Some common thoughts:

1) I have lots of other things to worry about, why add sod to my list?

Choosing quality sod for your yard might not seem like a big deal but it is a major purchase (an average yard costs around $1000.00) and good sod will outlast every appliance, the car, and the roof. Good sod is a great buy.

2) I'm going to move in a couple years, so who cares about the yard?

Buyers care. Studies show that yard appearance is one of the top five things a buyer looks at.  Ask a realtor.

3) I'm a little short of cash so why not buy some cheap stuff now and replace it later?

Replacing grass can cost three times what it did in the first place. The old yard still has to sprayed, stripped, hauled off, regraded, and new sod installed. This is a sticker shock.

4) I have heard all sod is the same, Is it?

Look around. Do you see new houses with poor yards? Grass that is thin, thatchy, orange colored, and/or covered in dead stops? These indicate there is poor quality out there. Do your homework, and buyer beware.

5) I don't trust salesman, how do I find out who has quality sod?

Ask around. Check with coworkers, neighbors, and friends that have bought sod. Were they happy with the deal or were there surprises? Most importantly, how does the grass look after 2 or 3 months? Good sod is forever.

6) I still wonder about price, how do I know what is fair?

Every sod grower has the same cost, insurance, wages, diesel, water/electricity, equipment are either regulated by law or is such a niche products that there are few suppliers. (How many places can you buy electricity?) There is cheap seed but "garbage in", "garbage out" really applies there. It is skill and knowledge can't be bought.

7) If it's that simple why do people spend good money on poor quality?

Because they ignore 1) 2) 3) and 4).