Shortage
As discussed on our Grass Care page, square footage measurements are estimates, and it is not unusual for errors in these calculations to occur. Mismeasuruments and miscalculations are more common when measuring multiple spaces, oddly shaped areas, uneven ground, around objects (patios, trees, flower beds, etc.), and when using measuring wheels. Please thoroughly read measuring article on our Grass Care page, including the linked resource, for instructions and tips on measuring as accurately as possible before ordering more grass.
Our harvesters are mechanically set to harvest just over 450 sq ft per pallet. Additionally, we load 18 pallets per semi-truck. These pallets will be a mixture of varieties and are usually harvested from different farms with different tractors. If there is a pallet or two with less than 450 sq ft, they will be noticeably shorter than the other pallets on the semi tractor-trailer.
There may be less than 450 sq ft per pallet on rare occasions that will go unnoticed by the delivery driver. Generally, this will be on full truckload orders of the same variety. Other times, some of the wooden pallets might be larger/taller, or the sod cuts may be thicker/thinner, making the difference in height less noticeable.
Please count the number of blocks delivered as you install the sod and make a note of the quantity. Each block is 16 inches by 24 inches, which will cover 2.67 sq ft. So, each pallet should contain at least 169 blocks (451.23 sq ft). Further, we typically add around 5-7 extra blocks to each pallet’s top layer to account for scraps.
If you have less than 169 blocks per pallet, please take some wide-angle pictures that clearly reflect the total number of blocks installed (this can be reflected in multiple photos). Please upload the images and submit your concern if you have not already done so. Once your concern has been submitted, we will investigate on the farm end and check for other submissions of this nature. Once we have thoroughly looked into the issue, someone from our Concerns Resolution department will reach out to you within 24-48 hours.
Pro Tip: Often, healthy, usable sod is scrapped during installation. Misshapen pieces, blocks that are missing soil, are ripped, etc., are still good pieces to use. It is best to set aside any smaller and misshapen pieces, saving these for your gap fill-ins and for areas that are oddly shaped in your yard. Doing this will reduce sod shortages and save you a lot of time in the long run because you will not have to chop up blocks to fit into these types of areas.
Common Causes:
- Mismeasurements/Miscalculations
- Mechanical Malfunction
- Over-Scrapping
Resolution:
- Double-Check Measurements
- Round-Up Measurements
- Use All of the Sod
