Sod Installation Cost in Philadelphia [2025 Data]

Achieving a healthy, green lawn can be easier than you think when you opt for sod installation for your Philadelphia home. Sod installation in Philadelphia costs an average of $1,678, with most sod installation projects costing between $930 and $2,427. We break down some of the factors that determine how much you’ll pay for sod installation so you can accurately budget for this project.

Sod Installation Cost Factors 

The cost of sod installation in Philadelphia, PA, depends on several factors, including yard size, the type of grass you select, how extensively your yard needs to be prepped, and more. Take a look at some of the things that affect your total project cost. 

Size

Since sod prices are based on your lawn’s square footage, your yard size plays a hefty role in the cost of the project. For small patches, you might be able to spend less than $1,000 in total sod installation costs. However, if you’re looking to sod a quarter of an acre or more, that price is substantially higher. 

Here’s a breakdown of sod installation costs by yard size:

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 sod to order, including how much a pallet of sod covers, so you can be sure to get enough sod without excess wasted material. 

Sod Delivery

When you have your sod professionally installed, delivery costs will likely be included in your total project quote. If you’re installing your own sod as a DIY project, expect to pay between $65 and $400 for sod delivery, depending on how much sod you order, how far the delivery truck has to travel, and how accessible your property is.

Types of Sod Grass

Philadelphia’s four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters mean that not all types of sod grass will thrive. Cool-season grasses like fescue, bluegrass, and ryegrass are well-suited to Philly’s climate and make good choices for sod installation.

Here’s a breakdown of sod installation costs based on the type of grass:

New Lawn vs. Existing Lawn

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.

Soil Testing

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.

Prep and Removal

In order for sod to properly root and thrive, you’ll need to prep your yard. Prep services include removing old grass, clearing and leveling your yard, and adding soil amendments or fertilizer and herbicide treatments. Here’s what some common sod prep services will cost.

Sod Installation Pro Costs

Landscape Pro Costs

When you hire a local landscape pro in Philadelphia to install your sod, you’ll pay between $50 and $100 per hour on average in labor costs. A qualified sod installer will help you determine the right type of grass for your property, prepare your yard, answer all your sod installation questions, and professionally install the sod so it takes root and flourishes into a thriving, healthy lawn. 

Permit Costs

If your sod installation project includes excavation, you may be required to obtain a permit from the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspection to ensure the excavation is performed according to code. If you aren’t sure if your project requires a permit, confirm with the city or your sod installation pro before beginning work. 

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

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.

Does Sod Installation Increase Home Value?

If you’re trying to decide whether to use sod or seed for your lawn, the higher initial cost of sod may seem daunting, but it’s a worthwhile investment—sod installation offers a return on investment (ROI) of up to 100%. An established, weed-free sod lawn is a big plus when it comes time to sell your home, and prospective buyers are often willing to pay more for a home with high curb appeal and a lawn that won’t need a lot of work right after moving in.