Top-rated sod installers.

Get matched with top sod installers in Columbia, IL

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 3 pros

Matching on HomeAdvisor

Share some details icon
Share some details about your home project.
Match with local pros icon
Within moments, match with highly-rated local pros.
Compare quotes icon
Compare quotes and choose the best pro for the job.

Find Sod installers in Columbia

Avatar for Life Outdoors

Life Outdoors

5.00(
11
)
•Approved Pro

Life Outdoors

5.00(
11
)
•Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 90% of Angi customers
Recommended by 90% of HomeAdvisor customers
Free onsite estimate

We offer custom designs, paver patios, retaining walls, water features, landscape lighting and plantings. Having been in the landscaping industry for over 10 years we take pride in our work. Honesty and integrity are two of the most important parts of any quality project.

"The people from Life Outdoors were great to work with. We had 2 retaining walls replaced along with new grass planted between the 2. They did excellent work and are very friendly & knowledgeable. I will definitely use them for future projects."

Jeff R on October 2024

We offer custom designs, paver patios, retaining walls, water features, landscape lighting and plantings. Having been in the landscaping industry for over 10 years we take pride in our work. Honesty and integrity are two of the most important parts of any quality project.

"The people from Life Outdoors were great to work with. We had 2 retaining walls replaced along with new grass planted between the 2. They did excellent work and are very friendly & knowledgeable. I will definitely use them for future projects."

Jeff R on October 2024

Nebgen Construction and Landscaping

5.00(
5
)
•Approved Pro

Nebgen Construction and Landscaping

5.00(
5
)
•Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
11 years of experience

Nebgen Construction and Landscaping is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

"Chris has completed numerous projects at my house over the last several years. He removed huge bushes in front of my house, he ran underground pvc from my gutters away from the house. I have referred him to family and friends. He has installed gutters, installed pavers and did exterior painting. He is honest, reliable and does great work."

Lisa B on October 2022

Nebgen Construction and Landscaping is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

"Chris has completed numerous projects at my house over the last several years. He removed huge bushes in front of my house, he ran underground pvc from my gutters away from the house. I have referred him to family and friends. He has installed gutters, installed pavers and did exterior painting. He is honest, reliable and does great work."

Lisa B on October 2022

Avatar for Baker Landscaping & Concrete, LLC

Baker Landscaping & Concrete, LLC

4.92(
6
)
•Approved Pro

Baker Landscaping & Concrete, LLC

4.92(
6
)
•Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
17 years of experience

Baker Landscape & Concrete, is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customer's interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

"Baker Landscaping did an awesome job on such short notice."

Randy F on November 2023

Baker Landscape & Concrete, is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customer's interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

"Baker Landscaping did an awesome job on such short notice."

Randy F on November 2023

MJ Buildings

5.00(
4
)
•Approved Pro

MJ Buildings

5.00(
4
)
•Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
15 years of experience
Free onsite estimate

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business! Book with us online or feel free to give us a call today!

"Very nice guys and willing to work with you. Photos coming soon"

Robin B on February 2025

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business! Book with us online or feel free to give us a call today!

"Very nice guys and willing to work with you. Photos coming soon"

Robin B on February 2025

Avatar for Homemakers Outdoors

Homemakers Outdoors

3.50(
2
)
•Approved Pro

Homemakers Outdoors

3.50(
2
)
•Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
3 years of experience
Free onsite estimate

HomeMakers is your full outdoor remodel company. We handle all hardscaping specializing in retaining walls. Our projects come with 10 year warranty’s. A 5 star BBB credited insured LLC company. We offer 10% discounts for our military, police force, healthcare workers and more! Call 314-221-9764 for a free estimate to have your entire project, planned, priced and, Perfected!! by yours truly HomeMakers Landscaping!

"It didn't go well. The company did not complete the job, they left unfinished work. I contacted the owner several times, he would give me dates and she never followed up. He became very hostile when I addressed my concerns to him. At that point, I decided that I did not want him to continue to work."

Barbara C on April 2025

HomeMakers is your full outdoor remodel company. We handle all hardscaping specializing in retaining walls. Our projects come with 10 year warranty’s. A 5 star BBB credited insured LLC company. We offer 10% discounts for our military, police force, healthcare workers and more! Call 314-221-9764 for a free estimate to have your entire project, planned, priced and, Perfected!! by yours truly HomeMakers Landscaping!

"It didn't go well. The company did not complete the job, they left unfinished work. I contacted the owner several times, he would give me dates and she never followed up. He became very hostile when I addressed my concerns to him. At that point, I decided that I did not want him to continue to work."

Barbara C on April 2025

Avatar for Walter Landscaping LLC

Walter Landscaping LLC

New on HomeAdvisorNew on HomeAdvisor
•Approved Pro

Walter Landscaping LLC

New on HomeAdvisorNew on HomeAdvisor
•Approved Pro
Free onsite estimate

Walter Landscaping LLC gives you the top-quality landscaping services that you deserve. For more information about our services and pricing please feel free to call us. We serve in O'Fallon, IL, Shiloh, IL; Lebanon, IL; Swansea, IL; Belleville, IL; Caseyville, IL; and the surrounding areas. Hardscape Contractor, Landscaping Contractor, Affordable Landscaping, Garden Maintenance Services, Landscaping Maintenance Service Professional Landscaping , Reliable Landscaping , Affordable Landscaping , Quality Landscaping , Trusted Landscaping For more information visit our website: https://landscaperofallonil.com/

Walter Landscaping LLC gives you the top-quality landscaping services that you deserve. For more information about our services and pricing please feel free to call us. We serve in O'Fallon, IL, Shiloh, IL; Lebanon, IL; Swansea, IL; Belleville, IL; Caseyville, IL; and the surrounding areas. Hardscape Contractor, Landscaping Contractor, Affordable Landscaping, Garden Maintenance Services, Landscaping Maintenance Service Professional Landscaping , Reliable Landscaping , Affordable Landscaping , Quality Landscaping , Trusted Landscaping For more information visit our website: https://landscaperofallonil.com/

FAQs for sod installation projects in Columbia, IL

Seeding costs less up front, but you’ll wait months—and sometimes a full season—for the grass to fill in. Sod costs more per square foot, yet it gives you an instant, usable lawn the day it’s installed and needs far less care during the first year. 

If speed and early curb appeal matter, the higher sod price is often worth it; if you’re watching every dollar and don’t mind the wait, seed can still be a smart play.

Start by sketching your lawn and breaking it into rectangles or circles. Measure each section, multiply length by width, and then add all the sections together for the total square footage. Standard sod rolls are two feet by 1.5 feet, and one pallet covers 450 square feet. 

Divide your total area by 450 to see how many pallets you need, then round up—extras come in handy for cutting around curves or mistakes. Still unsure? A local sod supplier or installer can confirm your math before you order.

Most sod grips the soil within 10 to 14 days. During that stretch, keep foot traffic to a minimum and mow only if the grass gets tall. After two weeks, the roots should be strong enough for light use, but wait six weeks before heavy play or frequent mowing. Giving the grass that short honeymoon helps it anchor firmly and sets the stage for a durable, healthy lawn.

Give your new lawn two full weeks before any foot traffic, then stick to light use only. Hold off on vigorous play, parties, or regular mowing until the six-week mark so the roots can dig deep. Keep watering on schedule and watch for any dry patches. A little patience now means stronger turf and fewer repairs later.

Keep an eye on color, moisture, and even growth. Fresh sod should stay uniformly green; brown spots or gaps hint at dry soil or poor contact. Water deeply at least once a day for the first week (more in hot weather) and back off gradually after the roots take. Avoid heavy foot traffic until the grass feels firmly anchored. Quick attention to trouble spots now prevents costly patches later.

Aim for spring or early fall when daytime temps hover between 55°F and 80°F. Mild weather and consistent moisture help the roots knit quickly. Laying sod in midsummer can stress the grass, while frozen winter soil blocks rooting altogether. 

If you must install outside the ideal window, budget extra time for watering and tending to the turf. Choosing the right season makes the job easier and the lawn tougher.

The Columbia, IL homeowners’ guide to sod installations

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles
  • woman wearing gardening gloves mulching garden

    Curious who to hire for mulching? Compare mulching companies, landscapers, and tree services, plus DIY vs. pro costs, to choose the right help today.

  • A french drain with river rocks

    How much river rock will your next landscaping project need? Find out with our river rock calculator.

  • Wheelbarrow filled with topsoil in the yard

    How much topsoil do you really need for your project? Dig into this topsoil calculator to find out.