Q: How many square feet does a pallet cover?
It depends on the type of sod, but it will be either 450 or 500 square feet.
Q: How big is a piece of sod? Do you sell sod by the piece?
A piece of sod is 16 by 24 inches. Any order of less than 250 square feet is sold by the piece at $3.00 per piece.
Q: Do you deliver?
We do deliver any amount (one pallet minimum) in Bay County. We also deliver outside of Bay County, depending on quantity and schedule. Please contact us directly for details.
Q: Is there a delivery fee?
Yes, there is a delivery fee. It varies based on location and quantity.
Q: Do you sell to homeowners?
We absolutely do! You do not have to be landscaper or commercial business to buy directly from us.
Q: What is the best grass for this area (Florida Panhandle)?
All of the grasses we carry will grow well in this area, depending on the specifics of your yard. Please look through the sod varieties to see what works best for your situation.
Q. What are the benefits of laying sod?
Sod provides one of the best surfaces for your yard, offering a clean, soft, and safe area for children, pets, and sports activities. Sodding is the fastest and most effective way to establish a lawn, as the grass is already mature and durable. Unlike seeding, which is vulnerable to erosion, weather, and pests, sod establishes roots quickly—typically within two weeks—and is ready for use in a few weeks. It can be installed anytime the ground isn’t frozen and immediately helps control erosion, stabilize slopes, and reduce water runoff.
In summer, sod can be up to 30 degrees cooler than asphalt and 15 degrees cooler than bare soil, providing a more comfortable outdoor space and lowering cooling costs. A well-maintained sod lawn also acts as a natural filter, removing dust and particles, reducing noise, and absorbing carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen.
Additionally, a well-landscaped lawn can increase your home’s resale value by up to 10%, making sod a smart investment for both aesthetic and practical reasons.
Q: What is the best time of year to lay sod?
That depends on what you are trying to accomplish in your yard. It is safe for the grass to be laid any time of the year, however, it will be dormant and brown in the winter months, so if you are looking for a green yard immediately, you may want to wait for the spring and summer months.
Q: Do you sell trees, rock, pine straw, fill dirt, etc.?
Other than sod, the only other thing we sell is top soil.
Q: How much does a pallet of sod weigh?
Depending on the type, around 2,500-3000 pounds. The wetter it is, the heavier it will be.
Q: Does McCall’s install sod?
Yes, we do. Avoid the risk of damaging your new sod with improper installation trust the experts at McCall Sod Farm to handle the job with precision and care. With years of experience, we are passionate about making sure your lawn is done right. Our professional installation protects your investment, ensures gorgeous results that enhance curb appeal and increase your home’s value, and provides a faster, more efficient alternative to DIY.
Q. How do you measure your yard for sod?
Measuring the amount of Sod you will need is really quite easy using the guidelines that we have provided below. These methods will give you the total amount needed in square feet. All of our sod is sold by the square foot (sq.ft.) so this will allow you to order just the right amount.
Step One:
On a piece of paper, draw a rough sketch of the areas to be sodded. Measure the areas and simply write down your measurements on the drawing. You can then break up the areas into the shapes below and figure out the square footage of each area. Then simply add up the measurements from the different shapes, and you will have the grand total of Sod that you will need.
*Note: Please remember that we can’t take back sod once it has left our farm or been delivered to you. In the event that you do run out, we always have more Sod. This guide will help you measure and order accurately. Please check your numbers twice. We cannot take responsibility for footage figures unless we measure it ourselves. If you need help determining measurements on an unusually shaped or especially large project, let us know.
Square or Rectangle
This is the easiest shape to measure. Simply measure the Length & Width in square feet and multiply, as in the example below.
Length (24) x Width (12)
12 x 24 = 288 sq.ft. = 288 square feet is the Total Area to be Sodded
Right Triangle Shape
A Right Triangle shape has one 90º corner. To determine the amount of Sod needed, multiply the two sides that contact the right angle and then divide by 2, as in the example below.
Length (24) x Width (12)
12 x 24 = 288 sq.ft. divided by 2 = 144 sq.ft. is the Total Area to be Sodded
Circle Shape
To measure the area of a circle, first measure the radius of the circle (the radius is the distance from the center of the circle to the outside edge). Then multiply the radius times the radius, and then multiply that number by 3.14, as in the example below.
(Radius x Radius) x 3.14 = Area
6 x 6 = 36 x 3.14 = 113 sq.ft. is the Total Area to be Sodded
Irregular or Unusual Area Shapes
The measurement for irregular areas is simple to determine using a combination of the methods already described. Firstly, break the total space into smaller shapes, as illustrated below. Then determine the square footage of each of the smaller shapes. In the example below, the circle is cut in half, there’s a rectangle, and a triangle. Finally, add up all of the smaller areas for a grand total in sq.ft. (The sq.ft. for the circle is divided in 2 in the example below).
288 + 144 + 56.5 = 488.5 sq.ft. is the Total Area to be Sodded
Q. How long can sod sit on a pallet before I install it?
For optimal results, we recommend installing and watering your sod immediately upon delivery. While the sod remains viable, any delay in installation may negatively impact its appearance. During its active growing season, the sod may begin to yellow if left on a pallet for more than 24 hours. Should this occur, a deep watering will help restore its health and vitality.
Q: What should I do to prep the ground before laying sod?
Here are the key steps:
- Clear the area by removing any existing grass, weeds, rocks, and debris using a shovel, sod cutter, or herbicide (apply at least 2 weeks before sodding). Rake up loose debris and ensure the surface is clean.
- Conduct a soil test to check pH and nutrient levels (ideal pH: 6.0–7.0). If needed, add lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it. Incorporate organic matter or compost to improve soil structure.
- Till and level the soil: Loosen the soil to about 4–6 inches using a rototiller to improve root penetration and drainage.
- Remove large clumps and break up compacted areas.
- Add top soil and fertilizer: Spread 2–3 inches of quality topsoil if needed. Apply a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus to encourage root growth.
- Grade and level: Use a rake to create a smooth, even surface. Ensure the soil slopes slightly away from structures for drainage. Lightly compact the soil with a roller filled halfway with water.
- Water and settle: Water the soil 24–48 hours before laying sod to settle dust and ensure moisture.
Q. How do I lay the sod?
Once the ground is prepped, you’re ready to lay the sod in staggered rows and press it firmly into place.
Q: How should I care for the sod after it is laid?
Caring for new sod properly is essential to ensure it establishes strong roots and grows into a healthy lawn. Follow these key steps:
- Watering: Is the single most important thing to do. For the first two weeks, water immediately after installation and keep the sod moist but not soggy at all times. This can be done by watering 2 to 4 times a day for about 10 to 15 minutes each session to prevent drying out. Make sure the soil underneath stays damp to a depth of 4–6 inches. Weeks 3–4: Reduce frequency to once per day, then transition to deeper watering every 2–3 days. After 1 month: Water deeply 1–2 times per week to encourage deep roots.
- First Mowing should occur sometime between 3 to 4 weeks after the sod is laid. However, before mowing, ensuring the sod is firmly rooted (test by tugging on it). Set mower height to 3–4 inches and avoid cutting more than ⅓ of the grass height at once. Use a sharp blade to prevent tearing the sod.
- After 60 days or when roots are established, apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) to promote growth. Continue fertilizing every 6–8 weeks as needed.
- Traffic Control: Avoid walking on new sod for at least 2–3 weeks to prevent displacement. Keep pets and heavy objects off the lawn until it has fully rooted.
- Weed & Pest Monitoring: Avoid using herbicides for at least 60 days. Watch for weeds and remove them manually if they appear. Keep an eye out for pests or fungus (brown patches) and treat accordingly.
Q. Why is my sod turning brown?
- Dormancy (Most Common Reason): Many grass types, especially warm-season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine, and Centipede, go dormant in colder temperatures. Dormancy is a natural survival mechanism where the grass turns brown to conserve energy and water. Once temperatures warm up in spring, the grass will green up again.
- Frost & Cold Damage: Cold temperatures can stress the grass, causing browning, especially if there are sudden temperature drops. Frost can dehydrate grass blades, making them brittle and brown.
- Lack of Water: While grass needs less water in winter, prolonged dry conditions can still cause dehydration, leading to browning. Occasional watering during dry winter spells can help prevent excessive stress.
- Disease: A fungal disease that causes patches of brown or gray grass. To prevent this, avoid heavy thatch buildup and keep the lawn properly aerated in the fall.
- Poor Root Establishment (for Newly Laid Sod): If the sod was installed late in the season, it may not have had enough time to develop strong roots before winter. Newly laid sod may brown unevenly, but it should recover in spring if properly cared for.
Q: How far in advance do I need to call for a delivery?
During the busy season, you will need to call 3-5 days in advance for delivery, but we may be able to deliver sooner depending on our schedule. Also, if we have a truck heading in your direction we could get it to you sooner. There are times in the slower seasons we can get in a delivery in a shorter time frame.
Q: Where do you deliver?
Our trucks deliver from Pensacola to Tallahassee. There is a minimum number of pallets outside Bay County, but we can usually accommodate smaller amounts by grouping deliveries in your area.
Q: Can you guarantee me a delivery time?
We cannot guarantee any specific time and often deliver into the evening. We will take requests and try to accommodate them. However, there are many factors that go into scheduling. If you know you need your sod first thing in the morning or you have taken off work to lay your sod, please request an afternoon delivery the day before.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
We take cash, personal checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
