Landscaping costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Installing sod on your Denver lawn can prevent erosion, improve drainage, and boost your home’s curb appeal.
Cool-season grasses like fescue, bluegrass, and ryegrass are good choices for Denver’s cool, semi-arid climate.
The cost of sod installation depends on yard size, type of grass, site prep, and more.
A healthy, green lawn is a goal for many Denver homeowners, and sod installation is a great shortcut to your dream lawn. Sod installation in Denver costs an average of $1,189 to $2,738, with the average sod installation costing around $1,937. We explore some of the common factors that affect how much you’ll pay for sod installation so you can budget correctly for this project.
| Yard Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Sod Installation Cost (New Lawn) | Average Sod Installation Cost (Resod Existing Yard) |
|---|---|---|
| 500 | $475–$1,250 | $950–$2,175 |
| 1,000 | $950–$2,500 | $1,900–$4,350 |
| 1,500 | $1,425–$3,750 | $2,850–$6,525 |
| 2,000 | $1,900–$5,000 | $3,800–$8,700 |
| 3,000 | $2,850–$7,500 | $5,700–$13,050 |
| 4,000 | $3,800–$10,000 | $7,600–$17,400 |
| 5,000 | $4,750–$12,500 | $9,500–$21,750 |
When buying by the yard, divide your square-foot measurements by nine to determine how much you need. For example, if your yard is 350 square feet, divide 350 by 9 for a total of 38.9 yards, and round that up to 39 yards of sod. Because most material is nonrefundable, be as accurate as possible while measuring and doing the math. A sod calculator can help you determine how much to order, and knowing how much a pallet of sod covers will allow you to calculate how many pallets you need.
If you’re tackling sod installation as a DIY project, you’ll need to pay if you want the sod delivered to your home. Sod delivery can cost anywhere from $75 to $400, depending on the amount of sod, how far the delivery truck needs to travel, and how accessible your home is for the delivery truck.
Not all grasses will thrive in Denver’s cool, semi-arid climate. Cool-season grasses like fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and ryegrass are hardy enough to stand up to Denver’s weather.
Here’s a breakdown of sod installation costs based on the type of grass:
| Type of Grass | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. (Labor and Materials) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fescue | $1.35–$2.65 | Stays green in cool weather, good for high-traffic areas | Turns brown in high heat, prone to disease in wet conditions |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | $1.35–$2.40 | Extremely hardy in cold temperatures, holds up to high traffic | Not shade, heat, or drought tolerant, high-maintenance |
| Perennial ryegrass | $1.35–$2.65 | Low-maintenance, hardy in moderate conditions | May appear patchy, doesn’t thrive in shade |
The starting point you’re working with will factor into your overall price for this project. If you're just installing sod on a new lawn, the cost will be cheaper than removing an existing lawn and resodding it, as this process involves additional materials and labor. You may be able to sod over an existing lawn—check with your sod installation pro to see if that’s an option.
Spring is the best time for sod installation, but it can be done in the fall. You want the temperatures appropriate for grass growth, and you'll need to water constantly during the early stages of installation.
The cost to test your soil is around $60 on average, but costs can range anywhere from $20 to $100. A professional soil test can help determine how to amend it and help your new grass grow thick and healthy. This test will also help you decide what type of grass grows best in your lawn’s soil conditions.
Before you can install sod, your lawn needs to be properly prepared. If you’re replacing an existing lawn, your old grass will need to be removed. For both new installations and replacement lawns, you may need land clearing or leveling, soil amendments, fertilizer or herbicide treatments, or additional topsoil. Here are some standard prep services and how much you’ll pay.
| Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Old grass and weed removal | $1–$3 per sq. ft. |
| Land clearing | 10% of project cost |
| Soil prep costs | $45–$200 |
| Fertilizer and herbicide treatment | $0.02–$0.08 per sq. ft. |
| Topsoil | $12–$55 per cubic yard |
| Land leveling | $1–$3 per sq. ft. |
Hiring a landscaper in Denver, CO, to install your sod costs an average of $65 to $100 an hour in labor costs, which will be included in your project quote. An experienced sod installer will not only ensure the best results, they can also answer your sod installation questions, let you know the best time to lay sod, and advise you on how to care for your new lawn.
In most cases, you won’t need a permit from the City of Denver to install sod, although some Colorado cities, like Aurora and Castle Rock, do require a permit for sod installation. If your Denver sod installation also involves excavation, land leveling, or installing irrigation or drainage, confirm whether you need a permit before beginning work.
Major landscaping projects like sod installation can offer a return on investment (ROI) of up to 100%, allowing you to recoup your initial costs. A lush, green lawn is a big plus when it comes time to sell your home—prospective buyers appreciate the improved curb appeal and an established, healthy lawn that won’t need a major overhaul shortly after moving in.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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The best time to lay sod depends on your location and grass type. Cool and rainy seasons like fall and spring are the best time to grow a lawn.
Want a healthy, green lawn fast? Learn how to lay sod in just one day so that its grass grows into a robust lawn you’ll enjoy for many seasons to come.
These practical tips for laying sod will help you achieve a thriving, verdant lawn rather than one that is weed-filled, yellowing, and a waste of money.
