Tips for Healthy Spring Sod

For homeowners, landscape management teams, and contractors in Sacramento, early spring is the ideal time to lay fresh sod. The warm days, cool evenings, and lingering rain mean less lawn maintenance is needed to establish healthy grass. Enjoy a lush, verdant lawn this spring by properly watering your sod after installation.

Watering New Sod

Hydration is key to establishing a healthy lawn. During the first weeks after sod installation, keep the soil well hydrated. To check if the soil contains enough water to penetrate the roots of your grass, gently prod the ground. Your finger should be able to depress the soil easily, but the ground should not feel sodden or muddy. Once the grass is well watered, sustain hydration by following this watering schedule for newly installed sod:

• 90 degree weather: water 4-5 times daily
• 75-90 degree weather: water 4 times daily
• 75 degrees or below: water 1-2 times daily

Adjust your watering schedule based on the amount of direct sunlight, precipitation, and wind your yard receives.

Preventing Pests and Disease in New Sod

Planning your landscape care not only encourages healthy growth, but also reduces water waste. The best time to water sod is early morning, before the heat of the day can evaporate the water. To prevent pooling, water in the evenings an hour or two before dusk. To establish healthy grass, keep the soil moist without over watering. Over watering the grass can lead to pest infestations, growth of bacteria and fungi, and drainage issues.

To learn more about installing turfgrass in Sacramento, call the experts at Bell Sod and Hydroseed.

photo from flickr