Top New Lawn Installation (Sod & Turf) in Somerville, Massachusetts Ranked

Transforming a patch of dirt or an old, tired lawn into a vibrant, green space is a major home improvement project. In Somerville, where outdoor space is precious, a new lawn installation-whether with natural sod or modern artificial turf-can redefine your yard. This process involves careful planning, significant site preparation, and choosing the right material for your lifestyle and budget. Understanding the local costs, timelines, and critical steps involved will help you navigate your project and connect with qualified professionals who can bring your vision to life.

JR's Landscaping & Sons LLC

3 Sorelle Pl, Burlington, MA 01803

JR's Landscaping & Sons LLC is a full-service landscaping company serving Boston, MA, and Middlesex County. They provide a wide range of services including lawn mowing, lawn fertilization, weed control, sod installation, fence installation, landscape lighting, sprinkler installation and repair, hardscaping with patios and retaining walls, and custom landscape design. With over 20 years of experience since 1997, they offer year-round solutions tailored to maintain and enhance outdoor spaces for both residential and commercial properties. Their capabilities include expert hardscape installations such as stone walkways, patios, and retaining walls designed for New England weather conditions.

5.0

148 Reviews

Grass!365 of New England

38 Fuller St, Waban, MA 02468

Grass!365 of New England is a synthetic turf design and installation company based in Boston, MA, serving all of New England. They specialize in artificial grass solutions for residential and commercial properties, including playgrounds, sports fields, putting greens, and pet turf. Their installations use SealTuft technology, which offers superior drainage and durability. Grass!365 has been operating for over a decade and ensures that all projects are personally overseen by owner Jeremy Dellaria and his team, without subcontractors.

5.0

117 Reviews

The Pros Inc. - Landscape Design & Build

29 Hanover St, Lynn, MA 01902

The Pros Inc. - Landscape Design & Build is a landscaping and outdoor living company serving Boston, MA, and surrounding areas. With over 20 years of experience, they offer a wide range of services including landscape design, lawn care, sod installation, fence installation, hardscaping, outdoor lighting, irrigation, water features, pool and spa construction, decks, pergolas, driveways, and seasonal maintenance. Their expertise includes custom pool building with options like fiberglass and gunite concrete pools, as well as comprehensive irrigation systems designed for efficient watering. The company also provides snow and ice management services during winter months.

4.9

217 Reviews

Nelson’s Hardscape & Tree Service

40 Wall St, Burlington, MA 01803

Nelson's Hardscape & Tree Service is a family-owned company serving Boston, MA, and the Greater Massachusetts area. They provide a wide range of services including tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, lawn care, sod installation, landscaping, and hardscaping. Their team includes certified arborists who handle projects with personalized care to maintain the health and appearance of trees and outdoor spaces. With over 10 years of experience, Nelson's Hardscape & Tree Service offers insured work and a satisfaction guarantee.

4.9

128 Reviews

Ideal Turf Solutions

77 Mystic Ave, Medford, MA 02155

Ideal Turf Solutions is a provider of artificial turf and sod installation services based in Boston, MA. They offer a wide range of high-performance artificial turf products suitable for residential, commercial, athletic, and specialty applications. The company also supplies installation tools, infill materials, and maintenance products to support both professional contractors and DIY homeowners. With over 30 years of experience in the artificial turf industry, Ideal Turf Solutions has installed thousands of projects across New England, bringing extensive expertise to their customers.

5.0

47 Reviews

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Understanding Your Options: Natural Sod vs. Artificial Turf

The first and most significant decision you'll make is choosing between natural grass sod and synthetic turf. Each offers distinct advantages and comes with different long-term commitments and costs.

Natural Sod provides the classic look and feel of a real lawn. It's living grass that is grown on a farm, harvested in rolls or slabs, and installed on your prepared soil. It offers environmental benefits like cooling the air, producing oxygen, and supporting soil microbes. However, it requires ongoing maintenance including regular mowing, watering, fertilizing, and seasonal care to thrive in New England's climate.

Artificial Turf is a manufactured surface made to look like natural grass. Modern versions are highly realistic, durable, and designed for excellent drainage. The primary appeal is its low maintenance; it never needs mowing or watering and stays green year-round. It's an excellent solution for shady areas, high-traffic spaces, or for homeowners seeking to reduce their water usage and lawn care chores.

Breaking Down the Costs in Somerville

Investment is a key factor. In the Boston area, including Somerville, costs tend to be at the higher end of national averages due to the local cost of living and labor rates ^{1 2}. The price is typically calculated per square foot for the installed product, but the critical site preparation work is a separate and substantial part of the budget.

For sod installation, you can expect to pay between $1 and $3 per square foot for the sod itself and its installation ^{3 1}. The essential preparation work-including grading, soil amendment, and debris removal-typically adds another $1 to $3 per square foot⁴. This brings the total project cost for a sod lawn to a range of $2 to $6 per square foot.

For artificial turf installation, material and installation costs range from $8 to $32 per square foot^{3 5 6}. The specialized site preparation for synthetic grass, which involves creating a stable, compacted base layer, adds approximately $2 to $4 per square foot^{7 8}. Therefore, a complete artificial turf project generally falls between $10 and $36+ per square foot.

These are broad estimates. Your final quote will depend on your yard's specific conditions, accessibility, the quality of materials selected, and the contractor's expertise.

The Critical Role of Site Preparation

Whether you choose sod or synthetic, proper site preparation is the non-negotiable foundation for a successful, long-lasting lawn. Skipping or skimping on prep is the most common cause of future problems like pooling water, uneven surfaces, and premature failure ^{4 9}.

The preparation process generally follows these key steps:

1. Removal of Existing Lawn: Any old grass, weeds, roots, and debris must be completely removed. This process, known as stripping, costs around $0.88 to $1.84 per square foot^{10 11}.
2. Grading and Leveling: This is perhaps the most important step. The ground must be expertly shaped to ensure water drains away from your home's foundation. Professionals aim for a slope of about one inch per foot for the first several feet from the foundation ¹². Proper grading prevents erosion and water damage, adding $1 to $3 per square foot to the project ⁴.
3. Soil Preparation (For Sod): The existing soil needs to be tested and amended to create a nutrient-rich bed for the sod roots. This often involves tilling and mixing in compost or topsoil to improve texture and fertility ¹³.
4. Base Installation (For Artificial Turf): Instead of amending soil, a stable base is constructed. This involves installing and compacting a layer of crushed stone or decomposed granite, which provides stability and critical subsurface drainage ^{7 14}. After the turf is laid, an infill material (like sand or rubber granules) is brushed into the blades to keep them upright and provide cushioning.

Project Timelines: From Start to Finish

The time commitment for your new lawn varies dramatically between the two options ¹⁵.

Sod Installation Timeline:

• Installation: The process of laying sod rolls is relatively quick. A typical Somerville residential yard can often be completed in one to two days^{16 17}.
• Establishment Period: After installation, the real work begins. The sod requires a critical 2-3 week establishment period with careful, consistent watering-often multiple times a day initially. During this time, the grass cannot be walked on or used. The roots need this time to knit into the soil below.
• Best Time for Installation: In Massachusetts, the ideal windows are late summer to early fall (when cooler temperatures and more reliable rainfall aid establishment) and spring ¹⁷.

Artificial Turf Installation Timeline:

• Installation: Once the base is prepared, laying the synthetic grass sections is fast. A small to medium yard can typically be installed in 1 to 3 days¹⁸.
• Ready for Use: A major advantage is that artificial turf is ready for immediate use once the installation is complete and the infill is brushed in. There is no waiting period.
• Planning: Due to the precision involved in seam placement and base construction, proper planning and scheduling with your installer are key to a smooth process.

Navigating Local Considerations in Somerville

Before breaking ground, it's wise to consider local factors. Somerville may have specific regulations regarding drainage, soil disturbance, or even the materials used in landscaping projects. Homeowners should consult the city's official website or contact the local building department to understand if any permits are required for major grading work or installation ^{7 19}. Additionally, consider your property's sun exposure, shade patterns, and how you intend to use the space-factors that can influence which type of lawn is best for you.

Frequently asked questions

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