Top New Lawn Installation (Sod & Turf) in Lakewood, Colorado Ranked

Transforming a patchy, bare, or worn-out yard into a lush, green landscape is a major home improvement project. New lawn installation, whether with natural sod or modern artificial turf, provides an instant, beautiful outdoor space for your family to enjoy. This service matters because a healthy, well-installed lawn enhances curb appeal, provides a safe play area, and can even improve property value. For Lakewood homeowners, finding the right local professional for sod laying or synthetic grass installation is key to ensuring proper site preparation, material selection, and long-term success for your investment.

Grass!365 Denver

5180 Fox St Ste 5, Denver, CO 80216

Grass!365 Denver specializes in artificial turf installation for residential and commercial properties in Denver, CO. They offer a range of synthetic grass solutions including playground surfaces, sports fields, pet turf, and backyard putting greens. With expertise in durable and fast-draining turf systems, they design installations that withstand Denver's seasonal weather and provide low-maintenance, year-round green spaces. Operating since 2008, Grass!365 Denver brings over 25 years of global experience in turf installation combined with local knowledge. The company is locally owned and emphasizes quality craftsmanship and customer communication.

5.0

143 Reviews

Hawkins Brothers Lawn and Sprinkler, Inc.

23700 E Alameda Ave, Aurora, CO 80018

Hawkins Brothers Lawn and Sprinkler, Inc. has been serving Denver, CO, and nearby areas for 29 years. They offer a full range of lawn care services including lawn mowing, sod and artificial turf installation, as well as sprinkler system installation and repair. Their team brings over 60 years of combined experience, focusing on reliable scheduling with one-hour appointment windows to minimize wait times.

4.9

409 Reviews

Birdies Landscape & Lighting

denver

Birdies Landscape & Lighting is a landscaping and outdoor lighting company serving Denver, CO. They provide a wide range of services including landscape design and installation, sod installation, fence installation, hardscaping with paver patios and retaining walls, stump grinding, and professional Christmas light installation. Their hardscaping work is noted for using a thicker, more compacted base to ensure long-term stability. The company has multiple years of experience maintaining and enhancing outdoor spaces for both homes and businesses in the area.

5.0

75 Reviews

My Son’s Landscape Group

679 S Reed Ct, Lakewood, CO 80226

My Son's Landscape Group is a landscaping and fencing company based in Denver, CO. They specialize in landscape design, installation, and maintenance, as well as fence installation, sprinkler system services, artificial turf installation, and hardscaping including pavers and retaining walls. The company focuses on sustainable landscaping practices tailored to Denver's unique flora and offers ongoing landscape maintenance to keep outdoor spaces well-maintained over time.

4.9

144 Reviews

AMK Hardscaping

5515 Harlan St Ste B, Arvada, CO 80002

AMK Hardscaping is a locally owned and operated hardscaping contractor based in Denver, CO. They specialize in brick driveway, patio, and porch paver installation, as well as fire pit construction, retaining walls, artificial turf installation, irrigation systems, and concrete services. Their certified crews handle all aspects of the process, including demolition, excavation, soil compaction, and final finishing. AMK Hardscaping focuses on enhancing outdoor spaces with durable and attractive hardscape features, serving Denver and surrounding cities.

4.9

125 Reviews

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Understanding Your Lawn Installation Options

When considering a lawn replacement or new lawn construction, you have two primary paths: natural grass sod or artificial turf. Each offers distinct benefits and considerations for your Lakewood property.

Natural Sod Installation involves laying rolls or slabs of pre-grown grass that includes soil and a mature root system. This method provides an "instant lawn" effect, with immediate greenery that begins to establish itself in your yard's soil. It's the traditional choice for those who want the look, feel, and environmental benefits of real grass.

Artificial Turf Installation utilizes synthetic fibers designed to mimic the appearance of natural grass. Modern products are highly realistic, durable, and require no mowing, watering, or fertilizing. This option is increasingly popular for its low maintenance and consistent appearance year-round, regardless of weather or foot traffic.

Critical First Step: Site Preparation & Grading

The longevity and health of your new lawn, whether sod or synthetic, depend entirely on the work done before the first roll is laid. Proper site preparation is non-negotiable for a successful outcome. This process typically involves several key stages, each contributing to the final cost and quality.

Removal and Clearing: The existing surface-whether old grass, weeds, or debris-must be completely removed. This process, known as sod cutting or stripping, typically costs between $0.88 and $1.84 per square foot in the Lakewood area ¹. This creates a clean slate for the new base.

Grading and Leveling: This is arguably the most important preparatory step. The ground must be graded to ensure proper drainage away from your home's foundation-experts recommend a slope of at least 6 inches within the first 10 feet from the house ¹. Proper grading prevents water from pooling, which can drown natural sod roots or create a soggy, unstable base under artificial turf. Leveling costs generally range from $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot ².

Soil and Base Work: For natural sod, the existing soil may need amendment with topsoil or compost to provide nutrients and a good medium for root establishment. For artificial grass, a stable, permeable base layer is constructed, usually from crushed rock or decomposed granite, which is then compacted. This base provides stability, drainage, and a level surface for the synthetic turf to lie on.

Drainage Considerations: Lakewood's specific soil conditions and lot layouts sometimes require additional drainage solutions. If a property has chronic standing water or poor natural drainage, installers may recommend integrating systems like French drains or catch basins during the prep phase. These systems add to the project cost, ranging from $10 to $50 per linear foot ³.

Cost Breakdown for Lakewood Homeowners

Understanding the investment for a turf installation project helps in planning and budgeting. Costs in Lakewood vary based on lawn size, site complexity, material quality, and the scope of preparation needed.

For a standard 1,000-square-foot yard, here is a general cost comparison:

Key Cost Influencers:

• Lawn Size & Shape: Simple, rectangular areas are most cost-effective. Irregular shapes, small strips, or areas with many obstacles increase labor time and material waste.
• Accessibility: Easy access for skid-steers and dump trucks keeps costs down. Tight backyards that require manual hauling of materials will increase labor costs.
• Soil Condition: Rocky or heavily compacted clay soil requires more intensive preparation than loose, workable soil.
• Material Quality: For sod, prices vary by grass type (e.g., Kentucky Bluegrass vs. Tall Fescue). For artificial turf, cost depends on pile height, density, face weight, and the quality of the backing and infill materials.

Project Timeline: From Start to Green Lawn

Homeowners are often eager to know how long their yard will be under construction. The timeline for new lawn construction depends on the size of the area and the chosen material.

Sod Installation Timeline: For a typical residential property, the installation process is relatively quick. Most professional sod laying projects are completed within 1 to 3 days⁹. The site preparation (removal, grading, amending) usually takes the first day. The actual sod installation-delivering the pallets, rolling out the grass, and seam-cutting-happens on the second day. A final roll and initial watering complete the job. While the lawn is green immediately, it requires a careful watering regimen for the next few weeks as the roots knit into the soil. Light use can typically begin within 2 weeks ^{10 11}.

Artificial Turf Installation Timeline: The installation of synthetic grass follows a similar 1-3 day schedule for an average yard ^{4 12}. The first day is dedicated to excavation, base installation, and compaction. The turf is laid, trimmed, seamed, and secured on the second day. Infill material (usually silica sand or crumb rubber) is spread and brushed into the fibers to help the blades stand upright. The surface is ready for full, immediate use once the installers clean up and leave ¹⁰.

Long-Term Value and Maintenance

The choice between natural and synthetic involves weighing upfront cost against long-term care and value.

Natural Sod Maintenance: A sod lawn requires ongoing care: regular mowing, seasonal fertilization, aeration, overseeding, and consistent watering, especially during New Jersey's summer months. There are ongoing costs for water, equipment, and lawn care products or services. However, it provides a natural cooling effect, supports local ecology, and can be more affordable to install.

Artificial Turf Value Proposition: The significantly higher initial investment for synthetic turf is offset by dramatically reduced long-term expenses ^{4 7 13}. There are no water bills for irrigation, no costs for mowing fuel or service, and no need for fertilizers or pesticides. Modern artificial grass has a lifespan of 15 to 25 years, making it a durable, low-maintenance landscaping solution. It stays green year-round, is highly durable for pets and play, and requires only occasional rinsing and brushing to maintain its appearance.

Choosing the Right Professional in Lakewood

A successful lawn renovation hinges on the skill of the installer. Look for local professionals with specific experience in the type of lawn installation you desire. They should conduct a thorough site evaluation, discuss drainage and soil issues common in Lakewood, provide a detailed written estimate that clearly separates material, labor, and preparation costs, and offer a warranty on both materials and workmanship. They should also guide you on the best grass variety or turf product for your specific sunlight conditions and intended use.

Frequently asked questions

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