Sodding in San Diego

There is so much more to San Diego than just sunny days and beaches! Besides the sunny days, seaside, and beaches, people have lawns and gardens to spend time on. So many different questions arise when choosing the grass in San Diego. Keep reading to have a solution to any of your problems related to sodding in San Diego.

When should I SOD in San Diego?

The best time to lay SOD in San Diego is Fall and Spring. Now the reason behind this is seed germination. The seed germinates best when the temperature is between 61 degrees F to 70 degrees F, usually the fall and spring seasons of the year. 

Planting SOD in San Diego Summer can be problematic to cool weather grass as it is susceptible to the heat. Going for a Bermuda Sod isn’t ideal either but being a warm-season grass, you don’t need to nurture it to make it flourish.

How to install SOD in San Diego?

The following steps Will guide you through planting your SOD ideally:

  1. Soil preparation: firstly, you need to slacken the top 6 inches of the ground with a rototiller. Then test your soil and spread the appropriate starter fertiliser, and then lime if necessary.
  2. Tap any high spots using an iron rake and fill in the low spots up to soil level and 1 inch under the level of any paved surface like driveway or walkway. Damp the soil a little using just water. 
  3. Start laying: Now it’s time to lay the first row; you need to choose the most extended and straight edge in your yard for this. Now unroll the first roll of your SOD with it and clean any footprint as you proceed. Tap to even any wrinkles or loose areas. Then tap down the SOD, so it’s flat against the soil under it, without any air pockets.

Is Tilling before laying SOD a good idea?

Tilling before laying SOD offers its roots loose soil to grow into. In addition, it works out any old SOD and weeds in the ground, so you don’t have to pick it by hand. Many other soil preparation processes also help in flourishing SOD satisfactorily and adequately.

When to not lay SOD?

For ideal sorting, the soil needs to be dry enough to work, and sod will have sufficient time to root before the winter arrives. But if you cannot provide the water to sod, it’s better not to lay it. Rolled-up sod heats up, and this heat can kill the buzz of sod. So to avoid any harm, it is recommended to lay sod within 24 to 48 hours after the cut.

 Are you planning to lay sod over existing grass?

If you are planning to lay sod over existing grass without any preparation, then STOP! All sod must take soil contact to the roots to flourish; therefore, existing grass must be scattered, or else you will have to bring soil and place it on top before planting new sod.

Are you watering new sod in winter?

You can water it once it sets up. Just make sure not to use frozen water and check if the soil has enough moisture.

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