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Find Sod installers in Manhattan

Avatar for Nature Life Landscaping
Nature Life Landscaping
5.0(
28
)

Serving Manhattan, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"They are AMAZING!!! I am so happy I found Luis and his team. Although my project is listed as "sod installation" it was a yard cleanup and front yard cleanup/tree trimming that I needed. They are super professional, efficient and fairly priced. Luis came out for an estimate and started work right away. Everything we agreed upon was done as per our agreement and Luis and the team very very flexible on additional requests and gave me a fair price for everything, They did A LOT of hard labor - pulling weeds, pulling shrubs and cutting down shrubs/trees. They were truly amazing and I couldn't be any more grateful for that! Luis is scheduled to continue my complete yard overhaul and I can't wait for the final product as my plans combined with his vision and expertise are sure to render an awesome outcome. I can't wait!"
Back Yard Restore
Back Yard Restore
Back Yard Restore
Back Yard Restore
Response time1 day
Response rate87%
19 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for EMERALD BLOOM LANDSCAPING
EMERALD BLOOM LANDSCAPING
4.2(
68
)

Serving Manhattan, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Great. We are very happy with the results and we were amazed how fast the work was completed. Patio looks great. Retaining walls turn out great as well. Very Professional company."
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+10

Response time2 days
7 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by87%of homeowners
Avatar for Real Fresh Landscaping
Real Fresh Landscaping
4.9(
15
)

Serving Manhattan, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They did a fantastic job! They were prompt in responding and super helpful with the planning of our project. We had made a few changes and they were very accommodating. The final result came out even better than we imagined! We will be using Real Fresh for future projects and highly recommend them!"
Mulch Before & after
Mulch Before & after
Mulch & Plants
Mulch
Mulch

+16

Response time2 hrs
Response rate93%
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for RS All Around Landscape  Inc
RS All Around Landscape Inc
4.3(
6
)

Serving Manhattan, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Rick Skrobin All Around Landscape provides professional landscape/hardscapes throughout the Chicagoland area. We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers' needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship, and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

Backyard Design
Hardscapes
Hardscapes
Hardscapes
Hardscapes

+5

1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Ligros Landscaping and Lawn Care
Ligros Landscaping and Lawn Care
3.8(
8
)

Serving Manhattan, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Hired him to fix up my lawn for my new home that was overgrown with weeds and dry grass. He helped with deciding how to improve my garden/lawn. Was very pleased with how everything turned out and the time frame the work was done. Very good service and communication on their end. Pricing was the cherry on top. Highly recommend for any lawn services!"
Clean up with natural spade edge
Yard cleanup
Trimming, natural spade edge, plantation
Trimming, natural spade edge
After

+10

Response time1 day
Response rate95%
21 neighbors recently requested a quote
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FAQs for sod installation projects in Manhattan, 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 Manhattan, IL 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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