Professional Sod Installation
Sod gives you an established, usable lawn in days rather than the weeks or months required for seed to germinate and fill in. Whether you are restoring a lawn after construction, replacing a dead or damaged area, or starting fresh on a new property, professional sod installation delivers the dense, uniform turf that Minnesota homeowners expect.
The difference between sod that takes root and thrives versus sod that browns and dies within weeks comes down to preparation. We start by evaluating your existing soil conditions and addressing any grading or drainage issues. The old surface is removed or tilled, the subgrade is graded to proper slope for drainage, we apply starter fertilizer, and then we lay the sod with tight seams and proper edge work. We finish with a thorough initial watering and provide you with a detailed care schedule for the first 30 days.
We source our sod from Minnesota growers who cultivate varieties bred for our Zone 4 climate. Kentucky bluegrass blends are the standard for the Lake Minnetonka area -- they handle our summer heat, cold winters, and moderate foot traffic while maintaining a deep green color through the growing season. For heavy-use areas or shaded locations, we recommend specific blends that perform better under those conditions.
Sod installation is best done in spring (April through June) or early fall (September through mid-October) when soil temperatures support rapid root establishment. We can install sod during summer with proper watering protocols, but spring and fall provide the fastest establishment with the least homeowner effort.
Artificial Turf Installation
Artificial turf eliminates mowing, watering, fertilizing, and seasonal dead periods while providing a consistently green, usable surface year-round. Modern synthetic turf looks and feels remarkably close to natural grass, with advanced blade technology that replicates the color variation, texture, and softness of real Kentucky bluegrass.
Artificial turf is an excellent solution for areas where natural grass struggles -- heavy shade under mature trees, high-traffic zones near play equipment, side yards with limited sun, and decorative areas where you want green space without maintenance. It is also popular with homeowners who travel frequently or prefer to spend weekends using their yard rather than maintaining it.
Our installation process starts with excavation and subgrade preparation, followed by a compacted crushed stone base, drainage layer, and professionally stretched turf secured with proper edging. The base preparation is critical in Minnesota because poorly installed artificial turf can develop drainage problems, wrinkles from freeze-thaw movement, and uneven surfaces. We build every installation to handle Minnesota's full range of weather conditions.
Custom Putting Greens
A custom putting green brings the practice facility to your backyard. Our Excelsior lakeside renovation project included a professional-grade artificial turf putting green as part of a comprehensive outdoor living transformation, and it quickly became one of the most-used features of the entire property.
We build putting greens with undulation (subtle contours) that replicate the challenge of a real green. The turf surface is selected for realistic ball speed and roll characteristics. Subsurface contouring creates breaks, slopes, and pin positions that keep the practice interesting over time. Each green is custom-shaped to fit your available space and can integrate with surrounding landscape features like retaining walls, plantings, and lighting.
Putting green sizes typically range from 200 to 800 square feet, though we have built larger installations for properties with more space. The construction process takes 3 to 5 days from excavation to final infill, and the green is ready for play immediately after installation. Unlike natural turf greens that require years of specialized maintenance to reach playable condition, synthetic putting greens deliver game-ready performance from day one.
We also integrate landscape lighting around putting greens so you can practice well into the evening -- a feature that extends the value of the installation throughout Minnesota's long summer days and beyond.
Sod vs. Artificial Turf
Both options have their place. The right choice depends on how you use the space, your maintenance preferences, and your budget timeline.
Best for: Full lawn areas, active yards, and traditional landscapes
Natural feel, cooler surface temperature in summer, supports Minnesota ecosystem. Requires mowing, watering, fertilizing, and seasonal care. Lower upfront cost but ongoing maintenance investment. Ideal for families with children and pets who want a natural playing surface.
Best for: Putting greens, pet areas, shade zones, and low-maintenance spaces
Zero maintenance, consistent appearance year-round, no watering or mowing. Higher upfront cost but eliminates ongoing care expenses. Pays for itself in 5-7 years compared to professional lawn maintenance. Ideal for specific-use areas rather than entire yard replacement.
Sod & Artificial Turf FAQ
Sod installation costs in the Minnetonka area typically range from $2 to $4 per square foot installed, depending on soil preparation requirements, grading work needed, and total area. A typical residential project covering 2,000 to 5,000 square feet (including soil prep, grading, sod, and initial watering) runs $5,000 to $15,000. Projects that require significant grading or soil amendment cost more. We provide detailed quotes after evaluating your specific site conditions.
New sod begins rooting into the soil within 7 to 14 days with proper watering. You can typically walk on it carefully after 2 weeks and use it normally after 3 to 4 weeks. Full root establishment takes 4 to 6 weeks in spring and fall. During this period, consistent watering is critical -- we provide a detailed watering schedule tailored to the time of year and your soil type. Summer installations may take slightly longer to establish due to heat stress.
Yes. Quality artificial turf is designed to handle extreme temperature ranges. The turf fibers are UV-stabilized and freeze-rated, and the backing material allows water to drain freely so ice does not damage the surface. The key is proper base preparation -- our crushed stone base and drainage layer prevent frost heaving that would buckle or wrinkle poorly installed turf. Snow can be removed with a plastic shovel or leaf blower. The turf returns to its original appearance as soon as snow melts.
Custom putting green installations typically range from $8,000 to $25,000 depending on size, complexity of contouring, and integration with surrounding landscape features. A basic 300-square-foot green with gentle contours runs on the lower end, while larger greens with multiple pin positions, fringe areas, and integrated lighting cost more. The putting green in our Excelsior lakeside renovation was part of a comprehensive project that included retaining walls, lighting, and finish landscaping.
Yes. Modern artificial turf is non-toxic and pet-friendly. It drains quickly so urine does not pool, and solid waste is easy to remove. We install turf with antimicrobial infill that reduces odor and bacteria. Many pet owners choose artificial turf specifically because it eliminates muddy paws, yellow spots from urine, and worn patches from heavy traffic patterns. The surface is also free of pesticides and fertilizers, making it safer for pets than chemically maintained natural lawns.
Green Space, Your Way
Schedule your free consultation. Whether you need a fresh sod lawn or a custom putting green, we will evaluate your property and provide a detailed plan with transparent pricing.