Zoysia sod is a popular choice for homeowners seeking a lush, durable lawn that is easier to maintain than many other turf varieties. This warm-season grass features a dense, carpet-like growth pattern that naturally resists weeds. Its deep root structure provides excellent drought tolerance, allowing the turf to maintain a rich color even in hot climates with reduced watering. Acquiring this premium grass requires careful planning to ensure the correct amount is ordered and that it arrives fresh and ready for immediate installation.
Calculating Your Zoysia Needs
Before contacting any supplier, accurately determine the total area that needs to be covered. Begin by measuring the length and width of your yard in feet, then multiply these numbers to find the square footage. For irregular shapes, break the space down into smaller, measurable sections and sum the totals. Since most sod is sold by the pallet, typically covering 400 to 500 square feet, square footage is the most useful measurement.
It is advisable to add a 5 to 10% waste factor to the final calculation to account for trimming around curves and walkways. Choosing the specific cultivar is another important pre-purchase step. Varieties like Empire Zoysia offer a wider blade and high durability for traffic, while Zeon Zoysia features a finer blade and greater shade tolerance. Cultivar selection depends heavily on your local climate and intended lawn use.
Direct Purchase Options
Purchasing Zoysia sod directly from a local farm or specialty grower often provides the freshest product, as it is typically harvested only hours before delivery or pickup. These suppliers specialize in turf production and offer a wider selection of specific cultivars that may not be available elsewhere. Buying directly can also offer cost savings on large jobs, and the farm’s staff can provide expert advice tailored to regional growing conditions.
Direct purchases are typically made by the pallet, and many farms enforce a minimum order requirement, especially for delivery. It is important to place an order well in advance, as sod is a perishable item cut specifically for your job and not stored in inventory. Specialty nurseries may also carry premium varieties, often selling in smaller quantities than a full sod farm but still offering specialized product knowledge.
Retail and Online Purchase Channels
For homeowners needing smaller quantities, big box retailers offer a convenient alternative. They often stock Zoysia sod in individual, pre-cut rolls, usually covering about 10 square feet per piece. This option is useful for patching small areas, but the sod may not be as fresh as a farm-cut product, having spent time in transit and on the store’s pallet.
Online sod retailers offer a middle ground, selling both by the piece and by the pallet, with the product shipped directly to the home. Ordering online can sometimes be the only way to source a specific or trademarked cultivar in a region without a local farm growing that particular variety. However, online orders are subject to freight costs and minimum order requirements for large deliveries. Seasonal availability is also a factor, as Zoysia sod is primarily a warm-season grass and is more readily available for sale during the spring and summer months.
Understanding Cost and Delivery Logistics
The cost of Zoysia sod generally ranges from $0.70 to $1.30 per square foot, or approximately $315 to $585 for a standard 450-square-foot pallet, excluding installation. This price is heavily influenced by the specific cultivar chosen, with premium, fine-bladed varieties like Zeon often costing more than common types like Empire. Regional variations also affect the price, as the cost of harvesting and transportation is factored into the final amount.
The decision between professional delivery and self-pickup is important due to the sheer weight of the product. A single pallet of Zoysia sod can weigh between 2,000 and 3,000 pounds, depending on its moisture content and the soil depth it was cut at. This weight necessitates a heavy-duty truck or trailer for transport, making professional delivery with a forklift the most practical solution for most residential projects, with delivery fees typically ranging from $50 to $400. Upon arrival, immediately inspect the sod for a vibrant green color and adequate moisture, and ensure the entire order is laid within 24 hours to give the new lawn the best chance to establish its root system.