Gene Caballero, Co-founder of Greenpal | GreenPal
Determining the right amount of sod for your lawn can be a challenging task. A variety of online tools and traditional methods are available to help you make an accurate estimate.
There are three main types of online calculators: aerial view sod calculators, digital tape measures, and multi-area calculators. Each offers distinct advantages and limitations in terms of accuracy and convenience.
Aerial view sod calculators use satellite images from sources like Google Maps to provide quick estimates without leaving home. Notable examples include the Sod Solutions Aerial Calculator for computers and the Area Calculator by Lawn Crack for phones. These tools are praised for their speed but may not always provide precise measurements.
Digital tape measures, such as ARuler for Android and iPhone, offer another option. While they are easy to use and require no additional tools, their accuracy can vary significantly over longer distances.
Multi-area calculators help compile total square yardage after manual measurements have been taken. Recommended options include Saratoga Sod’s Calculator, Inch Calculator, and Bluegrass Sod Calculator. Although these apps simplify calculations, they still necessitate manual measurement of your lawn.
For those preferring traditional methods, measuring sod manually remains a straightforward process. Calculating square footage involves basic math equations based on the shape of your lawn—whether square/rectangular, circular, or triangular—and converting square feet into square yards by dividing by nine.
Preparing your lawn for sod installation involves several steps: preparing the soil, grading the lawn, fertilizing it, measuring and installing the sod, and watering it properly.
In conclusion, while online tools offer convenient ways to estimate how much sod you need, they may not match the precision of manual measurement. It is advisable to double-check your results using both methods to ensure accuracy when ordering sod for your lawn.
"Online measuring tools are a great resource for many things in life," but "they are not likely going to be as accurate as measuring your lawn manually." Therefore, it's beneficial to "consider measuring your lawn the old fashion way" while utilizing one of the mentioned online tools as a reference point.
For further guidance on lawn care topics beyond just estimating sod needs, consider visiting specialized blogs that cater to homeowners seeking detailed advice on maintaining their lawns effectively.