Sod
& Grading

Trusted & Grading Solutions in Calgary

Sod & Grading Calgary

Sod & Grading

Clover Landscaping is Calgary’s best choice for sod installation and grading. Before any sod is laid we will make sure your property is precisely graded and levelled using laser levels, altimeters, and our years of expertise. Whether it’s grading and base preparation only, or finishing with sod, we make sure your property is graded and prepped right for a yard that will be properly installed for years to come.

Grading Experts

At Clover Landscaping, we start by surveying your property using advanced measurement and grading tools. This allows us to determine whether your property needs to be levelled, raised, packed with hard builder’s clay, or smoothed out for optimal functionality.
Using a combination of skid steers, excavators, and good old hand labor, we ensure your grading is done correctly. Proper water runoff is essential, which is why we create a consistent drop—or “pitch”—of 1.5 inches every 10 feet, preventing water from pooling near your home while keeping the landscape natural and livable.

Preventing Future Issues with Expert Grading
To prevent sinking or shifting, we reinforce key areas with compacted builder’s clay. Throughout the process, we continuously check slopes and levels using laser levels, altimeters, and expert precision—eliminating guesswork and ensuring long-term stability.

Grading for New Builds
For new homes, we recommend waiting at least one year from construction before final grading. This allows the soil around the foundation to naturally settle through freeze-thaw cycles, reducing the risk of future sinking or uneven ground.

Yard with a decorative rock, Calgary & Red Deer.

Sod & Grading

After grading, the next crucial step is preparing the perfect growing foundation for your new lawn. At Clover Landscaping, we create an optimal substrate that promotes strong root development without air pockets. Unlike overly compacted soil, our carefully prepared loam remains loose and fluffy, allowing sod roots to penetrate deeply and evenly.
The strength of your lawn starts with its roots. Deep, well-established roots enhance grass health, vibrancy, water absorption, and drought tolerance—resulting in a denser, more resilient lawn. A thick root system also helps crowd out weeds, retain moisture, and improve air circulation in the soil.

We use high-quality screened loam, raking and levelling it meticulously to eliminate lumps and bumps while keeping the soil receptive to root growth. Instead of rushing to install sod with heavy rolling, we hand-prep your soil to ensure a perfect base and seamless bond between the loam and sod.

At Clover Landscaping, we use only the highest quality sod, featuring a blend of Kentucky bluegrass and creeping red fescue. This combination ensures a rich blue-green color while offering excellent drought resistance, perfect for Calgary’s hot, dry summers.

We source our sod from top-tier commercial farms, where it is cultivated for maximum density and health. Unlike standard consumer sod, which is often cut too thin, our sod rolls come with a thick, nutrient-rich rootball, ensuring faster establishment, stronger growth, and long-term lawn vitality.

 

Once your lawn has been properly graded and prepped, the real transformation begins! At Clover Landscaping, we professionally install sod with precision and care, ensuring your new lawn is lush, vibrant, and seamlessly integrated into your landscape.

Our Expert Sod Installation Process
✔ Precision Placement – We carefully butt up each sod roll, flatten edges, and gently pull each strip to ensure a tight, even fit.
✔ Perfect Soil Contact – By eliminating air pockets and maintaining proper soil-to-sod adhesion, we promote strong root growth for a healthier lawn.
✔ Continuous Grading & Leveling – As we lay each strip, we rake and level to maintain the integrity of your grading and prevent uneven spots.
✔ Guaranteed Healthy Sod – We use only top-quality sod and guarantee its health, so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your lawn will thrive.

At Clover Landscaping, we do not roll sod after installation—and for good reason. While some believe sod rolling helps compact the soil, the reality is that healthy sod installation starts with proper preparation, not post-installation rolling.

The Truth About Sod Rolling

Compacts Soil Too Much – Overcompacted soil prevents deep root growth, leading to a weaker lawn.
Compensation for Poor Installation – Many installers in Calgary use sod rolling to mask rushed work, rather than ensuring proper adhesion from the start.
Unnecessary When Installed Correctly – If sod is laid flat, tightly butted, and free of air pockets, it naturally adheres to the soil without the need for rolling.

Our Approach: Proper Installation, No Shortcuts

Perfect Soil Contact – We ensure each sod strip is laid level, with firm soil-to-rootball contact.
No Air Pockets – Raking and leveling throughout the process prevents gaps beneath the sod.
Root-Friendly Conditions – By avoiding over-compaction, we create the ideal environment for deep root growth and long-term lawn health.

While sod rolling can be done carefully, it is unnecessary when sod is installed properly. At Clover Landscaping, we focus on expert preparation and precision installation, ensuring your lawn thrives from day one—no shortcuts, no stress!

Once your sod is installed, the next few days are crucial for root development and long-term lawn success. Proper watering, minimal disturbance, and patience will help your new sod establish deep roots and thrive.

Watering Schedule for New Sod
💧 Days 1–10: Water twice daily (morning & evening) to keep sod thoroughly soaked while preventing evaporation and sunburn.
💧 Days 11–20: Gradually reduce watering to every 2–3 days—increase if temperatures are high.
💧 Goal: Keep the sod moist to encourage deep root penetration into the soil.

Protecting Your New Lawn
🚫 Avoid Walking on Sod: Keep off the lawn for 10–15 days (ideally three weeks) to prevent uneven growth and soil disruption.
🚫 Hold Off on Fertilizing: No fertilizer for the first month—your sod is already nutrient-rich from the farm. After that, a fertilization program can be introduced for ongoing health.

Need help with long-term lawn care and fertilization? Contact Clover Landscaping to keep your lawn lush and vibrant all season long! 🌱 Weed Control

Certain seasons offer optimal growing conditions for sod. Cooler temperatures actually benefit new sod, helping it establish strong roots with less stress.

Spring & Early Summer: Perfect for sod growth due to mild temperatures and consistent moisture.

Fall: Excellent for root development as temperatures cool and rainfall increases.

Summer: Sod can thrive, but requires increased watering, especially during hot, dry spells. If installing in peak summer, plan around extreme heat to prevent drying out.

With proper watering and care, sod can be successfully installed in any season—just adjust for weather conditions to ensure strong root establishment.

Contact Us Today!


At Clover Landscaping, we believe that healthy sod can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and functional environment. With a wide variety of options and professional installation services available in Calgary, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to discover how we can elevate your landscape!

Crew discussing plans in the backyard, Calgary & Red Deer.

Sod & Grading in Calgary

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Ready to transform your outdoor space? Contact Clover Landscaping Ltd. for expert landscape construction services in Calgary. Let us help you bring your vision to life with quality craftsmanship and personalized service.