Best New Lawn Installation (Sod & Turf) in Illinois Ranked

A lush, green lawn is a cornerstone of curb appeal and outdoor enjoyment for Illinois homeowners. Whether you're starting from scratch or renovating a patchy yard, professional new lawn installation provides an instant, mature landscape. This guide focuses on the two primary methods-sod and artificial turf-detailing the critical considerations for Illinois's climate, soil, and seasons. You'll find practical information on timing, preparation, costs, and maintenance to help you make an informed decision and connect with qualified local professionals for your project.

Ross & Jack's Landscaping Inc

chicago

Ross & Jack's Landscaping Inc is a family-owned landscaping company based in Elmhurst, Illinois, serving Chicago and surrounding towns. Since 1975, they have offered comprehensive landscaping services including landscape design, installation, grounds maintenance, lawn care, sod installation, drainage solutions, and hardscaping such as retaining walls and brick paving. Their expertise includes digital landscape design layouts to help clients visualize projects before installation, as well as specialized drainage solutions like dry wells to manage water issues effectively. The company focuses on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor living spaces that enhance property value.

5.0

157 Reviews

Arts Landscaping & Maintenance LLC

3146 W 59th St, Chicago, IL 60629

Arts Landscaping & Maintenance LLC is a locally owned landscaping and lawn care company based in Chicago, IL. They provide a wide range of outdoor services including lawn mowing, fertilization, weed control, sod installation, tree trimming and removal, stump grinding, yard drainage, grading, and hardscaping such as retaining walls and concrete pathways. The company serves both residential and commercial clients throughout Chicago, tailoring their services to the local climate and seasonal needs. Their capabilities include lawn aeration, overseeding, and comprehensive landscape maintenance to ensure healthy, vibrant outdoor spaces year-round.

4.9

117 Reviews

Luxterra Outdoors

chicago

Luxterra Outdoors is a landscaping company based in Chicago, IL, specializing in landscape design, sod and artificial turf installation, fence installation, yard drainage, sprinkler systems, and hardscaping including pavers and retaining walls. They focus on residential projects, offering sustainable and low-maintenance outdoor spaces tailored to Chicago's unique climate and lot sizes. Their services include managing permits for features like retaining walls and grading, and they incorporate capabilities such as smart irrigation systems and durable materials suited for winter weather. Luxterra Outdoors emphasizes thoughtful design for small urban yards, pet-friendly spaces, and historic homes, combining creativity with practical solutions.

5.0

55 Reviews

Natural Innovations Landscaping

238 S Benton St, Palatine, IL 60067

Natural Innovations Landscaping is a family-owned landscape design and hardscape construction company serving Chicago, IL. With over 15 years of experience, they specialize in installing brick paver patios, driveways, walkways, steps, stoops, and retaining walls. They use Computer Aided Design (CAD) to create custom outdoor living spaces and offer services such as paver restoration, drainage and grading solutions, landscape lighting installation, sod installation, and tree and planting bed management. As a Unilock Authorized Contractor, they focus on durable materials and precise installation techniques to enhance property aesthetics and functionality.

5.0

53 Reviews

Dario Garcia Landscaping LLC

5818 S Archer Rd Suite 114-5, Summit, IL 60501

Dario Garcia Landscaping LLC is a family-owned landscaping and snow removal company based in Chicago, IL. They provide a range of services including lawn care, sod installation, artificial turf, landscape design, tree removal, stump grinding, and snow and ice management for both residential and commercial properties. Their snow removal service includes shoveling walkways, plowing parking lots and driveways, and applying de-icer or salt to maintain safe outdoor areas during winter. The company emphasizes customized landscaping solutions and efficient snow removal using GPS-equipped trucks for effective routing.

4.8

502 Reviews

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Understanding Your Options: Natural Sod vs. Artificial Turf

Choosing between natural sod and synthetic turf is the first major decision. Each offers distinct benefits and long-term implications for your property.

Natural Sod provides a living, breathing lawn. It offers cooling effects, a natural feel underfoot, and environmental benefits like oxygen production and soil stabilization. In Illinois, cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass, Fine Fescue, and Perennial Ryegrass are commonly used for their durability through cold winters and moderate summers. The primary commitment with sod is ongoing maintenance: regular mowing, watering, fertilizing, and seasonal care.

Artificial Turf is a manufactured surface designed to mimic the look of grass with minimal upkeep. It requires no mowing or watering, stays green year-round, and is highly durable in high-traffic areas. Modern options are more realistic and environmentally considerate than older versions. The trade-off is a higher initial investment and a different set of installation requirements focused on creating a stable, draining base.

Optimal Timing for Installation in Illinois

Illinois's distinct four-season climate makes timing crucial for a successful installation, especially for natural sod.

For Natural Sod: The ideal windows are during the cool, moist periods of spring (April to mid-May) and early fall (late August to September). ^{1 2} These seasons provide mild temperatures that encourage rapid root establishment without the extreme stress of summer heat or winter frost. Spring installation allows roots to strengthen before summer, while fall installation takes advantage of warm soil and consistent rainfall. Summer installation is possible but requires vigilant, sometimes multiple-times-daily watering to prevent the sod from drying out and dying before it roots. Winter installation is not recommended as the ground is frozen or too cold for root growth.

For Artificial Turf: Installation is less dependent on seasonal weather for the turf itself, as it doesn't need to establish roots. ^{3 4} However, site preparation is still weather-sensitive. The ground cannot be frozen or overly saturated. Therefore, late spring through early fall is generally the most practical and comfortable time for contractors to complete the extensive site work required. Considerations for heat retention on very hot summer days and ensuring proper drainage to handle spring rains or snowmelt are part of the planning process. ²

Critical Site Preparation: The Foundation for Success

Regardless of your choice, proper site preparation is the single most important factor determining the longevity and health of your new lawn. Rushing this step leads to drainage issues, uneven surfaces, and poor establishment.

Steps for Preparing for Natural Sod:

1. Soil Testing: Begin with a soil test through the University of Illinois Extension or a local lab. ⁵ This reveals pH levels and nutrient deficiencies, guiding your amendment strategy. Illinois soils often require lime to raise pH.
2. Clear the Area: Completely remove existing grass, weeds, rocks, and debris. This may involve using a non-selective herbicide or sod cutter.
3. Till the Soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. ^{6 7} This alleviates compaction, improves aeration, and allows roots to penetrate easily.
4. Amend the Soil: Based on your soil test, incorporate necessary amendments like compost, topsoil, lime, or starter fertilizer. ^{5 8} This creates a nutrient-rich seedbed.
5. Grade for Drainage: Shape the soil to create a gentle slope of 1-2% away from your home's foundation and other structures. ^{5 9} Proper grading is essential to prevent water pooling, which can drown grass roots or cause ice issues in winter.
6. Final Smoothing: Rake the surface to create a smooth, level grade, then lightly roll it with a lawn roller to firm the soil, eliminating soft spots where the sod may sink.

Steps for Preparing for Artificial Turf:

1. Excavation: Remove existing vegetation and soil to a specified depth (typically 3-4 inches) to make room for the base materials.
2. Sub-base Installation: Install a compacted layer of crushed stone or decomposed granite. This layer is critical for stability, drainage, and creating a level surface. ^{1 10}
3. Weed Barrier: Lay a geotextile fabric over the compacted base to prevent weeds from growing up through the turf.
4. Final Grading: Ensure the prepared base has the same crucial drainage slope (1-2% away from structures) as a natural lawn base. ¹⁰

Installation Process & Immediate Aftercare

The installation day and the following weeks set the stage for your lawn's future.

Laying Natural Sod: Professional installers will lay rolls of fresh sod in a staggered brick-like pattern, ensuring tight seams without overlapping. ^{11 12} The most critical step begins immediately: watering. New sod must be kept consistently moist. Water deeply immediately after installation, applying enough to moisten the soil beneath. For the first 10-14 days, water daily-sometimes twice daily in hot, windy weather-keeping the sod and top inch of soil damp. ^{1 11 9} Avoid walking on the sod during this period. You can test for root establishment by gently tugging on a corner of the sod; if it resists, roots are taking hold. After about 2-3 weeks, you can gradually reduce watering frequency and mow for the first time.

Installing Artificial Turf: The synthetic turf rolls are laid out, trimmed to fit the area, and seamed together. It is then secured around the perimeter with nails or staples. Infill-tiny granules of sand or crumb rubber-is brushed deep into the turf blades. ^{1 10} This step is vital as it weighs down the turf, helps the blades stand upright, and provides cushioning. After installation, the turf simply needs a rinse to remove dust and is ready for use. No watering for the turf itself is required, but the surrounding landscape may need irrigation.

Cost Comparison: Investment vs. Long-Term Value

Understanding the cost structure helps in budgeting and evaluating return on investment.

• Natural Sod Installation: Professional installation typically ranges from $2 to $6 per square foot. ¹³ For a standard 1,000-square-foot lawn, this translates to a total project cost between $2,000 and $6,000. The price varies with the grass type, site accessibility, and the extent of soil preparation needed.
• Artificial Turf Installation: This represents a significantly higher initial investment, generally ranging from $8 to $20+ per square foot for professional installation. ^{1 13} The same 1,000-square-foot area could cost $8,000 to $20,000+. The higher cost for artificial turf is due to the price of quality synthetic materials and the intensive labor for site excavation and base preparation. While it eliminates ongoing water, fertilizer, and mowing costs, the payback period can be many years.

Long-Term Maintenance Requirements

Your choice dictates your weekend chores for years to come.

Maintaining a Sod Lawn: Expect a seasonal cycle of care: weekly mowing during the growing season, regular watering (about 1-1.5 inches per week), fertilization in spring and fall, aeration to relieve compaction, and overseeding to repair thin spots. ^{11 12} You will also manage weeds, pests, and diseases as they arise.

Maintaining Artificial Turf: Maintenance is minimal but essential. It involves periodic rinsing to remove dust and pollen, brushing to keep the blades upright, raking to redistribute infill, and promptly cleaning up pet waste. ^{1 10} Over many years (typically 15-20), UV exposure will cause fading, and the turf may need replacement.

Key Considerations for Illinois Homeowners

• Drainage is Paramount: Illinois experiences heavy rains and snow. Both sod and artificial turf systems must be installed with proper grading and base materials to direct water away from your home. Poor drainage is a leading cause of lawn failure and basement moisture problems. ^{5 9}
• Soil Health Matters: For sod, amending Illinois's often clay-heavy soil with organic matter improves drainage, nutrient availability, and root health, leading to a more resilient lawn. ^{5 6}
• HOA Regulations: Check with your homeowners' association before choosing artificial turf, as some have restrictions on its use.
• Professional Expertise: Given the importance of precise grading, soil preparation, and proper installation techniques, hiring an experienced professional is highly recommended to avoid costly mistakes and ensure a long-lasting result.

Frequently asked questions

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