Top New Lawn Installation (Sod & Turf) in Edmonds, Washington Ranked

Transforming a patchy, bare, or problematic yard into a lush, green lawn is a significant home improvement project. Whether you're looking for the instant gratification of a sod lawn or the long-term, low-maintenance benefits of artificial turf, proper installation is key to a beautiful and durable result. This guide explains the processes, considerations, and local factors for new lawn installation in Edmonds, helping you understand your options and connect with qualified professionals for your project.

North East Landscaping Services

12259 155th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98059

North East Landscaping Services is a family-owned landscaping company with over 20 years of experience serving residential and commercial clients in Seattle, WA. They provide a comprehensive range of outdoor services including lawn care, fertilization, weed control, sod and artificial turf installation, fence and deck construction, landscape lighting, tree services, yard drainage, sprinkler installation and repair, as well as hardscaping like pavers and retaining walls. The company emphasizes quality workmanship and building lasting relationships with clients, handling projects of all sizes with care and honesty.

5.0

294 Reviews

Green City Lawn Care

7021 NE 182nd St, Kenmore, WA 98028

Green City Lawn Care is a lawn and landscape maintenance company based in Seattle, WA, serving North/Northeast King County and South Snohomish County. They offer a variety of services including lawn mowing, pruning, landscape design, sod installation, and aerating to maintain and improve outdoor spaces. Their expertise includes professional sod installation to create lush, green lawns. Green City Lawn Care focuses on customer communication and care to meet client needs.

5.0

55 Reviews

Precision Landscape LLC

16203 122nd Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058

Precision Landscape LLC is a landscaping company based in Seattle, WA, offering a wide range of services including sod installation, artificial turf, tree removal, stump grinding, yard drainage, grading, land clearing, and brush removal. Serving residential and commercial clients throughout King County, they provide customized landscaping solutions supported by specialized equipment to improve efficiency and project outcomes. Their capabilities include comprehensive tree services and land clearing to prepare properties for various uses. With over 15 years of experience, Precision Landscape LLC is licensed, bonded, and insured to handle diverse landscaping needs.

4.9

92 Reviews

Hone Landscape Company

31604 NE 40th St, Carnation, WA 98014

Hone Landscape Company is a landscaping and hardscaping contractor serving Seattle, WA, and nearby communities. They offer a full range of services including landscape design, sod and artificial turf installation, outdoor lighting, yard drainage solutions, and the construction of patios, retaining walls, and driveways. The company emphasizes a principles-based approach focused on clear communication and integrity. They have experience managing drainage problems and creating sustainable landscapes, ensuring projects are completed from design through installation with detailed estimates and ongoing customer updates.

5.0

46 Reviews

Acosta landscape and paver LLC.

20921 44th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036

Acosta Landscape and Paver LLC. is a landscaping and hardscaping company based in Seattle, WA. They provide a range of services including sod and artificial turf installation, landscape lighting, yard drainage and grading, land clearing, and the construction of pavers and retaining walls. The team is skilled in creating custom outdoor spaces, including patios, planters, and outdoor kitchens, and they also handle drainage solutions such as French drains. Customers appreciate their detailed project planning and ability to manage complex landscaping projects efficiently.

4.9

75 Reviews

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Understanding Your Lawn Installation Options

In Edmonds, homeowners typically choose between two primary methods for establishing a new lawn: laying natural sod or installing synthetic turf. Each has distinct advantages, costs, and preparation requirements. Natural sod provides a living, breathing lawn that can cool the local environment and support local ecology, while artificial turf offers a consistently green appearance with minimal watering and mowing. Your choice will depend on your budget, desired maintenance level, and how you intend to use the space.

Natural Sod: Instant Greenery

Sod installation involves laying pre-grown grass rolls, which are essentially mature grass and a thin layer of soil held together by roots or a biodegradable mesh. This method offers an "instant lawn" effect, transforming a dirt lot into a usable green space in a matter of days. It's particularly effective for controlling soil erosion on slopes and provides immediate curb appeal. In the Edmonds climate, choosing a sod variety suited for the Pacific Northwest, such as a shade-tolerant or drought-resistant blend, is crucial for long-term success ^{1 2}.

Artificial Turf: Modern Low-Maintenance

For those seeking a perpetually green lawn without the upkeep of watering, fertilizing, and mowing, artificial turf is a compelling alternative. Modern synthetic grass looks and feels more realistic than ever and is designed for durability and drainage. It's an excellent solution for shady areas where grass struggles, high-traffic play zones, or for homeowners looking to reduce their outdoor water usage significantly ^{3 4}.

The Critical First Step: Site Preparation

Regardless of whether you choose sod or synthetic turf, thorough and proper ground preparation is the most important factor determining the longevity and appearance of your new lawn. Skimping on prep can lead to drainage issues, uneven surfaces, and premature failure of the installation.

Clearing and Excavation

The process begins with removing all existing vegetation, rocks, roots, and debris. For sod, this means eliminating old grass and weeds. For artificial turf, this step is even more critical, as any organic material left underneath will decompose and cause the surface to become uneven over time. The area is then excavated to the necessary depth-typically 6 to 8 inches for sod to allow for soil amendment, and often deeper for artificial turf to accommodate a stable aggregate base layer ^{5 6}.

Soil Tilling and Amendment

For a natural sod lawn, the next step is tilling the exposed soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. This loosens compacted earth, improves aeration, and makes it easier for new grass roots to penetrate and establish themselves. Based on a soil pH test, amendments like compost (to improve texture and nutrients) or lime (to adjust acidity) are then thoroughly mixed into the tilled soil. Edmonds soil can vary, so this step ensures the grass has the best possible foundation ^{6 7 8}.

Grading for Proper Drainage

This is a non-negotiable step for any lawn installation in Edmonds. The ground must be graded, or sloped, to direct water away from your home's foundation and other structures. A slope of 1-2% is generally recommended. Proper grading prevents water from pooling on your lawn, which can drown sod roots or create soggy, unstable areas under artificial turf. For synthetic grass, creating a slight crown in the center of the area can further aid in water runoff ^{5 9}.

Final Base Preparation

The final prep steps differ between the two lawn types:

• For Sod: The amended soil is lightly watered and raked smooth to create a fine, level seedbed ready for the sod rolls.
• For Artificial Turf: A sub-base of compacted gravel (often class II road base or decomposed granite) is installed, followed by a layer of finer material like sand. This multi-layer system is meticulously leveled and compacted to create a firm, stable, and perfectly draining foundation for the synthetic grass to be secured to ^{5 9}.

The Installation Process and Timelines

Understanding the installation sequence helps set realistic expectations for your project's timeline and scope.

Laying a Sod Lawn

Once the soil bed is prepared, sod rolls are laid like carpet, starting along a straight edge. The pieces are staggered so the seams don't line up, creating a more seamless appearance and stronger bond. Each piece is fitted tightly against the next, and the entire area is rolled with a lawn roller to ensure good soil-to-root contact. A thorough, deep watering follows immediately. For a typical Edmonds yard, the installation of sod itself can often be completed in 1-3 days following the preparation work ^{1 10 2}.

Installing Synthetic Turf

The synthetic grass rolls are laid out and positioned, allowing the material to relax and acclimate. Seams are carefully trimmed and joined using specialized seam tape and adhesive. The perimeter is secured with landscaping spikes or nails. Finally, an infill material-usually silica sand or a sand/rubber mix-is brushed into the turf blades. This weighs the turf down, helps the blades stand upright, and contributes to the system's durability and cooling properties. Due to the extensive base work, artificial turf installation typically takes longer than sod, often ranging from 3 to 7+ days depending on the size and complexity of the area ^{5 3 4}.

Cost Considerations in the Edmonds Area

Project costs can vary widely based on yard size, accessibility, soil conditions, and the materials selected.

Sod Installation Costs

The installed cost for natural sod in the Edmonds area is generally estimated between $1.00 and $2.00+ per square foot. This price typically includes site preparation (clearing, tilling, grading, amending) and the sod itself. The final cost depends on the type of grass selected (e.g., Kentucky Bluegrass vs. Fescue blend), the complexity of the grading required, and the amount of soil amendment needed ^{11 12}.

Artificial Turf Installation Costs

Artificial turf involves a higher upfront investment due to material costs and more labor-intensive preparation. In the broader Seattle area, the total installed cost for synthetic grass often ranges from $8 to $15 or more per square foot. This encompasses the excavation, drainage materials, compacted aggregate base, the turf product, infill, and labor. Higher-end turf products with more realistic looks and feels will be at the top end of this range ^{3 13 4}.

Maintaining Your New Lawn

Post-installation care is vital, especially for natural sod.

• New Sod Care: Requires diligent watering to keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) for the first two weeks to encourage deep root growth. Avoid heavy foot traffic for the first month. After the roots are established, you can transition to a regular mowing and feeding schedule appropriate for the grass type and season.
• Artificial Turf Care: Maintenance is minimal. It involves occasionally rinsing off dust or pet waste, brushing the blades to keep them upright, and topping up the infill material every few years. It does not require watering, mowing, or fertilizing.

Choosing the right professional for your new lawn installation in Edmonds means finding someone with experience in the specific type of installation you want and a proven track record of proper site preparation. Look for providers who can clearly explain their process, provide detailed quotes, and offer examples of past work in the local area.

Frequently asked questions

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