How Many Square Feet in a Pallet of Grass?
When planning a lawn or landscaping project, sod is often purchased in bulk on pallets. But how much actual grass comes on each pallet? Understanding the square footage covered by a standard pallet of sod is essential for accurately budgeting a project.
The number of square feet in a pallet can vary substantially depending on the type of grass, where it was grown and harvested, moisture levels, and packaging. While sod pallets typically cover 400-700 square feet, the exact amount for a particular pallet depends on several factors.
Square Footage by Grass Type
Different grass species have different growth habits, densities, and requirements. As a result, the number of square feet contained in a pallet can vary widely between warm-season and cool-season grasses.
Warm-Season Grasses
Warm-season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, and St. Augustine are bred for hot, humid climates and have a dense, thick growth pattern. Pallets of these grasses tend to have higher coverage:
- Bermuda grass pallets often cover 450-600 square feet
- Zoysia grass pallets cover 400-500 square feet
- St. Augustine grass pallets cover 400-700 square feet
- Centipede grass pallets cover 500-600 square feet
Cool-Season Grasses
Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, and Perennial Ryegrass thrive in cooler climates and have less dense growth. Pallets for these grasses tend to cover less area:
- Kentucky Bluegrass pallets cover 400-500 square feet
- Tall Fescue pallets cover 400-500 square feet
- Perennial Ryegrass pallets cover 400-500 square feet
The moisture content of cool-season grasses also tends to be higher, adding weight and reducing square footage per pallet.
Regional Differences in Pallet Sizes
In addition to grass types, location can impact the typical size and square footage of sod pallets:
Northern States
In northern parts of the U.S., sod farms often package their grass as:
- Mini rolls - Smaller rolls containing 400-500 square feet
- Large rolls - Larger rolled sod pieces with 500-700 square feet
Southern States
Meanwhile, sod farms in southern states typically package their grass as:
- Slabs - Cut sod pieces stacked on pallets, covering 399-503 square feet
The climate and common grass varieties grown often dictate the harvesting and packaging approaches used in different regions.
Factors that Impact Square Footage
Along with location and grass species, several other factors can influence the number of square feet contained on a pallet:
Harvesting Process
The equipment and techniques used to harvest sod impact the size and density of the pieces. Some methods produce larger pieces that cover more area per pallet. Other techniques yield smaller, tighter pieces with less coverage. Hand-cutting sometimes results in the largest pieces.
Moisture Content
If sod is harvested when wet, the higher moisture content can add significant weight. This means fewer square feet can be stacked per pallet before reaching capacity. Drier sod weighs less per square foot, allowing more pieces to be packed on.
Grass Density
Some grass varieties grow more densely than others. Sod with thick, dense growth often weighs more per square foot. Pallets with the same dimensions end up covering less area overall.
Shipping and Packaging
The size and dimensions of the pallet itself also affects square footage. Larger pallets can hold more pieces and cover more ground. Optimal pallet dimensions allow hauling maximum sod while staying within transportation weight limits.
| Factor | Impact on Square Feet |
| Wet harvesting | Reduces square feet due to added weight |
| Dense grass growth | Reduces square feet due to higher weight per square foot |
| Efficient pallet dimensions | Increases potential square feet per pallet |
Buying Tips to Maximize Value
When purchasing sod, keep the following tips in mind to get the most coverage for your money:
- Ask the supplier for the exact square footage their pallets contain
- Compare square footage per pallet between sod farms and grass varieties
- Factor in pallet dimensions, grass density, growth habits, and moisture content
- Inquire about harvest process and packaging to influence square footage
- Request pallets with dimensions optimized for efficient shipping
When planning a lawn or landscape project requiring sod, square footage per pallet directly impacts budgets and results. Be sure to account for grass species, harvest techniques, moisture levels, packaging, and other factors influencing coverage.
Doing some quick calculations with supplier data can help ensure you purchase the right amount of sod the first time. A few simple questions will also give you the information needed to maximize value and avoid buying too much grass.
The exact number can make a big difference in project costs. Understanding what goes into square footage per pallet will lead to smarter purchasing decisions.