The Better Way to Sod Edge of Pavement
Many people think of sod in pallets, which we can certainly provide; however, we also harvest our bahia in big rolls (42″ or 48″), as well as skinny rolls (30″ or 32″) – not all sod contractors can offer those options.
When stabilizing your new asphalt, the final detail that often gets overlooked is the sod along the edge of pavement. It may seem like a small detail, but it plays a major role in erosion control, curb appeal, and long-term durability.
At Sunbelt Sod & Grading Co., we prefer isntalling skinny rolls of sod against edge of pavement rather than using traditional pallets of sod. While some contractors still use traditional pallet sod, skinny rolls provide a faster, cleaner, and more professional sollution.
More Productive Shifts For Everyone Involved
Traditional pallet sod typically comes in individual slabs that are 16″ x 24″. When contractors use pallet sod along shoulders, they have to stretch one pallet for a long distance, laying each slab piece by piece. This process takes time and increases the labor needed to complete the job.
Skinny rolls, however, are long continuous strips of sod specifically designed for shoulder treatment. Instead of laying hundreds of individual pieces, a crew can roll out long sections quickly and efficiently.
If you’re comparing the number of shifts on average to complete a 2 mile stretch of road, you’re looking at 3-4 shifts using pallets; however, our skinny rolls can cover 2+ miles per crew per shift.
When you’re working along miles of roadway, the time savings adds up quickly – between the number of MOT shifts needed to complete an area and the number of contract days you’re quickly burning through.
A Cleaner, More Professional Appearance
One of the biggest visual differences between pallet sod and rolled sod is how the finished area looks immediately after install. Pallets have more visible seams, which gives a less than ideal final look until the sod is established. Contrarily, rolls create smooth continuous lines that give a much cleaner final look.
When seeking final acceptance, the cleaner look immediately upon install makes a noticiable difference with many inspectors.
Better Soil Contact = Better Establishment
Another benefit of using skinny rolls for shoulder treatment along the edge of pavement is improved sod-to-soil contact.
Because the sod is laid in long strips, there are fewer seams and joints, which reduces the chances of dry edges, curling pieces, or gaps that allow erosion.
Better contact with the soil means that the sod can root faster and establish more evenly, especially in high-exposure areas like roadside shoulders.
All in All, Skinny Rolls are the Superior Option
We believe efficiency and quality should go hand-in-hand. Using skinny rolls for shoulder treatment allows our crews to complete projects faster while delivering a superior final result.
