Is Drought Relief on the Horizon?

According to scientists, your days of monitoring water usage may be over. Climate experts report that El Nino is evolving into a strong brew of rainfall that should last from fall 2015 into winter 2016. For Sacramento residents suffering through summer drought conditions, that’s good news.

El Nino 2015

Scientists, who have been tracking El Nino for months, predict a favorable rainy season for Sacramento. Atmospheric changes along the equator suggest that this year’s El Nino will soon bring an end to California’s current drought. Forecasters claim there’s an 85% chance that El Nino will continue to grow, bringing rain to Northern California well into the winter season. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration bumps the likelihood up to 90% for fall. El Nino is not the only factor that affects California’s overall weather, but strong El Nino storms could significantly increase the annual rainfall in California for 2015-2016.

Rain, Drought, and Installing Sod

During seasons of drought, many California homeowners delay installing sod lawns. If you ask the experts, however, you’ll find that it’s possible to install a lush lawn without worrying about the dry conditions. To establish sod during a California summer, remember:

• Install drought-tolerant sod
• Water frequently for the first few weeks
• Schedule the sprinklers for nighttime or early morning hours to limit evaporation
• Water twice: once to soften the ground and once to penetrate the roots
• Watering more deeply enables grass to pull moisture from the soil, helping it grow between waterings

Want to learn more about growing a summer landscape in California? Contact the experts at Bell Sod and Hydroseed.