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

Transforming a patchy, bare, or tired yard into a lush, green landscape is a major home improvement project. Whether you're looking for the instant gratification of a sod lawn or the low-maintenance appeal of artificial turf, professional new lawn installation ensures a durable, beautiful, and functional result. This guide explains the key considerations, processes, and costs for turf and sod installation in Everett, helping you make an informed decision and connect with qualified local specialists for your project.

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

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

Aden Landscaping

1717 Bellevue Ave #206, Seattle, WA 98122

Aden Landscaping is a landscaping and construction company based in Seattle, WA, serving the Seattle Metro Area. They provide a wide range of services including sod and artificial turf installation, fence and wooden structure construction, landscape lighting, sprinkler system installation and repair, tree removal and stump grinding, hardscaping with pavers and retaining walls, and general yard cleanup and maintenance. The company has been operating since 2011 and employs over 15 specialists with more than 10 years of experience each. Aden Landscaping manages projects with on-site project managers and uses their own professional tools and equipment. They offer a guarantee on their work and materials and provide real-time support for emergencies.

4.9

30 Reviews

Green Team Landscapers LLC

seattle

Green Team Landscapers LLC is a landscaping company based in Seattle, WA. They offer services including sod installation, artificial turf installation, tree removal, stump grinding, land clearing, brush removal, and general landscaping. The team is experienced in transforming outdoor spaces by installing new sod and managing tree and brush removal efficiently. Customers have noted their straightforward communication and thorough cleanup after projects.

5.0

18 Reviews

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Understanding Your Options: Real Sod vs. Artificial Turf

The first major decision in your lawn renovation is choosing between natural grass sod and synthetic turf. Each offers distinct advantages and serves different homeowner priorities.

Sod Installation provides an immediate, living lawn. Professionally grown grass rolls are delivered and installed on prepared soil, creating an "instant" green space. It's the traditional choice for those who want a real grass lawn that feels and behaves naturally. The key to success is meticulous site preparation and a strict initial watering schedule to ensure the roots establish firmly in your native soil ¹.

Artificial Turf Installation offers a permanently green, maintenance-free surface. Modern synthetic grass looks remarkably realistic and is designed for durability and drainage. It eliminates the need for mowing, watering, and seasonal fertilizing, making it an attractive option for busy households, areas with poor sun or soil conditions, or for creating durable play and pet areas ².

Critical First Step: Site Preparation is Everything

Regardless of which option you choose, the longevity and performance of your new lawn depend almost entirely on the work done before the grass or turf ever arrives. Cutting corners on preparation is the most common cause of lawn failure or turf issues down the line ³.

Preparing for a Sod Lawn

Proper preparation creates the ideal bed for grass roots to take hold and thrive.

• Clearing and Removal: The existing vegetation, weeds, rocks, and debris must be completely removed. This often involves using a sod cutter or excavator to strip the old lawn away.
• Soil Testing and Amendment: Everett's soil, which can include dense "Boston Blue Clay," often requires amendment ⁴. A soil test reveals pH and nutrient levels. Based on the results, professionals will till in topsoil, compost, or a starter fertilizer to create a fertile, loose base.
• Grading and Drainage: This is a non-negotiable step. The area must be graded to create a smooth, firm surface that slopes slightly away from your home's foundation-typically a 1-foot drop over 50 feet-to prevent dangerous water pooling ⁵. Proper grading ensures rainwater runs off the lawn instead of creating muddy bogs.
• Final Tamping and Pre-watering: Just before installation, the soil is lightly compacted with a roller to eliminate air pockets. It is then pre-watered to provide a moist environment for the sod roots.

Preparing for Artificial Turf

Artificial grass installation requires a more engineered base to ensure perfect drainage and a stable, long-lasting surface.

• Excavation: Existing grass and the top 3-4 inches of soil are removed to make room for the base layers ⁶.
• Grading and Drainage: The subsoil is graded to a precise slope (usually a 1-2% grade) to facilitate water runoff. In areas of Everett prone to drainage issues, a professional might recommend or install a subsurface French drain system as part of this phase ⁷.
• Base Installation: A 2-4 inch layer of crushed stone or decomposed granite is spread evenly. This layer is then hosed down and heavily compacted with a plate compactor to create a rock-solid, stable foundation that will not settle or shift ^{8 9}.
• Weed Barrier: A geotextile weed barrier fabric is often laid over the compacted base to prevent weeds from growing up through the turf seams.

The Installation Process & Timeline

Understanding the workflow helps set realistic expectations for your project's duration and what to expect while work is underway.

Sod Installation Timeline: For an average residential yard in Everett, professional sod installation is relatively quick. The actual laying of the grass rolls is typically completed in one to three days. The lawn is visually complete immediately, but it enters a critical 2 to 6-week establishment period where specific, frequent watering is required for the roots to knit with the soil below ¹⁰.

Artificial Turf Installation Timeline: The process for synthetic grass takes several days due to the extensive base work. After excavation and grading, installing and compacting the stone base is time-consuming but vital. Once the turf is rolled out, seamed, and secured, a silica sand or rubber infill is brushed deep into the pile. This infill keeps the blades upright, adds weight for stability, and protects the backing ¹¹.

Cost Breakdown for Everett Homeowners

Costs in Everett are influenced by the local cost of living, material availability, and specific site challenges like clay soil ^{4 12}. Here's a general breakdown of what to expect.

Sod Installation Costs:

• Materials (Sod Rolls): $0.30 - $2.00 per square foot, depending on grass type.
• Professional Installation (Materials & Labor): $1 - $6 per square foot ^{13 14 15}.
• Site Preparation (Grading, Soil Amendment): Can add $1 - $3+ per square foot if significant work is needed.
• Example 1,000 sq. ft. Project: Total costs typically range from $1,000 to $6,000.

Artificial Turf Installation Costs:

• Turf Material: $3.00 - $10.00+ per square foot, depending on pile height, density, and quality.
• Professional Installation (Full Project): $5 - $20 per square foot ^{9 16}. This comprehensive price almost always includes all necessary excavation, base materials, labor, and infill.
• Example 1,000 sq. ft. Project: Total investment typically ranges from $5,000 to $20,000+.

Long-Term Value and Maintenance

The choice between sod and turf often comes down to upfront cost versus long-term investment and effort.

A natural sod lawn has a lower initial cost but requires an ongoing commitment to maintenance: regular mowing, seasonal fertilizing, aeration, weed control, and consistent watering, especially during New England's summer droughts. It provides a cooling, natural ecosystem but carries recurring time and expense.

Artificial turf requires a significant upfront investment but virtually eliminates ongoing maintenance costs. There is no watering, mowing, or fertilizing. Occasional rinsing, brushing to lift the blades, and topping up the infill every few years are all that's needed ¹⁷. For many homeowners, the long-term savings in water bills, lawn care services, and personal time justify the initial price ^{18 19}.

Choosing the Right Professional in Everett

Given the importance of proper preparation and installation, selecting a qualified specialist is crucial.

• Look for Specific Experience: Seek out companies that explicitly list sod installation or artificial turf installation as core services, not just general landscaping.
• Review Past Projects: Ask for photos or addresses of recent local installations similar to what you want.
• Get Detailed Quotes: A professional quote should clearly separate material costs from labor and detail all aspects of site preparation (grading, soil amendment, base installation). Beware of quotes that seem unusually low, as they may omit critical prep steps.
• Ask About Warranties: Reputable installers will offer warranties on both their labor and the materials they use.

Frequently asked questions

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