What's the difference between turf, sod, and grass?

Grass is the plant. Turf is established grass plus its root layer and the top inch or two of soil holding it together. Sod is turf that has been mechanically cut from a farm into transportable rolls or slabs. When landscapers say "turf installation" they mean laying fresh-cut sod. When they say "synthetic turf" they mean an artificial plastic product. We supply and install natural sod only.

Do you install synthetic turf or artificial grass?

No. We supply and install fresh-cut natural sod only — Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, and RTF varieties from Northeast sod farms. Synthetic turf is a different product and trade. If you specifically want artificial grass, contact a synthetic turf specialist.

How much does turf installation cost?

Natural turf (sod) installation in the Northeast typically runs $2.00–$5.00 per square foot all-in (material plus labor), with most residential jobs landing between $2.50 and $3.50 per square foot. Material alone is $0.66–$1.40/sq ft delivered. Install labor adds $1.50–$3.50/sq ft for prep and laying. See our full installation cost breakdown for details.

What's involved in professional turf installation?

Six steps: (1) strip the existing lawn with a sod cutter; (2) till or rake the soil to 4–6 inches; (3) amend with topsoil or compost as needed and grade smooth; (4) lay fresh-cut sod with tight staggered seams; (5) trim edges and roll for soil contact; (6) initial deep watering. The full job for a typical 2,000 sq ft residential lawn is one day for a 2–3 person crew with proper equipment.

Turf Installation

Turf Installation: The Same Job as Sod Installation

Q: Is turf installation the same as sod installation?

In residential and commercial landscaping, yes — turf and sod are the same product. "Turf" refers to the established grass-and-soil layer; "sod" refers to that layer when it has been cut into rolls or slabs for installation. "Turf installation" and "sod installation" describe the same job: rolling fresh-cut grass onto prepared soil. The terms are interchangeable. The exception is "synthetic turf" or "artificial turf," which is a plastic carpet product — that is a completely different installation we do not provide.

In residential and commercial landscaping, turf and sod are the same product — "turf" describes the established grass-and-soil layer; "sod" describes that layer cut into rolls for transport and install. "Turf installation" and "sod installation" describe the same job: rolling fresh-cut grass onto prepared soil. The exception is synthetic turf (artificial grass), which is a different product we do not handle. The same natural product also covers athletic fields for schools, towns, and sports complexes — see a finished field-scale example in our Milford 7,000 sq ft tall fescue gallery.

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Natural Turf vs. Synthetic Turf

Factor	Natural Turf (Sod)	Synthetic Turf
What it is	Live grass + soil + roots, fresh-cut from a farm	Plastic fibers on a backing, infilled with rubber or sand
Material cost	$0.66–$1.40/sq ft delivered	$5–$20/sq ft material
Installed cost	$2–$5/sq ft total	$10–$25/sq ft total
Lifespan	Indefinite with normal lawn care	8–15 years before replacement
Heat behavior	Cools the area through transpiration	Can reach 150°F+ in direct summer sun
Maintenance	Mow, water, fertilize	Brush, rinse, occasional infill top-up
We supply & install?	Yes	No

What Professional Turf Installation Looks Like

Strip the existing lawn with a sod cutter (or kill and remove old turf).
Till or rake the soil to 4–6 inches deep.
Amend with topsoil or compost as needed and grade smooth.
Lay fresh-cut sod with tight staggered seams (brick-course pattern).
Trim edges and roll for soil contact.
Initial deep watering — 1 inch a day for the first week.

A typical 2,000 sq ft residential turf install is one full day for a 2–3 person crew with proper equipment.

Where We Install

Daily turf installation crews across Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Westchester County NY, Long Island, and northern New Jersey. Delivery-only service extends to New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.

Finished turf installation around a pool patio in Milford, CT — Fresh-cut turf installed tight to the pool patio on our Milford, CT job — edges trimmed to the hardscape, no plastic in sight.

From The Field

Our Recent Sod Installation Work

Final aerial descent over the completed Central Middle School entrance sod in Greenwich.

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Straight down over the finished lawn — tight checkerboard seams running from the gazebo to the privacy hedges.

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Drone overview of the finished backyard once the fresh sod was down — New Canaan, CT, June 16, 2026.

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From the pool deck up to the full reveal — all 17,000 square feet of fresh sod in one climbing shot.

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A walkthrough of the finished Kentucky Bluegrass lawn around the pool and patio in Milford, CT.

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The finished 3,000 square foot fresh-cut sod lawn at the Montauk, NY property.

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Multi-acre tall fescue lawn at a Water Mill, NY estate four years after CT Sod installation

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Finished walkthrough of the Cambridge backyard RTF sod install — clean seams along the foundation, tight cut against the river-rock drainage bed under the hot tub.

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The finished 9,000 sq ft tall fescue lawn at the Hartford, VT home — green from the patio out to the tree line at the end of the day.

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Natural turf, fresh-cut, professionally installed.

Call for a site-specific install quote.

Call (203) 806-4086

What Customers Say

Rated By Real Homeowners

★★★★★★4.6 out of 564 Google reviews

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Stephen Minar

Google Review

★★★★★

“We had a great experience with CT Sod. After our pool installation, our yard needed significant cleanup and restoration. Their team did an excellent job prepping the area with quality topsoil and installing the new sod. They were professional, friendly, and especially careful working around our brand-new pool and patio. Communication was easy throughout the process via text, and they took the time to recommend the right type of sod specifically for the conditions in our yard. The finished lawn exceeded our expectations and looks fantastic. They also provided great value—we were able to use the extra topsoil and sod to improve other areas of our property. Overall, very happy with the quality of the work and the entire experience with CT Sod.”

Steve Vitko

“I recently dealt with Sean and Kayla to set up a sod installation around a new pool - couldn’t be happier with the process, price, and results. Highly recommend CT Sod - you won’t be disappointed with this company. I snapped this while the guys were working. In 4 hours they almost had the whole 5,000 square feet of fresh Kentucky Bluegrass installed. Results speak for themselves.”

Brayden Mccourt

“CT Sod does all of our sod work, and they always do an awesome job. They're easy to work with, show up when they say they will, and everything always comes out looking great. We've used them on multiple jobs and have never been disappointed. Definitely recommend them if you need sod done right!”

Ruben Ramos Jr.

“I recently had my lawn done by CT SOD, and I couldn't be more impressed with the entire experience. From the initial prep work to the final installation, everything was completed in just one day, and the results exceeded my expectations. The lawn looks absolutely beautiful, and it's clear the team takes pride in the quality of their work. They were professional, efficient, and left everything clean when they finished. If you're looking for a company that delivers excellent results and great service, I highly recommend CT SOD. Thank you for an outstanding job!”

“We had a great experience with this sod company. They were professional, reliable, and did an excellent job from start to finish. Sean was very easy to work with! The lawn has rooted well and looks healthy and beautiful. We're very happy with the quality of their work and would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for new sod installation. Thank you for a job well done!”

Maju Carvalho

“I had an excellent experience with CT SO company from start to finish. They prepared the ground and installed new sod with great care and professionalism. The crew was punctual, hardworking, and paid attention to every detail. What impressed me the most was how comfortable they made me feel throughout the entire process. They took the time to explain each step, answered all of my questions, and made sure I knew what to expect. Their communication was outstanding, and I always felt confident that my yard was in good hands. The finished lawn looks beautiful, and the quality of their work exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend this company to anyone looking for reliable, honest, and skilled lawn professionals. I'm very happy!!! Thank you for transforming my yard!”

Jon Gyscek

“Best sod company around. We've used them on about 5 of our Hamptons properties and I wouldn't recommend anyone else. Sean and his employees are thorough, neat, and stick to their schedule. Top quality. High recommend.”

Luis L

“What a great experience from beginning to end! It was a pleasure doing business with CT Sod! One of the best businesses in Stamford. Sean was extremely helpful during every step of the process. So happy we went with them! Thank you CT Sod for the great quality product and for the smooth delivery. Highly recommend 👌 10/10 in our book!”

Dan Witkins

“Sean was great to work with. We set my sod install up in just a matter of days and his guys are fast and efficient and explain to me how to take care of My new sod. I would definitely recommend.”

Jai Persico

“Very easy to work with. Responsive to my urgent needs (upcoming wedding reception at home). Competitive price. When their contracted scalper overscalped, CT Sod came in and filled with additional sod at no charge - no fuss at all. Came out great!”

Matt L

“Working with CT Sod was a fantastic experience from start to finish. Sean was incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and made the whole process seamless. The pricing was extremely fair, and the quality of the sod exceeded expectations — it looked beautiful the moment it was laid down. Installation was fast, efficient, and done right. Highly recommend CT Sod to anyone looking for a smooth, professional experience and stunning results!”

Lance Pendleton

“Excellent experience from start to finish. I reached out and they were able to not only give me accurate support in terms of measurements but told me exactly how to prep everything so I was completely ready for the delivery and installation. Pricing was competitive and good, and communication was even better. Greatly appreciative to the entire team who did an outstanding job.”

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Turf Installation: The Same Job as Sod Installation

Natural Turf vs. Synthetic Turf

What Professional Turf Installation Looks Like

Where We Install

Related

Our Recent Sod Installation Work

Natural turf, fresh-cut, professionally installed.

Rated By Real Homeowners

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