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

Transforming a patchy, muddy, or barren 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 in Kirkland requires careful planning and expert execution. This guide explains the key processes, costs, and considerations for turf and sod installation in the Pacific Northwest, helping you understand what's involved in creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space.

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 Options: Sod vs. Artificial Turf

The first decision in your lawn replacement project is choosing between natural sod and synthetic turf. Each has distinct advantages and considerations, especially in Kirkland's climate.

Sod Installation provides an immediate, living lawn. It involves laying pre-grown grass rolls onto prepared soil. The result is a traditional, natural grass yard that can cool the air and feels soft underfoot. However, it requires a significant ongoing commitment to watering, mowing, fertilizing, and seasonal care to thrive, particularly through Western Washington's wet winters and occasionally dry summers.

Artificial Turf Installation, on the other hand, offers a consistently green, maintenance-free surface year-round. Modern synthetic grass looks remarkably realistic and is ideal for high-traffic areas, pet runs, or homeowners seeking to eliminate water use and lawn care chores. The upfront investment is typically higher, but it pays off in long-term savings on water, chemicals, and landscaping services^{1 2}.

The Critical First Step: Site Preparation

Regardless of your choice, proper site preparation is the most important factor for a successful, long-lasting installation. Skimping on prep can lead to drainage failures, uneven surfaces, and premature deterioration.

Site Clearing and Excavation The process begins with removing existing vegetation, debris, and old lawn material. For sod jobs, this means killing or stripping the old grass. For artificial turf, excavation goes deeper to accommodate a stable base layer. This clearing and excavation work typically costs between $1-$3 per square foot^{3 4}.

Grading and Drainage This is arguably the most critical step for any Kirkland property. Proper grading ensures water flows away from your home's foundation and prevents pooling on your new lawn. Given King County's substantial rainfall, installers must carefully shape and compact the subsoil to create a stable, slightly sloped base. Inadequate drainage is a leading cause of lawn failure and can void warranties on synthetic turf^{3 5}.

The Installation Process: Step-by-Step

For a New Sod Lawn

1. Soil Testing and Amendment: After grading, the soil should be tested. Based on the results, amendments like lime (to adjust pH) or compost (to improve texture and nutrients) are tilled in. Healthy soil is the foundation for root establishment⁶.
2. Laying the Sod: Rolls of fresh sod are delivered and installed quickly, often in a single day, to prevent the grass from drying out. Pieces are laid tightly together in a staggered brick-like pattern.
3. Initial Watering and Establishment: The new lawn must be watered deeply immediately after installation. A consistent watering schedule for the first few weeks is non-negotiable to encourage the roots to knit into the soil below.

For Artificial Turf Installation

1. Base Installation: A 3-4 inch layer of compacted crushed rock or decomposed granite is spread and meticulously leveled over the graded earth. This aggregate base provides critical drainage and a stable, unyielding surface^{7 2}.
2. Turf Rolling and Seaming: Rolls of synthetic grass are laid out, trimmed, and seamed together using specialized tape and adhesive. Skillful seaming is essential for an invisible, professional finish.
3. Infill and Brushing: Silica sand or rubber infill is spread across the turf and brushed deep into the blades. This weighs down the turf, protects the backing from UV rays, and helps the blades stand up naturally^{1 8}.

Cost Breakdown for Kirkland Homeowners

Understanding the cost components helps in budgeting for your project. Prices are influenced by the size and slope of your yard, accessibility, and the quality of materials chosen.

Artificial Turf Installation Costs: The total installed cost for synthetic grass in Kirkland typically ranges from $12 to $25 per square foot^{1 2}. This comprehensive price includes:

• Materials: Quality turf product, weed barrier, base rock, and infill.
• Labor: All site work, from excavation to final brushing. Higher-end projects with custom designs, putting greens, or challenging sites will be at the top of this range. Labor alone for turf installation can account for $3.45 to $12 per square foot⁹.

Sod Installation Costs: Sod pricing is more variable. While the sod rolls themselves have a cost, the significant expenses lie in the preparation and supporting systems:

• Site Prep: Clearing, grading, and soil amendment ($50-$200 for basic soil work, plus excavation costs)^{6 4}.
• The Sod: Price varies by grass type (e.g., Kentucky Bluegrass vs. Fescue blends).
• Irrigation System: For natural grass to survive, a new or upgraded irrigation system is highly recommended, adding $1,500-$3,500 or more to the project^{3 4}.

Why Professional Installation is Key

While DIY lawn installation is possible, the complexity of proper grading, base construction, and material handling makes professional installation a wise investment in Kirkland.

Expertise in Local Conditions: Professional installers understand the local soil types and climate challenges. They know how to grade for our rainy seasons and can advise on the best grass varieties or turf products for your specific yard's sun exposure and use^{10 8}.

Proper Tools and Efficiency: Installers have the commercial-grade equipment needed for efficient excavation, soil compaction, and handling heavy rolls of sod or turf. They complete the job faster and to a higher standard than most homeowners can achieve.

Warranty Protection: Reputable installers provide warranties on both their workmanship and the materials they install. This protects your investment against issues like seam separation, drainage failure, or turf degradation¹¹.

Timeline: From Dirt to Green

How long should you expect the project to take?

• Site Preparation: 1-3 days, depending on the size and condition of the area.
• Sod Installation: The actual laying of sod is very fast, often completed in a single day after prep is done.
• Artificial Turf: A full synthetic lawn installation usually takes 2-5 days from start to finish, accounting for base work, turf laying, seaming, and infill^{3 12 7}.

Finding the Right Installer in Kirkland

Your project's success hinges on choosing a qualified professional. Look for established local contractors with specific experience in your chosen type of lawn installation. Review their portfolios of completed projects, read customer reviews, and ensure they are properly licensed and insured. Asking for detailed, written estimates that break down all costs for preparation, materials, and labor is essential for comparing proposals¹³.

Frequently asked questions

Sources