Lawn Project Coming Up? Essential Grass Pallet Size Guide
As the weather warms and another growing season approaches, your thoughts may be turning to lawn and landscaping projects. And if an inviting green lawn is part of your outdoor vision, you might be wondering just how much sod comes stacked on those hefty pallets you see rolling around town.
It's a great question. When planning a lawn installation or renovation, understanding square footage coverage is critical for budgeting purposes and determining how much turfgrass you need to order. The grass type, specific dimensions, and pallet count can vary quite a bit between suppliers. But this guide breaks down the key size measurements and averages to help you make sense of it all.
Why Grass Pallet Sizes and Coverage Vary
Several interconnected factors influence the total square footage delivered on a pallet of sod:
- Type of grass
- Where it is grown - northern or southern climate
- How it is grown and packaged - rolls or slab
- Transportation and efficiency considerations
Growers must balance production costs, managing crop viability, maximizing coverage per pallet, and meeting regional installation preferences across their distribution footprint. So let's unpack how these dynamics typically play out.
Overview of Square Footage Ranges
Most pallets contain between 400-700 square feet of grass. Sod slabs cut from field-grown southern turf farms often hit the lower end of that range. While the roll goods commonly grown in northern climates reach upwards of 500-700 square feet per pallet. The actual square footage depends on factors explored throughout this guide.
Outline of Key Measurements
When estimating how much sod you need, focus on multiple dimensions:
- The size of individual sod slabs or rolls
- How many pieces are bundled onto each pallet
- Multiplying the per piece square footage by the pallet count
This will give you total coverage area so you can plan purchasing accurately. Now let's break down northern versus southern grass types and growing methods.
Sod Grown for Southern Warm Season Climates
Growing Conditions
In the southern warmth of states like Texas, Georgia, and Florida, grasses like hybrid bermudagrass and zoysia thrive. These warm season varieties relish heat, humidity, and tons of sunshine.
Typical Growth Method
Warm season grasses are often grown in fields as large sod slabs or sections laid on top of soil. The sod is cultivated as a dense mat of earth and grass roots then harvested by cutting the slabs directly from the ground.
Average Slab Sizes and Coverage
A typical warm season grass slab measures 16-18 inches across and 24-26 feet in length. This equates to between 399 and 503 square feet per slab. So a single piece covers a very large area - up to half of a standard sized pallet.
Slabs per Pallet
These oversized slabs are heavy, so pallets usually only hold 8-10 pieces stacked vertically. Even with that modest slab count, the total coverage ranges from 399 square feet on the low end, up to 503 square feet per pallet on the high side.
Sod Grown for Northern Cool Season Climates
Growing Conditions
Meanwhile, up north in states like Minnesota, New York, and Washington, cool season grasses thrive. Varieties of tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and fine fescues relish cooler temperatures.
Two Common Growth Methods
To withstand their growing conditions and regional installation preferences, northern farmers predominantly grow sod using two methods: mini rolls and large rolls.
Mini Roll Dimensions
As their name implies, mini sod rolls are a smaller, more compact option commonly used by homeowners and landscapers. Each roll measures about 40 inches wide by 18 inches long.
With their modest size, mini rolls are easy for one person to handle. And about 20-25 individual rolls are stacked onto each pallet.
So at 40 by 18 inches apiece, a typical mini roll pallet holds 400-500 square feet of grass.
Large Roll Dimensions
In contrast to mini rolls, large sod rolls are more massive. They work well for sizable commercial projects or acreages.
These jumbo rolls can cover over 500 square feet per pallet. Because each roll contains about 10 square feet of grass. With 50-70 hefty rolls stacked on each pallet.
So the total coverage ranges from 500 up to 700 square feet per pallet.
Why Square Footage Per Pallet Differs
Beyond climate and preferred packaging methods, there are practical reasons northern and southern grass pallet sizes differ too.
Grass Type
Warm season bermudagrass and zoysia grow much more aggressively than cool season fescues and bluegrass. Their ultra-quick expansion rate means slabs contain more square footage.
Climate and Growing Methods
Field grown slabs withstand transport well in southern heat. But in cooler northern regions, rolls keep grass viable. So production methods also influence measurements.
Transportation Efficiency
Finally, pallet counts and slab/roll sizes balance production costs with coverage. Packages must handle shipping but also avoid waste from unused sod. It's a fine balance sod farms constantly work to perfect.
Shopping for Sod - What to Look For
While pallet square footage averages help narrow your search, exact dimensions can still vary supplier to supplier. So when sourcing materials, look for specifics on:
Type of Grass
Choose a variety suited to your climate and sunlight conditions. Understand its texture, durability, and maintenance needs too.
Dimensions of Individual Pieces
Compare the width, length, and thickness of each roll or slab. Then multiply measurements to calculate square footage.
Total Square Footage
Ask your sales rep precisely how many square feet are included on each pallet for accurate totals. Don't assume averages.
Price Per Square Foot
This allows you to accurately compare products of differing sizes and pallet counts.
Installing Palletized Sod in Your Lawn
Once you've sourced the perfect grass for your project, it's go time! But don't let anticipation get the best of you.
Timing of Installation
Schedule delivery and installation during ideal growing temperatures to avoid shock. Sod goes dormant above 85degF or below 55degF.
Prepping the Area
Remove debris, break up compacted soil, level bumps and divots, then water lightly before the sod arrives.
Transporting and Handling
At 2,000-3,000 pounds each, pallets require heavy lifting power. Secure an equipment rental or hire landscapers to transport stacks from the truck to your lawn.
Installation Best Practices
Focus on consistent watering, tight seam placement, firm pressing, and rolling the sod flat as you lay it for optimal contact and growth.
Wrapping Up: Flexible Solutions Exist
As we've discovered, grass pallet size norms exist. But every sod farm does things a little differently too.
Every Sod Farm is Different
The total square footage, slab dimensions, pallet count, and packaging format can still vary supplier to supplier.
Talk to Your Grower
Ask questions, understand options for customization, and source the right product for your unique lawn goals.
Supplement pallets with extra rolls or slabs tailored to odd-shaped spaces. Get creative!
Now equipped with the insider knowledge of sod pallet square footage ranges, you can budget, plan, and execute your lawn project armed with confidence. So shop smart, prep properly, and let your landscape vision thrive as lush green grass takes root this season.