Where to get sod in Calgary??

[8sPOT]

Couldn't find anything related in here so I figured I'd fire up a new thread.

Now obviously I've googled some of the companies in and around town but they all pitch themselves as the best sod company ever invented.

I'm curious to hear real life experiences with those of you that have purchased sod and had it delivered from local companies around Calgary.

I've had some issues with my local town hall and the property grade and have been unable to lay sod for 2 years now, that ends next week.

EDIT: My bad, I realize this should be in the buy/sell forum. Could a moderator please move it for me? Thanks.

[bcb]

Home Depot-Macleod trail across from Chinook
They have tons of it.
Didn't have it delivered though.

[Madman]

http://www.chinooksodfarms.com/

[MRCboicgy]

I have an inappropriate answer for this.

[Rathji]

Never ever get sod from a retail center like Home Depot, Canadian Tire, Rona, Green Gardens or any other smaller garden center. Larger places like Eagle Lake or Golden Acre *might* be ok, since they probably sell enough small amounts at a time to ensure the pallet is not too old. Call before hand and ask them how old the pallet is. If they can't (or won't) tell you then experience tells me it is a waste of a trip to even go see more often than not.

My sister in law got Chinook Sod this year and it was pretty brown since they were not allowed to water it for a long time. Not sure if that has changed yet or not but hers took a few weeks before it started to come in good.

When we did landscaping we used either Manderly Sod for deliveries to site, or if we wanted to pick it up (and we were up north) we use Blue Grass.

Manderly was the cheapest for us, even including delivery and the sod was never in real bad shape, although occasionally they had rolls with non standard dimensions.

Blue Grass once gave us sod that was decomposing so bad it was extremely hot to the touch. We laid it, as they assured us it would be fine, but it was dead within a couple days. They replaced it and gave us a credit to cover the labour to pull it out, so even if they do screw up they are willing to fix it.

[Madman]

Originally Posted by Rathji

My sister in law got Chinook Sod this year and it was pretty brown since they were not allowed to water it for a long time. Not sure if that has changed yet or not but hers took a few weeks before it started to come in good.

We ordered 5 palletes of Chinook sod 3 weeks ago and it was absolutely beautiful. Looking out my back yard tonight and it is in amazing condition and you can barely see any seams.

I've used them for a few years now as we like to torture ourselves and move frequently and have never been disappointed.

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by Madman

We ordered 5 palletes of Chinook sod 3 weeks ago and it was absolutely beautiful. Looking out my back yard tonight and it is in amazing condition and you can barely see any seams.

I've used them for a few years now as we like to torture ourselves and move frequently and have never been disappointed.

It has come in pretty good since, but after a week she had me over there to see if it was going to make it.

[Jayems]

Originally Posted by Rathji

My sister in law got Chinook Sod this year and it was pretty brown since they were not allowed to water it for a long time. Not sure if that has changed yet or not but hers took a few weeks before it started to come in good.

Why on earth wouldn't you water new sod? Water restrictions?

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by Jayems

Why on earth wouldn't you water new sod? Water restrictions?

The sod farm had apparently not been allowed to to water the sod when it was growing. This is what they told my sister-in-law when she was raising hell about her sod. Sounded like water restrictions to me when she mentioned it.

[sparky69]

go to Blue Grass its north of calgary on QE2 just before balzak

[Jedi Ninja]

Have had good results with Eagle Lake Turf Farms.


http://www.eaglelaketurf.com/index_main.cfm

[Jayems]

Originally Posted by Rathji

The sod farm had apparently not been allowed to to water the sod when it was growing. This is what they told my sister-in-law when she was raising hell about her sod. Sounded like water restrictions to me when she mentioned it.

Gotcha.

[8sPOT]

Thanks everyone, it's crazy how much one can learn from a hockey message board.

I'm leaning towards Manderley, Chinook Sod Farms, or Eagle Lake. I'll see who's the cheapest and who's personality I like the best over the phone .

[Madman]

You can come test drive some Chinook sod this week if you want over at my place - in particular, you can see how it mows.

<cheesy joke> And yes, I am inviting you over to "mow my lawn". </cheesy joke>

[Meelapo]

I bought some from Johnson Sod Sales this weekend and it came on a truck with "Manderley" written everywhere. The sod was very green and of good quality. There were a few pieces that weren't the best but I guess that is expected. It was 30 cents a square foot with a $40 delivery charge and they don't charge you for pallets. When you're done you just leave them outside and they come pick them up.

[lopht12]

I know this is an old thread, but I did a bit of digging and thought I'd share what I've learned re: 2012 prices.

These are based on about 6,000 sq/f of sod delivered to your door.

Blue Grass Nursery and Chinook Sod Farms were identical in price. Both Manderley and Eagle Lake Turf Farms were about $200 more.

So I guess it's a toss up of whoever grows better sod this year!

[Northendzone]

I have purchased from manderly, the grass is still growing after 6 years.