Top New Lawn Installation (Sod & Turf) in Edison, New Jersey Ranked

Transforming a patchy, bare, or problematic yard into a lush, green lawn is a major home improvement project. Whether you choose the natural beauty of sod or the low-maintenance appeal of artificial turf, professional installation is key to a successful, long-lasting result. This guide explains the process, costs, and considerations for turf installation in Edison, helping you make an informed decision and connect with experienced local specialists for your project.

Scenic View Landscaping & Design Specialist

213 Broad St, Keyport, NJ 07735

Scenic View Landscaping & Design Specialist is a landscaping and hardscaping company based near New York, NY, offering a wide range of services including sod installation, artificial turf, landscape lighting, yard drainage, tree services, and hardscaping features like pavers and retaining walls. They provide landscape design and commercial maintenance, with capabilities such as grading and drainage solutions. The company has received multiple service awards and maintains a strong reputation for detailed and attentive work. Scenic View Landscaping & Design Specialist serves the New York, NY area and surrounding communities.

5.0

367 Reviews

Haughey Brothers Landscaping LLC

new york

Haughey Brothers Landscaping LLC is a family-owned landscaping company serving New York, NY, and nearby areas in Union County, New Jersey. They specialize in creating luxury outdoor living spaces, offering services such as landscape design, custom hardscaping, lawn care, fence installation, sod and artificial turf installation, yard drainage, and landscape lighting. Their team focuses on transforming yards into functional and beautiful retreats with attention to detail and craftsmanship. The company has several years of experience and provides services for both residential and commercial properties. They also offer snow removal and winter maintenance services to support year-round outdoor care.

4.9

226 Reviews

All Season Services LLC

1025 Avenue C Unit 311, Bayonne, NJ 07002

All Season Services LLC provides artificial turf installation in New York, NY. They offer low-maintenance turf solutions suitable for backyards, indoor gyms, dog facilities, and playgrounds. Their turf products are sourced from manufacturers that ensure safety for kids and pets, being PFAs free. This artificial turf option eliminates the need for mowing, watering, and fertilizing, offering a year-round vibrant appearance with minimal upkeep.

5.0

79 Reviews

Monmouth Sod Installation & Supplier

156 NJ-36, Hazlet, NJ 07734

Monmouth Sod Installation & Supplier provides professional sod installation and supplies premium sod varieties such as Kentucky bluegrass, Tall fescue, and Rtf turf type fescue in New York, NY. They handle projects ranging from small residential lawns to larger commercial properties, ensuring proper preparation and grading before installation. The team offers expert advice based on years of experience to help customers achieve a healthy, mature sod lawn.

4.9

172 Reviews

Onafastpace Yard Solution’s

Brooklyn, NY 11234

Onafastpace Yard Solution's is a landscaping and lawn care company based in New York, NY, specializing in creating low maintenance and elegant backyards. Their services include artificial turf installation, fencing, patios, platform decks, retaining walls, custom planter boxes, and backyard excavations. The company focuses on sustainable lawn care and exterior design, aiming to provide clients with a relaxing backyard oasis. They emphasize clear communication and attention to detail throughout the project.

5.0

41 Reviews

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Understanding Your Options: Natural Sod vs. Artificial Turf

The first decision for any lawn replacement project is choosing between natural grass sod and synthetic turf. Each has distinct advantages, costs, and long-term care requirements that are important to weigh for your specific property and lifestyle.

Natural Sod provides an instant, living lawn. It's real grass that has been pre-grown on a farm, cut into rolls or slabs, and delivered for installation. It offers the classic look, feel, and environmental benefits of real grass, such as cooling the air and producing oxygen. However, it requires ongoing maintenance including regular mowing, watering, fertilizing, and seasonal care to thrive in New Jersey's climate.

Artificial Turf, also called synthetic grass, 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 minimal upkeep; it doesn't need mowing, watering, or chemical treatments, saving significant time and resources over the years. It provides a consistently green appearance regardless of weather or foot traffic.

Cost Breakdown for Lawn Installation in Edison

The total investment for a new lawn in Edison varies significantly based on your choice of material, the size and condition of your yard, and the complexity of the site work required. Understanding the cost components helps in budgeting and comparing quotes from local installers.

Overall Project Costs

For a typical residential property in Edison, the all-in cost for a new lawn ranges from $2 to $6 per square foot for sod installation and $8 to $20 per square foot for artificial turf installation^{1 2 3 4 5}. This wide range accounts for the quality of materials, the extent of site preparation needed, and labor rates. Here's a typical cost breakdown per square foot:

The Critical Role of Site Preparation

Regardless of which type of lawn you choose, proper site preparation is the most important factor for its longevity, appearance, and function. Skipping or skimping on prep work is the leading cause of lawn failure, drainage problems, and uneven surfaces. This phase typically involves several key steps:

• Removal of Existing Lawn and Debris: The old grass, weeds, roots, and any debris must be completely removed. Professionals often use a sod cutter for this task. This service typically adds $0.88 to $1.84 per square foot to the project cost⁶.
• Grading and Leveling: The subsoil must be graded to ensure water flows away from your home's foundation. The recommended slope is at least a 1-inch drop for every 10 feet of distance⁴. Rough grading costs $1 to $2 per square foot, while fine grading and leveling cost an additional $0.40 to $1.00 per square foot^{7 8 9}.
• Addressing Drainage: For natural sod, proper grading is often sufficient, but sloped yards may require additional erosion control or even a French drain system (costing $4-$16 per linear foot)¹⁰. For artificial grass, a base layer of compacted crushed stone or road base is essential for drainage and stability, adding about $0.32 per square foot for materials¹¹.
• Soil Amendment or Base Installation: For sod, the existing soil is tilled and amended with nutrient-rich topsoil or compost and a starter fertilizer to promote healthy root growth. Topsoil delivery costs around $12 to $55 per cubic yard^{12 13}. For synthetic turf, a weed barrier fabric is laid, followed by the compacted aggregate base. After the turf is laid, an infill material (like sand or rubber) is brushed in to keep the blades upright.

The Installation and Establishment Timeline

The physical installation process for both sod and artificial turf is relatively swift, but the timeline to a fully usable lawn differs dramatically.

Sod Installation Timeline: The actual laying of sod rolls for an average residential yard typically takes 1-3 days². However, the critical period begins after installation. The new grass requires diligent, frequent watering to encourage root growth into the native soil. Shallow roots begin to form within 10-14 days. The lawn is usually ready for light use in 2-3 weeks and is considered fully established with a deep root system after 6-8 weeks, at which point normal maintenance routines can begin^{1 5 14}.

Artificial Turf Installation Timeline: The installation of synthetic grass, including site prep, base installation, seaming, and infill, is also typically completed within 1-3 days for a standard residential project^{2 15}. The major advantage is that the lawn is immediately ready for full use upon project completion. There is no rooting period, watering schedule, or waiting time before kids, pets, or furniture can enjoy the space¹.

Choosing the Right Grass Type or Turf Product

For natural sod in Edison, selecting a grass type suited to New Jersey's climate is crucial for long-term health. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, and Fine Fescues are common choices. A reputable installer can help you select a blend that matches your sun/shade conditions and desired maintenance level. Some professionals even offer a free soil test to recommend the best amendments for your specific yard¹².

For artificial turf, quality varies greatly. Key factors to discuss with your installer include pile height, density, face weight, drainage rate, and the type of infill. Higher-quality turf will have a more natural look, better durability, and superior drainage. It's also important to select a product that is non-toxic and stays cooler in the sun, especially for family and pet areas^{1 11}.

Maintaining Your New Investment

Post-installation care ensures your investment pays off for years to come.

• New Sod Care: The first few weeks are critical. You'll need to follow a strict watering schedule to keep the soil consistently moist. Avoid foot traffic and mowing until the roots have firmly anchored. After establishment, a regular schedule of mowing, fertilization, aeration, and overseeding will keep your natural lawn healthy¹⁴.
• Artificial Turf Care: Maintenance is minimal but necessary. It involves periodic rinsing to remove dust and pollen, brushing to keep the blades upright, and occasionally topping off the infill material. Promptly removing pet waste and rinsing the area is also recommended. Proper care prevents compaction and maintains the turf's appearance and drainage capability.

Frequently asked questions

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