps. This preliminary total represents the minimum amount of sod required to cover the space. Before placing an order, a final adjustment must be made to account for sod wasted during the installation process.
Sod is harvested in uniform rectangles, and cuts must be made to fit the perimeter, curves, and any obstacles, such as trees or walkways. To ensure enough material, it is standard practice to apply a waste factor of 5 to 10 percent to the total area. Multiplying your total square footage by 1.05 or 1.10 provides the final adjusted area needed, including the allowance for cuts and trimming.
Most sod suppliers sell rolls that cover a standard area, commonly 10 square feet per roll (e.g., two feet wide by five feet long). To determine the number of rolls to order, divide the final adjusted square footage by the square footage of a single roll. For instance, if the final calculated area is 770 square feet and each roll covers 10 square feet, you would need 77 rolls of sod.