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Find Sod installers in Columbia

Avatar for ATD Landscaping LLC
ATD Landscaping LLC
4.5(
328
)

Serving Columbia, MD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"We opted for sod installation versus restoration/seeding. However, I would have selected ATD for the restoration under different circumstances. Anthony was prompt and informative."
Before the project started.
After from back yard-Patio with steps and railing
Patio with drainage and retaining wall
During installation.
Before from back yard

+122

Response time1 day
3 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by85%of homeowners
Avatar for Master Fences
Master Fences
4.9(
166
)

Serving Columbia, MD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"The estimate was reasonable, the installation was completed in a day and per schedule, and the crew did an excellent job of cleaning up after the install. I am quite happy with the job, with only a minor issue with a couple of pieces of pressure treated lumber that were warped or visibly chipped. All in all a great experience."
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+37

Response time2 days
13 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by96%of homeowners
Avatar for The Outdoor Advantage LLC
The Outdoor Advantage LLC
4.5(
758
)

Serving Columbia, MD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"As a rule, I don't write reviews. Had to make an exception this time. Outdoor Advantage is outstanding. The crew reduced the eroding slopes adjacent to two driveways and placed sod. Placed four fairly mature flowering shrubs into large planters. One week later, and both sod and plants are thriving. The advice I received as to how to manage my needs was terrific. Great "plant knowledge". They patched up a bare spot not in the original work order. Thorough clean-up. "A+" all around."
Before
Before
Before
Before
After

+179

Response time2 days
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by83%of homeowners
Avatar for Xtra Care Landscaping & Design INC
Xtra Care Landscaping & Design INC
4.8(
214
)

Serving Columbia, MD and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"We spent dozens and dozens of hours researching contractors. Save yourself a lot of time, meet with Cleber and CJ, and hire XtraCare. We have done a few renovations - interior and exterior - and this was by far our easiest, most hands-off project with the most stunning results. We worked with a landscape designer to design our backyard. She recommended XtraCare because the work, which required leveling a very steep and large backyard, was complex and because she had experience working with them in the past. I met with three contractors; the proposal from Cleber/XtraCare and my other top tier contractor were nearly the same which said to me that the proposal was the market rate. (My third proposal came from what I called my “cowboy” who was a one-man shop, working out of his truck and often hard to track down. His proposal was lower but I would have to manage everything if I went with him.). Based on my conversations with Cleber, I realized XtraCare would take care of everything, with little oversight and a priority on communication. This is exactly what we got. The excellent service started even before we signed the contract. The proposal was itemized and easy to follow and Cleber made himself available to speak about the proposal and my questions on a number of occasions. He also came to my home three times to ensure he got everything right in the proposal because again, this was a complicated projects with multiple retaining walls, over 50+ tons (yes, tons) of boulder, multiple walkways, and lots and lots of block and soil. Looking back, everything that Cleber anticipated was right. For example, he anticipated that our deck posts would need replacing so he was able to quote us that replacement on the proposal, with no charge until we know exactly what we were working with. Likewise, if he gets the poundage of boulders wrong, your account will be created which eased my mind (I thought 50 tons of boulders was crazy; I was wrong. We used 52). That sort of experience with drafting proposals is mutually beneficial as there were no surprises and I could anticipate how much this would cost at the end. After we signed, Mari was such a pleasure to work with. She handled our DC RiverSmart permeable paver application and refund, in addition to finalizing colors of the patio and walkways. When I was on the fence about colors, she worked with Angela to create a three color design between patio, borders and walls that added texture and interest to the landscape. Our project started in August 2020 which was easily one of the rainiest months I can remember. Like these things go, surprises always happen but we were prepared. Upon excavation under the deck, we uncovered 9 rotting deck posts (installed incorrectly by a previous owner and national deck building company!) but Cleber already anticipated this. The rain slowed the project down but the guys worked as much as they could with the weather, and even when they couldn’t work “on” the project, they were thinking about how to move it forward by bringing material on rainy days. Overall, XtraCare built about 7 retaining walls of different sizes including a beautiful curved one that requires DCRA inspection, five different walkways, two patio areas, five stair cases connecting various areas, and a permeable paver driveway. They laid out 52 tons of boulders to create two organic-looking retaining walls, laid out five pallets of sod, and cut and mulched a number of flower beds in this space. Our foreman Markus was really great, experienced, attentive to detail, and unafraid to ask me questions. CJ the project manager texted, called or stopped by nearly every day to manage the project and my expectations. Everyday, the crew left the place neat and tidy and every day, they worked their tails off and made progress on the project. Lastly, I didn’t feel nickeled and dimes the entire time like I have with previous renovations. XtraCare is focused on getting things right and making things look good, instead of opportunities for constant change orders like other contractors seem to do. In the end, the project took nearly three full months and was well worth the wait. It is stunning! We would recommend XtraCare in a heartbeat to anyone."
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+30

Response time1 day
Response rate90%
21 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Baumann's Lawn & Landscape
Baumann's Lawn & Landscape
4.9(
110
)

Serving Columbia, MD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1987

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Apart from a few scheduling changes, all went well.  <br /> Rick Baumann understood what I was wanting and worked with me. <br /> Fence install was superb."
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+2

1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by97%of homeowners
Avatar for Evergreen Landscaping
Evergreen Landscaping
5.0(
2
)

Serving Columbia, MD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1971

Free estimates

Customers say: Quality work

We offer over 40 years of experience in the design industry. We are committed to providing a personalized service for each individual project we take on and look forward to building strong, long term relationships with our clients. We guarantee your satisfaction.

Design install
Shade Garden results
Hardscape and desing around a pool
Under construction
Finished landscape with our design

+38

Response time6 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Showing 1-10 of 15
FAQs for sod installation projects in Columbia, MD

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, MD homeowners’ guide to sod installations

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

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