Top New Lawn Installation (Sod & Turf) in Trenton, New Jersey 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, finished look and can dramatically boost your property's curb appeal and usability. For Trenton homeowners, choosing the right type of lawn and understanding the critical preparation and installation process is key to long-term satisfaction. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about sod and turf installation in the capital city, helping you make an informed decision and connect with qualified local professionals who can bring your vision to life.

Michael's Landscape Design

750 Maple Ave, Southampton Township, NJ 08088

Michael's Landscape Design is a landscaping and hardscaping company serving the Philadelphia, PA area and South Jersey, including Burlington, Mercer, and Camden counties. Founded in 1997, the company offers a range of services such as landscape design, patio and paver installation, grading, drainage solutions, landscape lighting, and sod installation. They specialize in hand-laid brick and interlocking paver work and handle projects from small garden pathways to large property makeovers with an owner-operated approach ensuring attention to detail throughout the process.

5.0

127 Reviews

UDS Philly Landscaping and Removal

4455 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA 19140

UDS Philly Landscaping and Removal is a landscaping and removal company based in Philadelphia, PA. They offer a wide range of services including lawn fertilization, weed control, sod installation, artificial turf, landscape lighting, tree removal, stump grinding, land clearing, and hardscaping such as pavers and retaining walls. Their expertise includes complete landscape design and installation, integrating features like fire pits, pergolas, and custom planters to create functional and attractive outdoor spaces. Founded in 2022, UDS focuses on enhancing urban environments while empowering local workers through training and development.

5.0

54 Reviews

Lawn Boy Landscaping & Hardscaping

186 Green Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19127

Lawn Boy Landscaping & Hardscaping is a full-service landscaping and hardscaping company based in Philadelphia, PA. They offer a wide range of services including lawn mowing, fertilization, weed control, sod installation, fence installation, tree removal, yard drainage, land clearing, and hardscaping projects such as patios, walkways, and retaining walls. The company serves both residential and commercial clients throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. One of their notable capabilities is constructing and repairing retaining walls that help manage erosion and improve landscape usability. Lawn Boy Landscaping & Hardscaping has experience handling emergency masonry repairs and large-scale yard transformations, demonstrating their expertise in both maintenance and construction projects.

5.0

49 Reviews

Dan Miller Gardens

107 Fowler Ave, Haddonfield, NJ 08033

Dan Miller Gardens is a landscape company based near Philadelphia, PA, offering a full range of outdoor services including lawn care, sod installation, fence and hardscape construction, landscape lighting, tree services, yard drainage, and land clearing. They provide design and installation from concept to completion, with expertise in horticulture to support plant and tree health. Their hardscaping services include patios, walkways, fences, and retaining walls, designed for durability and function. Dan Miller Gardens also offers year-round maintenance such as trimming, mulching, and leaf removal to keep properties well-maintained.

5.0

35 Reviews

Brother & Sister Landscaping

3026 Haddonfield Rd, Pennsauken, NJ 08110

Brother & Sister Landscaping is a lawn care and landscaping company serving Philadelphia, PA. They offer a wide range of services including lawn mowing, fertilization, weed control, sod installation, artificial turf, landscape design, tree removal, stump grinding, yard drainage, land clearing, and hardscaping such as pavers and retaining walls. The company is known for its hands-on approach, working closely with clients to meet their needs and budgets. Founded in 2020, Brother & Sister Landscaping has grown from a small operation into a full-service landscaping provider with a focus on quality workmanship and customer communication.

4.8

104 Reviews

See more providers in Trenton, NJ

Understanding Your Lawn Options: Natural Sod vs. Artificial Turf

The first and most significant decision in a lawn renovation project is choosing between natural grass sod and synthetic artificial turf. Each offers distinct advantages, maintenance routines, and aesthetic feels.

Natural Sod provides the classic look and feel of a real grass lawn. It's living plant material, typically Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, or perennial ryegrass blends suited to New Jersey's climate, that is grown on a farm and harvested in rolls or slabs. Once installed, it roots into your soil, creating a living ecosystem. The benefits include a natural cooling effect, real soil underfoot, and the ability to absorb rainwater. However, it requires ongoing maintenance: regular mowing, watering, fertilizing, and seasonal care to thrive, especially through Trenton's humid summers and cold winters.

Artificial Turf, or synthetic grass, is a manufactured surface made from polyethylene or polypropylene fibers designed to mimic the look of natural grass. Modern products are highly realistic, durable, and designed with drainage in mind. The primary advantage is extremely low maintenance-no mowing, watering, or fertilizing is required. It provides a consistently green, usable surface year-round, regardless of weather or foot traffic. The initial investment is higher, but it eliminates recurring water and lawn care service bills.

The Critical First Step: Site Preparation

Regardless of which option you choose, proper site preparation is the non-negotiable foundation for a successful, long-lasting lawn. Skipping or rushing this phase is the most common cause of lawn failure, drainage issues, and uneven surfaces down the line. The process involves several meticulous steps that are similar in concept but differ in execution for sod versus turf.

1. Clearing and Excavation

The existing surface must be completely removed. This means stripping away old grass, weeds, roots, rocks, and any debris. For a sod installation, the goal is to create a loose, workable seedbed. The soil is typically tilled or turned to a depth of 3 to 6 inches to break up compaction and allow for new root growth ^{1 2}.

For artificial turf installation, excavation goes deeper to create space for a stable sub-base. The area is typically dug out to a depth of 2 to 4 inches, removing all organic material that could decompose and cause settling or odors later ^{3 4}.

2. Grading and Drainage

This is arguably the most important step for any lawn project in Trenton. Proper grading ensures water flows away from your home's foundation and prevents pooling in the yard. The ground should be sloped at a gentle grade of about 1-2% (a 1-2 foot drop per 100 feet). The soil is then leveled, raked, and lightly compacted with a roller to create a firm, smooth, and stable base. For artificial turf, this grading is done on the compacted sub-base layer ^{5 6 7}.

3. Soil Amendment or Base Layer

Here, the processes diverge significantly based on your lawn type.

• For Sod: The existing soil is tested and amended. Based on the results, organic matter like compost or topsoil is worked in to improve fertility, texture, and nutrient-holding capacity. A starter fertilizer is also typically applied to give the new grass roots an immediate boost for establishment ^{8 2}.

• For Artificial Turf: A sub-base of crushed stone, decomposed granite, or a similar aggregate material is installed. This layer, usually 3 to 4 inches deep after compaction, is crucial for stability, drainage, and preventing wrinkles or dips in the turf. A geotextile weed barrier is laid on top of this compacted base to prevent weeds from growing up through the turf ^{9 10}.

Installation and Establishment Timelines

How long it takes to get a usable lawn varies dramatically between the two options.

Sod Installation Timeline: The actual process of laying the sod rolls for an average residential yard in Trenton typically takes 1 to 3 days ^{11 12}. However, the lawn is not immediately ready for heavy use. The sod begins to knit its roots into the soil within 10 to 14 days ¹³. A strong, established root system takes about 6 to 8 weeks to develop fully. Light foot traffic may be possible after two weeks, but activities like playing sports or letting pets run freely should wait until the roots are fully set. The first mowing usually occurs after 2-3 weeks, once roots have anchored ¹⁴.

Artificial Turf Installation Timeline: Most standard residential synthetic grass projects can also be completed in 1 to 3 days ¹⁵. Larger properties or complex designs with curves and cuts may take up to a week. The key difference is that once the installation crew finishes and cleans up, the lawn is immediately ready for full use. There is no waiting period for rooting or establishment, making it a popular choice for families and pet owners who want instant gratification and usability ¹⁶.

Cost Breakdown for Trenton Homeowners

Understanding the investment required is a key part of planning. Costs in the Trenton area align with regional averages and are influenced by the size of your yard, accessibility, soil conditions, and the quality of materials chosen.

Sod Installation Costs:

• Material Cost (Sod Only): $1 to $2 per square foot.
• Total Installed Cost: $2 to $6 per square foot, including all labor, site preparation, soil amendment, and the sod itself ^{17 18}.

Artificial Turf Installation Costs:

• Material Cost (Turf & Base): The synthetic grass itself starts around $3+ per square foot, plus additional materials for the sub-base, edging, and infill.
• Total Installed Cost: $5 to $20 per square foot. The wide range accounts for the quality and pile height of the turf, the complexity of the installation, and the materials used for the base ^{19 20 21}.

Example for a 1,000 sq. ft. yard:

• A new sod lawn could cost between $2,000 and $6,000 installed.
• A new artificial turf lawn could cost between $5,000 and $20,000 installed ^{17 22}.

While artificial turf has a higher upfront price tag, it offers long-term savings by eliminating costs for water, mowing equipment or services, fertilizer, and pesticides ^{23 24}. For natural sod, ongoing maintenance is a necessary and recurring part of the budget. Homeowners with challenging clay soil, common in parts of New Jersey, should note that site preparation may require more extensive excavation and base material, which can influence the final price for either option ²⁵.

Choosing the Right Professional in Trenton

A new lawn is a significant investment, and proper installation is critical. When looking for a provider, seek out experienced landscaping professionals who specialize in lawn installation. They should be willing to visit your property, discuss your soil conditions and drainage, and provide a detailed written estimate that breaks down all costs for preparation, materials, and labor. Ask to see examples of their previous work, especially projects that are a few years old, to assess how well their installations hold up over time. A reputable installer will also explain the maintenance requirements for your chosen lawn type to ensure you can keep it looking its best for years to come.

Frequently asked questions

Sources