What’s included in every sod installation
Sod laid straight onto Winnipeg clay usually looks great for a season and then thins out. The roots hit dense, wet soil and stop growing. Every install we quote includes the prep that keeps that from happening.
-
Old lawn and weed removal
We'll strip out the existing grass and weeds and haul everything away so you're starting with a clean slate.
-
Grading for drainage
We shape the yard so water moves away from your house and toward the swale or property line instead of sitting where you don't want it.
-
4" of screened topsoil
We bring in a proper layer of screened topsoil over the clay to give your new lawn somewhere to root.
-
Levelled and rolled base
Before the sod goes down, we smooth out the yard and roll the soil so you're not left with dips and bumps showing through the finished lawn.
-
Fresh sod
Your sod is delivered fresh and laid the same day, with the seams staggered and pushed tightly together.
-
Rolling and first watering
We roll the finished lawn for good soil-to-sod contact, then give it a thorough first watering before we leave.
-
Written aftercare plan
You'll know exactly how much to water, when to mow, and what to avoid during those important first few weeks.
- Building since
- 2014
- Rated on Google
- 5.0
- Working across
- Winnipeg and southern Manitoba
Sod installation cost in Winnipeg
For most residential yards, sod installation runs around $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot, including the prep, topsoil, grading, removal, and sod. As a rough example, a 600 sq ft backyard could come in around $900 to $2,400, depending on the amount of prep involved.
When you're comparing quotes, make sure you're comparing the same job. A lower price can sometimes mean less topsoil, no removal, or very little grading work.
Your final price usually comes down to:
- Yard size
- How much topsoil is needed to reach the finished grade
- Access to the yard, especially if everything has to be moved through a narrow side gate
- How much existing lawn or weeds need to be removed
- Drainage or grading issues that need to be dealt with before the sod goes down
Recent sod installation projects
Sodding a new build
With a new build, we want to make sure the finished lawn ends up at the right height and works with the grading already established for your property.
Winnipeg's Lot Grading By-law requires a surveyor-certified grade before the topsoil and sod go down. The rough grade is generally set about 4 inches below the finished grade, leaving room for the topsoil and sod.
If you have your Lot Grade Certificate, send it our way. Your builder should have a copy, and we can use it to make sure we're building the yard back up to the intended grade.
You also don't necessarily have to wait for your grading deposit refund before getting your lawn installed. If your lot isn't certified yet, we can plan the sod installation for after the certification is complete.
It's also worth checking your builder contract before you book anything. Some new-build packages include sod, while others leave the landscaping up to the homeowner.
Replacing an old lawn
If you're looking at a lawn that's mostly weeds, full of low spots, or holding water in places it shouldn't, sometimes starting over is the better option.
We'll strip out the old lawn, correct the grading, bring in the soil you need, and lay fresh sod. For most residential yards, the actual installation takes one to two days.
That said, we don't recommend replacing a lawn just for the sake of replacing it. If you've still got a mostly healthy lawn with a few thin or bare areas, overseeding and topdressing may be all you need (and it'll cost considerably less than a full sod installation).
We'll let you know what makes the most sense for your yard.
Sod around patios, walkways, and walls
We build patios and retaining walls as well, so we can plan the lawn around those edges rather than trying to make everything meet up afterward. Ideally, your sod finishes neatly with your pavers and walkways, without a raised lip that catches the mower or creates a tripping point.
If we're building the patio or retaining wall for you too, we'll handle the grading as part of the overall job and put the sod in last. That way, we only have to set the finished grade once.
How it works
-
Send photos and rough measurements
Send us a few pictures and an approximate size of the yard. We can give you a rough price range without having someone come over for a sales visit.
-
Quick site check
Before we finalize anything, we'll check the existing grade, access, soil depth, and anything else that could affect the job.
-
Install day
Once everything is ready, we strip, prep, grade, and lay the sod. Most residential yards take one to two days, and you don't need to be home.
-
First three weeks
This is where you take over. Follow the watering plan, keep traffic off the new lawn, and wait until it's properly rooted before the first mow.
Sod installation FAQ
-
When's the best time to lay sod in Winnipeg?
You can install sod anytime the ground isn't frozen, generally from May through early October. Late August and September are especially nice because the soil is still warm while the air is cooler, so the new lawn doesn't dry out as quickly. Midsummer works too. You'll just need to stay on top of watering.
-
Should I use sod or seed?
Seed is the less expensive option, but it takes longer to establish and needs consistent moisture while it's getting started. With Winnipeg's shorter growing season, sod gives you a finished lawn much sooner. For large areas that don't get much foot traffic, though, seeding can still be a good option.
-
How soon can we walk on it or mow?
Try to stay off the new lawn for roughly two weeks while the roots are getting established. For the first mow, wait until the sod has rooted enough that you can't easily lift a corner when you give it a gentle tug. That's usually around two to three weeks, depending on the weather and how well it's been watered.
-
What kind of sod do you use?
We use a Kentucky bluegrass blend grown in Manitoba. It's well suited to our climate and winters. Warm-season grasses such as Bermuda grass aren't suitable for Winnipeg's conditions.
-
Do you sell or deliver sod on its own?
No, we focus on complete sod installations rather than selling or delivering sod by itself. If you're planning to lay the sod yourself, we'd recommend contacting a local sod farm directly.
What Winnipeg Homeowners Say
-
Great experience working with Jordan and Heavyscape. They landscaped both my front and back yards, installed pavers, built a fence, and constructed new stairs and a landing. Throughout the project they were flexible and thorough, approachable and easy to work with. Communication was excellent, the price was fair, and great quality of the work. Highly recommended.
mupayet
-
Great experience with Jordan and his team. Communication was good and work on project was professional. Highly recommended. Would work with again.
Paul Laporte
-
Great job! Good experience with planning, Jordan made improvements to our plan and the function is even better than we thought. Crew was friendly, organized and fast. Very happy with the experience and quality of the work.
CJ T