Professional Sod Installation in Calgary

The ideal times for sod installation in Calgary are late spring (mid-May to mid-June) and early fall (late August to mid-September). These periods offer moderate temperatures and typically more consistent rainfall, creating optimal conditions for root establishment. Late spring installation allows roots to develop before summer heat, while early fall installation gives the lawn time to establish before winter dormancy. We avoid mid-summer installations when possible due to high water requirements during extreme heat. That said, with proper irrigation, our professional team can successfully install sod throughout the growing season, adapting our techniques to current weather conditions.

New sod requires specific care during the first 2-3 weeks for proper establishment. Initially, keep the sod consistently moist with frequent, light watering (2-3 times daily) for the first week. In weeks 2-3, transition to less frequent but deeper watering as roots establish. Avoid foot traffic for the first 2 weeks, and wait 2-3 weeks before the first mowing (when grass reaches 3-4 inches). Set your mower blade high (2.5-3 inches) for this first cut. We provide comprehensive care instructions tailored to your specific installation and current weather conditions, ensuring your new lawn establishes successfully.

In Calgary's climate, new sod typically begins rooting within 7-14 days but requires 4-6 weeks to become fully established. During the first two weeks, roots will begin penetrating the soil below (you can gently lift a corner to check progress). By 3-4 weeks, the sod should be rooted enough to withstand light foot traffic and reduce watering frequency. Complete establishment at 4-6 weeks means the lawn can be treated like established turf with normal maintenance routines. Establishment may take longer in cooler spring or fall conditions. Our follow-up visit helps ensure your sod is progressing properly through these establishment phases.

For Calgary's challenging climate, we primarily install Kentucky Bluegrass blend sods that include fescue varieties. These blends combine the beautiful appearance and self-healing properties of Kentucky Bluegrass with the drought and wear resistance of fescues. This combination creates lawns well-adapted to our cold winters, hot summers, and periods of water restrictions. For particularly shaded areas, we recommend specialized shade-tolerant blends with higher percentages of fine fescues. All our sod is locally grown to ensure it's already acclimated to our regional conditions before installation on your property.

Professional sod installation in Calgary typically ranges from $1.50-$3.50 per square foot, depending on several factors. This comprehensive price includes site preparation, top-quality sod, and professional installation. Factors affecting your specific cost include: existing lawn removal requirements, necessary soil amendments, property accessibility, yard size (larger areas generally have lower per-square-foot costs), and current market pricing for materials. During your free consultation, we provide a detailed quote based on your property's specific conditions, ensuring complete transparency with no hidden costs or surprises.