#1
Green Acres Lawn Care & Landscaping
“Very professional and very pleased with installation. Very cordial and came to me with with any ideas and changes. The entire crew were great.” — Google review
Experts Reviews · 2026 Ratings
The Best Sod Installation Services in Poplar Grove, IL
We graded 10 companies on seven things customers actually report: satisfaction, reliability, workmanship, value, momentum, track record and how owners handle complaints.
—typical jobMedian of the bill customers reported in their Google review (Google asks reviewers for a price range; we use the middle of each range).
98%say the price was fairOf customers who rated the price, the share who chose “Great price” or “Reasonable” rather than “Overpriced”.
4.82★average ratingPlain average of every Google star rating we collected for these companies.
2.7%bad jobs (1–2★, 2 yrs)Share of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
From 6,351 Google reviews of 56 top-rated sod installation services nationwide; 10 of them in Poplar Grove, IL. Updated November 1, 2026.
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Overall ratings
Experts Score 0–100Experts Score (0–100)Absolute quality first: recency-weighted star average (≈54%), share of 1–2★ reviews (≈24%), customers’ price verdicts (≈14%), owner replies to critical reviews (≈7%); minus up to 10 points each for complaints flagged in Google review highlights and for a real slide in recent ratings. Hover a company’s score on its page for the full breakdown. and a letter grade per factor (A = top 20% of sod installation services).
| # | Company | ScoreExperts Score (0–100)Absolute quality first: recency-weighted star average (≈54%), share of 1–2★ reviews (≈24%), customers’ price verdicts (≈14%), owner replies to critical reviews (≈7%); minus up to 10 points each for complaints flagged in Google review highlights and for a real slide in recent ratings. Hover a company’s score on its page for the full breakdown. | FactorsFactor grades, in orderSatisfaction (54%): Recency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Reliability (24%): How rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Craft & service (0%): Google review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Value (14%): Customers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Momentum (0%): Penalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Replies to reviews (7%): How often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.One letter per factor score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = below 20. | ★Google star rating as shown on Google Maps. | Typical billMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews). |
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| 1 |  Lee's Lawn service and LandscapingPoplar Grove, IL | A 98How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%98+57.5Reliability 26%96+25Value 15%99+15.1Experts Score= 98Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA–AA– | 5.00 | — |
| 2 |  Always Great LandscapingPoplar Grove, IL | A 98How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%98+57.5Reliability 26%95+24.8Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 98Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA–AA– | 5.00 | — |
| 3 |  JNE Lawncare ServicesPoplar Grove, IL | A 97How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%98+67.8Reliability 31%96+29.5Experts Score= 97Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA––A– | 5.00 | — |
| 4 |  Ortega Landscaping Service IncPoplar Grove, IL | A 96How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%97+67.2Reliability 31%94+28.9Experts Score= 96Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA––A– | 5.00 | — |
| 5 |  RC LawnsPoplar Grove, IL | A 96How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%96+56.3Reliability 26%94+24.5Value 15%100+15.2Craft & service penalty95−0.5Experts Score= 96Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAA– | 5.00 | — |
| 6 |  WC Landscaping LLCPoplar Grove, IL | A 94How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%93+54.6Reliability 26%93+24.3Value 15%100+15.2Craft & service penalty98−0.2Experts Score= 94Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAA– | 4.94 | — |
| 7 |  Custom K Lawn CarePoplar Grove, IL | A 94How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%93+54.6Reliability 26%94+24.5Value 15%100+15.2Craft & service penalty96−0.4Experts Score= 94Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAA–– | 4.96 | — |
| 8 | Green Acres Lawn Care & LandscapingPoplar Grove, IL | A 91How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%92+50.2Reliability 24%93+22.5Value 14%94+13.3Replies to reviews 7%86+6.1Craft & service penalty91−0.9Experts Score= 91Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAAA | 4.91 | — |
| 9 |  Forest City Lawn CarePoplar Grove, IL | A 86How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%89+48.5Reliability 24%86+20.8Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%35+2.5Craft & service penalty98−0.2Experts Score= 86Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAAD | 4.89 | — |
| 10 |  Evans Lawn and SnowPoplar Grove, IL | B 74How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%81+47.5Reliability 26%75+19.6Value 15%100+15.2Craft & service penalty98−0.2Momentum penalty14−8.6Experts Score= 74Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | ABAAF– | 4.88 | — |
What jobs cost
What customers paid, from the price Google asks reviewers to report.
| Job | Low25th percentile: 1 in 4 customers paid less than this. | TypicalMedian of the bill customers reported in their Google review (Google asks reviewers for a price range; we use the middle of each range). | High75th percentile: 1 in 4 customers paid more than this. | FairOf customers who rated the price, the share who chose “Great price” or “Reasonable” rather than “Overpriced”. |
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Sod Installation Services in Poplar Grove, IL at a glance
How the 10 sod installation services we rated in Poplar Grove, IL compare, and what customers praise most.
Experts Score grades
A = score 80+, F = below 20.
- Grade A990%
- Grade B110%
- Grade C00%
- Grade D00%
- Grade F00%
Google ratings
Average stars per company.
- 4.90★ and up880%
- 4.80–4.89★220%
- 4.60–4.79★00%
- Below 4.60★00%
What customers praise
Share of Google review highlights.
- Quality94721%
- Professionalism1,01523%
- Responsiveness90220%
- Punctuality78318%
- Value80618%
Was the price fair?
All price verdicts left with reviews.
- Great price30333%
- Reasonable56661%
- Overpriced222%
- Not sure384%
Price verdicts by year
Share calling it great / reasonable / overpriced.
2025
2026
How we grade
Satisfaction (54%) — Recency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.
Reliability (24%) — How rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.
Craft & service (penalty, up to −10) — Google review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.
Value (14%) — Customers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.
Momentum (penalty, up to −10) — Penalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.
Replies to reviews (7%) — How often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.
The 10 best-rated sod installation services in Poplar Grove, IL average 5.0★ on Google across 1,079 reviews. JNE Lawncare Services has the top rating (5.0★), and Green Acres Lawn Care & Landscaping has the most reviews (697). Updated October 29, 2026.
10 companies that meet our bar: rated 4.5★ or higher on Google, with a meaningful review history (1,079 reviews combined) and currently operating. Request a call back and the company will phone you directly.
#2
Evans Lawn and Snow
“Evan’s Lawn and Snow did an amazing job with our landscaping. Polite, professional, excellent work ethics and completed the job a day early. Very pleased.” — Google review
#3
WC Landscaping LLC
“Would easily give 10 stars if we could...Professional, fast, reliable and aligned seamlessly on the design... Our number one choice moving forward for friends, family and future needs!!!” — Google review
#4
Forest City Lawn Care
“Marco really does go above and beyond to make his cutomers happy i highly recommend him for all your lawncare needs !!!” — Google review
#5
JNE Lawncare Services
“I would very much recommend JNE. Everyone was incredibly polite and professional. We needed lawncare after being away a long time and accumulated a lot of long and dead grass. They were able to our large area back…” — Google review
#6
Lee's Lawn service and Landscaping
“Lee has done a great job taking care of my parents' yard for the last couple of years. He has been super reliable, helpful, and great at communication. It was so nice to not have to worry about their property being…” — Google review
#7
Always Great Landscaping
“I cannot say enough to truly tell you what kind of service this company provides! Rico takes good care of his customers! Mowing, trimming,keeping sidewalks and driveway clean.” — Google review
#8
Ortega Landscaping Service Inc
“We had a great experience with Ortega Landscaping. They were professional and went above and beyond. We would definitely use them again.” — Google review
#9
Custom K Lawn Care
“Custom K came out for a MASSIVE landscape cleanout and rocks to be put in to help control overgrowth so it is easier for us to maintain. It was a huge project that took almost 2 weeks. I am so impressed with the work…” — Google review
#10
RC Lawns
“I have been using RC Lawns for a couple years now and I couldn't be happier! Rory is extremely professional and I appreciate his attention to detail! RC Lawns is the BEST out there!” — Google review
How we pick sod installation services in Poplar Grove
We scan Google Maps for sod installation service listings in and around Poplar Grove, keep only open businesses whose main category matches the service, and require a Google rating of at least 4.5 from at least 20 reviews. Companies are ordered by a confidence-weighted score that balances rating and review volume. We do not accept payment for placement.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the highest-rated sod installation service in Poplar Grove?
JNE Lawncare Services has the highest Google rating on our Poplar Grove list: 5.0 out of 5 from 38 reviews (as of October 29, 2026).
Which sod installation service in Poplar Grove has the most reviews?
Green Acres Lawn Care & Landscaping has the most Google reviews among the companies listed here: 697, with a 4.9★ average.
How are these sod installation services chosen?
Only open Poplar Grove-area businesses whose Google category matches the service, rated at least 4.5★ from at least 20 Google reviews. They are ordered by a confidence-weighted score of rating and review volume. Placement is never paid.