Sod is a fast and effective way to create a beautiful green lawn without the wait. Whether you’re patching a section or transforming your entire yard, Mahoney’s offers everything you need—from expert advice to sod pick-up or direct delivery.
Step 1: Measure Your Space
To figure out how much sod you need, multiply the length by the width of your lawn to calculate square footage. For curved or irregular spaces, add 5% extra to ensure full coverage.
- 1 roll = 10 sq ft (5 ft x 2 ft)
- 1 pallet = 50 rolls = 500 sq ft
- Direct ship minimum = 2 pallets (1,000 sq ft)
Step 2: Choose Pickup or Delivery
Now that you know your square footage, it’s time to decide how to move forward. Mahoney’s offers two easy ways to get your sod: you can pick up small quantities at select stores or have larger quantities delivered directly to your home.
? Pickup for Small Projects
For projects under 1,000 sq ft (100 rolls), we carry limited sod inventory at two locations:
- Winchester: 781-678-4143
- Falmouth: 508-548-4842
Please call ahead to reserve sod for pickup (payment required). This is a great option if you’re just touching up small sections or repairing bare patches.
? Delivery for Large Projects
For larger installations of 1,000 sq ft (2 pallets) or more, order online through our Direct Ship Sod page. Your sod will be shipped directly to your property from Sodco, based in Slocum, Rhode Island.
Before scheduling delivery, make sure your site is fully prepped—sod must be installed the same day it arrives for best results. Deliveries require 72 hours lead time, and any changes must be made 36 hours in advance.
Note: Delivery is not available to Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, or Peabody, MA.
What Kind of Sod Does Mahoney’s Carry?
For in-store pickup we offer Black Beauty Sod from Sodco in Rhode Island—a premium, cool-season mix known for deep green color, drought tolerance, and strong roots.
- 70% Tall Fescue
- 20% Kentucky Bluegrass
- 10% Perennial Ryegrass
- $9.99 per 10 sq ft roll
If you’re ordering 2 or more pallets (1,000+ sq ft), you can also choose specialty sod varieties via our website:
These are direct ship only that will be delivered to your house and easy to order online.
Step 3: Prep for Success
Now that you’ve determined the area where you’ll be installing sod, it’s time to prepare your site. Sod is perishable and should be laid out (or at least unrolled in the shade) within 24 hours of delivery.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help your sod take root and thrive:
✅ Site Preparation Checklist
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Clear the area of rocks, debris, weeds, and old grass.
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Rough grade to fill low spots and slope away from foundations to prevent drainage issues.
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Till existing soil at least 2 inches deep.
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Add topsoil (if needed) to bring the total soil depth to 4–6 inches.
Pro tip: Mix new soil with the existing soil to encourage deeper root growth. Buy bags here, or get bulk delivered!
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Test your soil early. It can take 2–4 weeks to get results back, and changes (like adjusting pH) are best done before the sod is laid. We recommend UMass Soil Testing Lab.
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Apply starter fertilizer with a higher middle number (phosphorus) like 5-10-5 or 10-20-10 to encourage root growth.
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Water the soil lightly before sod installation to give roots something to grab onto.
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Roll or tamp the surface to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Step 4: Installing Your Sod
- Start along a straight edge like a walkway or driveway.
- Lay sod like bricks, butting the edges tightly with no overlaps or gaps.
- Stagger the seams from row to row.
- Use a sharp knife to cut sod around curves, trees, or garden beds.
- As you lay sod, begin watering within 20 minutes.
- Once installed, soak the entire lawn with 1″ of water and roll it again to eliminate air pockets.
Step 5: Watering Your Sod
? Day 1:
- Water for 45–60 minutes after installation.
? Days 2–14:
- Water 2 times per day for 15–20 minutes each time.
? Days 14–21:
- Water once daily for 15–20 minutes.
? Day 22+:
- Water every 3–4 days depending on heat and rainfall.
To test watering, place a shallow can 6″ away from the sprinkler. Once there’s an inch of water in the can, move to the next section.
Once Your Sod Is Established:
- Observe, Don’t Schedule: Water based on the actual needs of the soil and turf rather than following a fixed timetable.
- Avoid Overwatering: Frequent, shallow watering encourages shallow roots and increases susceptibility to disease and stress.
- Deep, Infrequent Watering: Water sufficiently to penetrate 4-6 inches into the soil, promoting deep root growth and drought resilience.
- Method: Use multiple empty tuna cans or similar containers placed around the lawn to measure how much water is applied during each session.
- Timing: Water early in the morning before dew evaporates to reduce disease risk and maximize soil moisture absorption.
Additional Tips:
- Soil Texture Consideration: Sandy soils drain faster, requiring more frequent or longer watering, while clay soils retain water longer and need less frequent watering.
- Adjust Based on Weather: Reduce watering during rainy periods and increase during hot, dry spells.
- Check for Moisture: Use a soil probe or screwdriver to verify that the soil has been adequately moist at the 4–6 inch depth.
- Grass Type: Different grass species have varying water needs; adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Implementing these practices will promote a healthier, more resilient lawn while conserving water and reducing disease risk.
Step 6: Mowing, Use, and Maintenance
- Mow for the first time 6–7 days after installation, once grass reaches 3–3½”.
- Cut to a height of 2–2½”, and never remove more than ⅓ of the blade height.
- Use a push mower, not a tractor mower, to avoid shifting new sod.
- Avoid foot traffic, heavy use, or pet play for 2–4 weeks.
- Wait at least two weeks before applying additional fertilizer.
- No weed killers! Hand-pull any early weeds you see, root and all.
Final Reminders
- Sod is perishable and cannot be returned—lay or unroll within 24 hours of pickup or delivery.
- Pallet deposit: A $20 deposit per pallet will be added to your direct ship order. Return the pallet to any Mahoney’s for a refund.
- Changes to delivery: Call us at least 36 hours ahead to make adjustments.
Let’s Get Growing!
Whether you’re tackling a weekend patch job or transforming your whole yard, Mahoney’s makes it easy to get the sod you need.
✅ For pickup, call Winchester or Falmouth to reserve.
✅ For larger projects, head to our Direct Ship Sod page to order online.
A beautiful lawn is just a few rolls away!