Artificial turf is having a moment lately, but it’s not good.
More and more municipalities are banning or considering banning the use of this always-green turf, because it’s not great for the environment.
There’s increasing concern that the runoff from artificial grass is toxic, containing chemicals and heavy metals that can contaminate waterways, soil and air. The pushback from environmentalists and community residents is growing.
Is it time to ditch your synthetic turf? How do you change fake grass to real grass?
And how much does it cost to remove artificial turf and replace it with natural sod?
Table of Contents
- The benefits of real grass
- What does artificial lawn removal involve?
- Sod delivery offers lots of choices
- What’s the cost to plant a new lawn?
- Don’t forget irrigation
- Choices beyond sod
The price of removal and replacement varies based on the size of your yard, how accessible it is for landscaping crews and what type of sod you choose.
But plan on spending approximately $1.25- $2 per square foot for the removal of your artificial turf and then about $150 to $300 per pallet of new sod, depending on the variety. (One pallet of sod covers 450 square feet.)
The cost of sod installation varies depending on the size of your yard, the type of terrain, and any landscape features that might be in the way, like the number of sidewalks and fences that slow down the work.
Sod prices can also fluctuate throughout the year.
Landscaping pros can give you a better estimate once they take a look at your property.
Let’s learn more about artificial lawn replacement.
First, Why Go with Real Grass?
Yes, real grass needs mowing and watering, but it offers real benefits, too — besides the soft, cool feel under your bare feet and that great fresh grass scent when you mow:
- Grass, like all living plants, takes up carbon dioxide and releases oxygen.
- A natural lawn traps and absorbs dust and pollutants, a natural air filter.
- Real lawns absorb water, preventing runoff and soil erosion.
- Grass absorbs sound and reduces noise pollution.
Take good care of your emerald green carpet; it’ll last decades. And no worries about smells, stains, split fibers or fading like you had with your artificial turf.
What Does Artificial Lawn Removal Involve?
Artificial turf consists of synthetic grass, its backing material, the infill materials that help the blades stand up straight, the tape that joins the seams and nails that secure the edges.
All of that needs to be removed by landscaping crews.
Crews peel back the artificial grass and cut it into smaller pieces to remove, then remove the rest of the materials, leaving a clean surface for sod or other options. (We’ll get to those in a bit.)
Unlike artificial turf, real sod needs rich soil to grow, so crews will bring in fresh soil to prepare for sod installation.
AstroTurf Replacement: Orlando Sod Delivery Offers Lots of Choices
What type of sod should replace your artificial turf?
If you head to a home improvement store, you’re limited to whatever variety they’re selling. (And the quality won’t be great — who knows how long that sod has been sitting on that cart, thirsty for water with its roots drying out?)
But there are lots of different types of grass, each suited to certain conditions and environments.
The best sod for Orlando is typically a variety of St. Augustine or Zoysia, with a couple of exceptions for certain situations.
Is your yard sunny? St. Augustine Floratam is a winner and the most common type of sod installation in Central Florida.
Celebration Bermuda has great wear tolerance, which makes it good for yards busy with sports and pets.
St. Augustine ProVista is engineered to be slow-growing, which means less mowing.
St. Augustine Citra Blue needs just two hours or more of sun a day, so it’s likely the most shade-tolerant turf out there.
You get the idea. The perfect sod is out there for you, so don’t just settle for what’s handy.
The Ground Source website walks you through all this, helping you figure out not just the cost of sod installation but narrowing in on what sod variety is right for you.
Then, you can order that specific variety and schedule your direct sod delivery.
What’s the Cost to Plant a New Sod Lawn?
Sod prices fluctuate throughout the year, but here’s an example of sod cost per pallet. Remember, one pallet covers about 450 square feet.
- Classic St. Augustine
$194.99 per pallet - Floratam St. Augustine
$189.99 per pallet - Citra Blue St. Augustine
$294.99 per pallet - Palisades Zoysia
$239.99 per pallet
Sure, price matters. But if you’re looking at several sod estimates, don’t just jump on the cheapest one.
All sod isn’t the same. If some sod installers in Orlando offer prices much lower than others, it’s probably not the highest-quality sod.
You don’t want the cheapest sod. You want the healthiest sod — ready to take root, thrive, and make your property look fantastic.
You want sod that’s been well cared for and ready to make a great transition to your yard. You want to be sure it hasn’t been sitting out on a pallet, drying out.
Our sod is cut fresh the day it’s scheduled for delivery to you, not stashed on a pallet somewhere baking in the sun.
Sod Installation Costs: Don’t Forget Irrigation
That artificial turf didn’t need watering, but proper irrigation is crucial for your new sod lawn to thrive.
So you’ll want irrigation installed before your new sod installation if you’re switching from artificial turf to real grass, which is an additional expense. Plan to spend about $3,000 or more, depending on the size of your yard and the accessibility for irrigation installation crews.
Artificial Lawn Replacement: Choices Beyond Sod
Maybe you loved the no-maintenance life of your artificial turf, and you can’t get excited about all the mowing, watering and fertilizing that comes with a new sod lawn.
You have other choices:
Hardscaping for Large Backyard Areas
You can’t beat hardscaped surfaces for low maintenance.
Replace your artificial grass with an easy-care paver patio, big enough to create several outdoor rooms for different pastimes, from dining to lounging to morning meditation
Plants to Replace Artificial Turf
Replace that flat fake turf with a much more intriguing mix of texture, color and movement with perennials, native plants, shrubs and ornamental grasses.
Say hi to stunning Florida favorites Gold Mound Duranta, Blue Daze, Foxtail Fern, Ixora and Asiatic Jasmine.
Replace Artificial Turf With Groundcover
Still want an expanse of green lawn that's low-maintenance nonetheless?
You might love mondo grass.
A great Florida grass alternative that never needs mowing, mondo grass grows well in almost any soil and light conditions.
It’s not actually grass, but its grass-like strappy foliage forms dense tufts that slowly spread over time.
Once established, you can pretty much forget about it.
Ready for Artificial Lawn Replacement? Trust Ground Source
Need artificial lawn removal? New sod installation? A great new paver patio? Intriguing landscaping beds with big-time curb appeal?
Struggling with pros and cons of sod and artificial turf in Central Florida?
Let us help you figure it out. We’re landscaping experts, and we’re with you every step of the way as you plan your perfect outdoor space.
Are you ready to enjoy the vibrant, impressive yard you've always wanted? Request a quote today! We’ll help you review your options and then transform your property.
