Sod is also known as turf. It is the grass you would typically use to help improve the appearance of your lawns.
But it is not just the grass that is bought when you order sod. It also includes the soil being held together by the roots since it can help the grass grow better and faster.
Unfortunately, this can also make the sod weigh more. Sod is not just for residential use. Golf courses and sports stadiums will order a lot of sod to keep their facilities in good condition.
Other establishments can also use sod to improve their garden, landscaping, and the spaces outside their buildings.
Most of the time, sod is sold in pallets. While most people will ask them to be delivered in flatbed trucks, some want to transport them in their vehicles.
So you can avoid having accidents and unnecessary car problems, you need to know how heavy a pallet of sod weighs.
Factors That Can Affect The Weight Of The Pallet
Not all pallets of sod will weigh the same. This is because some sod is heavier, and some manufacturers will make sure that the sod will have as much soil underneath so that it will be able to thrive properly in its new environment.
You should also consider how big the pallet is as it can also affect the total weight.
You need to keep in mind that the pallets that are typically used for measuring, transporting, or selling sod can have an area of 450 square feet or 500 square feet.
In most cases, a full 500-square-foot pallet will weigh heavier than the smaller pallet.
You should also take into consideration the moisture content of the sod. Sods that are still wet will weigh significantly more than those that are already dry. By the way, you should avoid buying sod that has dried out. The weight can also vary depending on how many pieces are placed on each pallet.
How Much Does A Pallet Of Sod Weight?
Some dealers say that a pallet of their sod will weigh as much as 1,800 pounds. However, many will think this is too light for a typical pallet.
Some dealers can easily provide you with a pallet of sod that weighs as much as 2,800 – 3,000 pounds.
So you won’t be shocked at how heavy it can be, you need to prepare a vehicle that can carry as much as 1,500 – 3,000 pounds.
However, there are some types of sod, like the Zenith Zoysia, that can easily weigh more than that. These can weigh around 3,000 – 3,200 pounds per pallet.
Some estimates depend on whether you use a 450 or a 500-square-foot pallet. A 450 sq. ft. pallet will weigh around 2,000 – 2,500 pounds. While a 500 sq. ft. pallet can weigh as much as 3,000 pounds.
Typically, the overall weight includes the pallet itself.
Can You Use Your Truck For Transport?
When it comes to transporting sod, I highly recommend that you pay for the delivery, especially if you are planning to get several pallets.
But if you want to buy just one pallet of sod, you can try to check the user manual of your truck just so you can be sure that it can take the weight.
The average truck can barely carry a ton, but it might be able to carry as much as 2,240 pounds if it has a towing package. You can also weigh them individually to know the precise weight you need to carry.
Remember that even a bit of moisture can increase the weight to several hundred pounds.
If the load is too heavy for your truck, you can easily make its frame sit on the axle. This can create vehicle handling problems and increase your risk of road accidents or vehicle issues later on.
You can, however, rent a trailer to avoid getting an unnecessary headache.
What Precautions Should Be Taken When Transporting Sod?
When transporting sod, certain precautions are essential to ensure its quality and viability upon arrival. Firstly, it’s important to secure the sod properly during transport.
This involves ensuring that the sod pallets are firmly anchored to the vehicle to prevent shifting or tumbling, which can cause significant damage to the grass.
Using straps or ropes to tie down the pallets can be effective, especially over bumpy roads or during longer transports.
It’s also advisable to cover the sod with a tarp to protect it from wind damage and excessive drying, particularly on hot or windy days.
Another critical aspect is the timing of the installation. Sod should be installed as soon as possible after it arrives at the destination.
Delayed installation can lead to the grass drying out, increasing the risk of it not taking root properly.
The sod’s roots need to establish contact with the soil quickly to ensure successful growth, so preparing the installation site in advance of the sod’s arrival is ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Way to Calculate the Amount of Sod Needed for My Lawn?
To calculate the amount of sod needed, measure the length and width of the area in feet. Multiply these numbers to get the square footage. It’s advisable to add 5-10% extra to cover any miscalculations or irregularities in the land.
How Long Can Sod Last on a Pallet Before Being Installed?
Sod should ideally be installed within 24-48 hours of being cut. After 48 hours, especially in warm weather, the risk of the sod drying out and dying increases significantly.
Can Sod Be Installed Over Existing Grass or Weeds?
It’s not recommended to install sod over existing grass or weeds. For the best results, remove all existing vegetation and prepare the soil properly before laying new sod.
What Are the Best Conditions for Laying Sod?
The best conditions for laying sod are during mild weather conditions, preferably in the spring or early fall. Avoid extreme temperatures, as they can stress the new sod. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
How Should Sod Be Cared for Immediately After Installation?
After installation, water the sod thoroughly to encourage root establishment. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy for the first few weeks. Avoid walking or placing heavy objects on the new sod until it has firmly rooted, usually after 2-3 weeks.
Conclusion
A pallet of sod can weigh anywhere between 1,500 – 3,000 pounds, depending on a wide range of factors.
Most sod will weigh around 35 – 45 pounds per piece, and the more pieces in a pallet, the heavier the pallet will be. The weight also varies depending on how big the pallet is.
Other important factors to consider would be the moisture content and how much soil each pallet contains. In some instances, the type of sod will also have an impact on its overall weight.
This is why I highly recommend avoiding accidents and asking for the pallet to be delivered instead.
Of course, hauling a pallet using your own truck is possible as long as you have a truck built for carrying heavy loads. To give you a good idea of how heavy it is, you should know that a pallet can easily exert a lot of stress on F150, F250, and even Tacoma trucks. Forklifts can also struggle with their weight, so make sure to check the load capacity of your vehicle before attempting transport.
Proper precautions and preparation are key to ensuring that your sod arrives safely and maintains its quality for successful growth in your landscape or commercial property.
First written in May 2017 by Emily Taylor