Ottawa’s Sod Installation Company
We’re one of Ottawa’s top-rated sod installation companies with 75+ 5-star reviews.
Booking for Fall 2026 & Spring 2027
At K. Joly Contracting, we bring over 15 years of proven expertise to every sod installation project, serving both residential and commercial clients across Ottawa. From full lawn replacements and new-build sod installation to repairs for worn or damaged turf, our team knows how to deliver a healthy, even lawn that looks great and establishes properly. Driven by a commitment to quality and backed by outstanding customer reviews, we focus on doing the details right so your new sod performs well long after installation day.
From the initial consultation to the final rollout, our skilled team works closely with you to plan a sod installation that fits your property and your goals. Whether you want a fresh lawn for a backyard renovation, need to replace patchy grass after construction work, or want to upgrade the grounds around a commercial property, we handle the preparation and installation with care so you get a clean, finished result on time and within budget.
Request a Free Estimate
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 75+ 5-star reviews
Proudly Serving Ottawa Since 2009
Or call (613) 789-5659 to speak with our team today.
What Our Customers Have to Say
Why Choose Sod Over Seeding
Seeding is typically less expensive but takes longer to establish, while sod costs more upfront and delivers an instant lawn. For many homeowners, sod is the better choice when you want fast results and a more predictable finish.
- Instant curb appeal: with a full, finished lawn right away
- Faster use: sodded lawns can typically handle light traffic sooner than seeded lawns
- Erosion control: great for slopes or areas prone to washouts
- Cleaner, less weedy start: sod establishes quickly and is relatively weed-free at the beginning
- More flexibility in timing: sod can be laid through much of the growing season (conditions permitting)
If keeping costs down or choosing a very specific grass mix is your top priority, seeding can still be a good option—but when you want a fast, finished lawn, sod is hard to beat.
Use Cases
We install sod for homes and businesses across Ottawa, with the scope tailored to how you plan to use the lawn and what condition the site is in.
- Full lawn replacement (front yards and backyards)
- New-build sod installation
- Lawn restoration after construction or renovation work
- Resodding / repairs for dead or damaged sections
- Sloped areas where you want a fast, finished lawn
- Commercial properties and shared green spaces
Prep and corrections (as needed):
- Removal and disposal of existing turf
- Grading and drainage corrections
- Topsoil and soil remediation
Best Time to Install Sod
In Ottawa, sod can be installed through much of the growing season once the ground has thawed and before it freezes, but you’ll typically get the best results during the cooler, more forgiving parts of the year.
- Best windows: early spring (April–May) and late summer / early fall (late August–September). These periods usually offer milder temperatures and more consistent moisture, which helps sod establish with less stress.
- Fall is often ideal. Fall conditions support strong root development before the next summer’s heat.
- Summer installs are possible, but heat and dry spells can increase stress and the amount of irrigation needed. Timing and conditions matter more.
Prep is Key
Sod looks great on day one, but the long-term result depends on what’s underneath it. That’s why we focus heavily on site prep before any sod goes down, including grading for drainage and building a clean, uniform growing base.
Here’s what our team handles before installation:
- We clear debris and address old turf, roots, stones, and weeds so sod isn’t laid over material that can cause bumps, bare spots, or uneven rooting.
- We shape the lawn area so water drains properly (including sloping away from structures where needed) and so the finished lawn sits cleanly against hard surfaces.
- Where the existing soil isn’t suitable, we bring in and spread quality growing medium evenly to create a consistent root zone for the new lawn.
- We cultivate/prepare the top layer, work in required fertilizer shortly before laying sod, and make sure the surface is smooth and ready for tight sod-to-soil contact.
Caring for New Sod
Watering
- Water immediately after installation — ideally within 30 minutes — so moisture reaches through the sod into the soil below.
- For the first two weeks, water at least once per day (more often during hot, dry, or windy weather), keeping the sod and the soil beneath it moist but not soaked.
- Best time to water is in the morning to reduce evaporation and avoid keeping grass wet overnight (which increases disease risk).
First Mow
- Mow only once the sod has started to root (so it doesn’t shift or lift). For sod, this is often within 2–3 weeks, depending on conditions.
- Set your mower to about 3″–3.5″ and use a sharp blade for a clean cut.
- Don’t scalp it — remove no more than 1/3 of the grass height in a single mow.
More Samples of Our Work
Click an image to view in full screen mode.
About Our Chief Designer
Marina is an experienced landscape designer with a strong passion for creating beautiful, well planned outdoor spaces. She studied at Humber College, worked for many years in the garden centre industry as a designer and has run her own small business, giving her a deep knowledge of both soft and hard landscaping trends.
For sod installation and lawn renovation projects, Marina helps ensure the lawn fits the property and functions properly long-term. That includes site analysis, drainage and grading considerations, and clean transitions between lawn areas, gardens, patios, walkways, and fencing. She uses Dynascape (AutoCAD-based landscape design software) to produce detailed 2D plans and, for larger backyard renovations, can provide 3D visuals so you can clearly picture the finished outdoor space before construction begins.
Why Choose K. Joly Contracting?
Custom made for you!
Whether you’re looking for a full lawn replacement or sod installation for a new build, we can help. Our Ottawa sod installation team will handle the prep work, grading, and installation, so your new lawn looks great and establishes properly.
