Top New Lawn Installation (Sod & Turf) in Lombard, Illinois Ranked

Transforming a patchy, bare, or tired yard into a lush, green lawn is a major home improvement project that boosts curb appeal and creates a usable outdoor space. Whether you're looking for the instant gratification of sod or the low-maintenance appeal of artificial turf, professional installation is key to ensuring a beautiful, long-lasting result. This guide will help you understand the process, costs, and considerations for new lawn installation in Lombard, so you can make an informed decision and connect with qualified local specialists.

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: Sod vs. Artificial Turf

The first and most significant choice you'll make is between natural sod and synthetic turf. Each offers distinct advantages and serves different homeowner priorities.

Sod Installation provides an immediate, living lawn. It's grass that has been pre-grown on a farm, harvested in rolls or slabs, and delivered to your property for installation. This method offers instant curb appeal and the authentic look and feel of natural grass. It's a popular choice for those who enjoy gardening, want a cooling green space, and don't mind seasonal maintenance like mowing, watering, and fertilizing.

Artificial Turf Installation, on the other hand, is a synthetic surface designed to mimic the appearance of natural grass. Modern turf is highly realistic, durable, and requires no mowing, watering, or chemical treatments. It's an excellent solution for areas with poor soil, heavy shade, or water restrictions, and for homeowners seeking a consistently neat appearance with minimal upkeep.

The Installation Process: What to Expect

A successful lawn installation, whether sod or turf, hinges on meticulous site preparation. Skipping or skimping on prep work is the leading cause of failure.

Site Preparation for Sod

For a natural sod lawn, the goal is to create a healthy bed for the grass roots to establish. The process typically involves:

• Clearing the Area: Removing any existing grass, weeds, rocks, and debris.
• Grading and Leveling: Ensuring the ground has a slight slope (about 1-2% grade) away from your home's foundation to promote proper drainage and prevent pooling water ¹.
• Soil Amendment: Adding 1-2 inches of a topsoil and compost mix to provide nutrients and improve soil structure for root growth ².
• Final Compaction: Lightly compacting the prepared soil to create a firm, level surface for laying the sod rolls.

Site Preparation for Artificial Turf

Artificial turf requires a more intensive and engineered base to ensure longevity, drainage, and a level surface. The process is more involved:

• Excavation: Removing several inches of existing soil (typically 3-4 inches).
• Sub-Base Installation: Laying and compacting a layer of crushed stone or gravel. This base is critical for drainage and stability, especially important in Lombard's clay-heavy soils ^{1 3}.
• Weed Barrier: Installing a geotextile fabric over the compacted base to prevent weeds from growing up through the turf.
• Optional Comfort Layer: For play areas or pet spaces, a shock-absorbing foam pad may be added on top of the base for extra cushioning and drainage ³.

Cost Breakdown for Lombard Homeowners

Understanding the investment for a new lawn in Lombard helps with budgeting. Costs vary based on yard size, site complexity, material quality, and labor.

For Sod Installation: In the Lombard area, you can expect to pay between $1.50 and $3.50 per square foot for a professionally installed sod lawn ^{1 4}. This price typically includes materials (the sod itself), delivery, site preparation (grading, soil amendment), and labor. For a standard residential yard of 1,000 to 2,000 square feet, total project costs often range from $1,400 to $6,500 or more, depending on the extent of grading and soil work needed ¹.

For Artificial Turf Installation: This is a larger upfront investment due to the materials and intensive prep work. Installed costs in the Chicago area generally range from $5 to $20 per square foot, with many quality residential projects falling in the $8 to $18 per square foot range ^{1 5 6}. Labor alone can account for $2 to $9 per square foot, with complex sites on the higher end ⁷. Factors that increase cost include higher-quality turf (which looks more realistic and lasts longer), advanced drainage systems, and special features like cooling technology or pet-friendly antimicrobial infills ^{8 9}.

Project Timelines: From Start to Green

How long your yard will be under construction depends on your choice.

• Sod Installation: Once the site is prepared, laying sod can be remarkably fast. A skilled crew can often install sod for an average-sized yard in one to two days. However, the critical period comes after installation: the new lawn requires careful, frequent watering for the first few weeks to ensure the roots establish properly in the soil ².
• Artificial Turf Installation: This process is typically longer due to the detailed site work. For a standard residential property, plan on a timeline of one to three days from start to finish. The majority of this time is spent on the excavation and base preparation, which must be done precisely. The actual turf rolling, seaming, and securing goes relatively quickly once the base is ready ^{1 2}.

Planning and Pro Tips for a Smooth Project

A little planning goes a long way toward ensuring your lawn installation is successful and stress-free.

• Consider DIY Prep (To Save Costs): If you're handy, you can reduce labor costs by handling the initial clearing and demolition yourself. Removing old grass, digging up unwanted landscaping, and managing debris are tasks homeowners can often tackle. However, the technical aspects of grading for sod or installing a compacted gravel base for turf are best left to professionals to avoid future issues like pooling water or an uneven surface ^{1 6}.
• Coordinate Site Access: Before your installers arrive, ensure they have clear access to the yard. Move vehicles, furniture, and portable play structures. Also, discuss any underground utilities (like irrigation lines or low-voltage wiring for landscape lighting) that need to be marked or addressed before excavation begins ^{10 11}.
• Get Multiple Quotes: Always obtain detailed estimates from several licensed and insured local installers. A thorough quote should break down material costs, labor, site prep, and any additional fees for waste removal or delivery.

Frequently asked questions

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