With the intense heat of the summer, it can be an intimidating task to lay sod. Often, the ideal time to lay sod is early to mid-fall, or in the spring. For many people though, summer is the perfect time to get it done. 

Summer can be a hard time for new sod, since it’s hot and the sod can be vulnerable to drought. But with the right strategy and lots of water, you can install warm or cool season sod any time of the year. Here’s how:

1. Test your soil. Your soil’s health determines the overall health of your grass and testing to make sure it will thrive is the right way to a successful lawn. It helps to balance your soil’s pH so when you apply nutrients found in fertilizers, your grass is able to absorb those. When soil’s pH is off, nutrients can’t be absorbed as effectively and fertilizer you buy may be a waste of money. Taking a soil analysis and sending it to a laboratory is an affordable way to test. 
2. Choose the right sod for your lawn. Does your lawn have a lot of shade? What grass colors, textures, and physical aspects do you want in your sod? These are questions to ask yourself when choosing. Of course, the climate you live in – in our case, dry desert – plays a huge part in the selection as well. Luckily, this part of the process can be made easy by consulting one of the experts at West Coast Turf. 
3. Measure the planting area. This will help you determine how much sod you need to order and is crucial whether you’re laying sod in the summer, fall, or spring. There are many apps and tools to calculate how much surface area you’ll need to cover and how much sod is needed. 
4. Kill and remove old grass. When you install new sod, it’s important that all currently existing grass and other vegetation be removed. 
5. Prep soil and level. This step is especially important for laying sod in the summer months. Proper site preparation makes it easier for new grass roots to penetrate deeply and evenly—this allows your sod to establish quickly during the stressful heat of the summer. Although you will still need to water your lawn a lot during the summer, deep roots will make the lawn denser and drought resistant, allowing for more efficient use of water and nutrients. A dense lawn will outcompete weeds and resists insects and disease a little better as well.
6. Lay the new sod. It should remain on the pallet a very short time during summer installations as this will cause the sod to dry out. If you notice the sod is heating up on the pallets, unstack them and spray them with water.
7. Water and fertilize. It is crucial in the summer months to make sure you are watering your grass adequately!

Please let us know if you have any questions or want to talk about installing new sod! Visit https://westcoastturf.com for more info.

When installing California and Arizona sod for your home, there are several dos and don'ts to keep in mind to ensure successful establishment and healthy growth. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Do:

1. Prepare the soil: Ensure that the soil is properly prepared before laying the sod. Remove any existing grass, weeds, rocks, or debris and loosen the soil with a rake or tiller. Level the surface to avoid uneven areas.
2. Test soil pH: Conduct a soil test to determine the pH level and nutrient content of the soil. Adjust the pH as necessary by adding lime or sulfur to create an optimal growing environment for the sod.
3. Water the soil: Before installing the sod, water the soil thoroughly to provide adequate moisture for the roots. This helps the sod to establish and promotes good root contact with the soil.
4. Lay the sod promptly: Install the sod as soon as possible after delivery or purchase. Sod is a perishable product, and delaying the installation can lead to drying out or root damage.
5. Lay the sod properly: Start laying the sod along a straight edge, such as a sidewalk or driveway, and work your way across the lawn. Butt the edges of each piece tightly against each other without overlapping, ensuring no gaps or spaces are left between the pieces.
6. Water immediately: Once a section of sod is laid, water it immediately. This helps settle the soil, removes air pockets, and promotes contact between the roots and soil.
7. Water regularly: Keep the sod moist by watering it regularly for the first few weeks after installation. Aim for deep watering to encourage the roots to grow deeper into the soil. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to shallow root growth and other issues.
8. Mow with care: Once the sod has established and grown to the recommended height, mow it to maintain its appearance. Set the mower at the appropriate height and avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade length at a time.

Don't:

1. Don't delay installation: As mentioned earlier, avoid delaying the installation of the sod. The longer it remains rolled up, the greater the chances of it drying out and deteriorating.
2. Don't stretch the sod: Avoid stretching the sod while laying it. This can cause the roots to separate from the soil, making it difficult for them to establish properly.
3. Don't leave gaps or overlaps: Ensure that the sod pieces are laid tightly against each other without gaps or overlaps. Leaving gaps can result in weed growth and uneven appearance, while overlaps can lead to uneven rooting and hinder growth.
4. Don't overwater or underwater: Striking the right balance with watering is crucial. Overwatering can suffocate the roots, encourage disease, and lead to shallow root growth. On the other hand, underwatering can cause the sod to dry out and wither.
5. Don't walk on the sod too soon: Avoid walking on or putting heavy objects on the newly installed sod for the first few weeks. This gives the roots time to establish and prevents damage to the delicate young turf.
6. Don't mow too short: When it's time to mow, avoid cutting the grass too short. Scalping the lawn stresses the grass and weakens its ability to thrive.
7. Don't neglect maintenance: Once the sod is established, continue with regular maintenance practices such as watering, fertilizing, and weed control. Neglecting these aspects can lead to the deterioration of your lawn.

Remember, each sod variety may have specific care instructions, so it's always beneficial to consult with a local expert or refer to the sod supplier's recommendations for best results.

You look forward to getting out of town to relax on your summer vacation, but it's important not to neglect your lawn's health while you're away. With a little planning and preparation, you can ensure your Arizona and California lawn stays vibrant and healthy even during your absence.

1. Mowing and Trimming: Before leaving for your vacation, make sure to mow your lawn to an appropriate height. Cutting it slightly shorter than usual will help maintain its appearance for a longer period. Trim the edges to give your lawn a neat and well-maintained look.
2. Watering: Proper watering is crucial for the health of your lawn. If you're going away for a short trip (up to a week), deep watering just before leaving should be sufficient. However, for longer vacations, consider these options:

a. Automatic Sprinkler System: Install an automatic sprinkler system or set up timers to ensure your lawn receives adequate water. Adjust the settings based on your lawn's needs and local watering regulations.

b. Seek Help from a Neighbor or Friend: Request a trusted neighbor or friend to water your lawn while you're away. Provide them with clear instructions on when and how much to water and show them how to operate your irrigation system if necessary.

c. Slow-Release Watering Methods: Consider using slow-release watering methods, such as drip irrigation or soaker hoses, which gradually provide water to your lawn over an extended period. These methods can minimize water wastage and keep your lawn hydrated.

3. Weed Control: Weeds can quickly invade your lawn and compete with grass for nutrients and sunlight. Prior to your vacation, apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed growth. Alternatively, hire a professional lawn care service to manage weed control in your absence.
4. Fertilization: Proper fertilization promotes healthy grass growth and resilience. Apply a slow-release fertilizer a few days before your departure to ensure your lawn receives essential nutrients throughout your vacation. This will help maintain its health and vigor.
5. Arrange for Lawn Care Services: Consider hiring professional lawn care services to take care of your lawn while you're away. They can handle tasks such as mowing, watering, fertilizing, and weed control. Discuss your requirements and schedule with the service provider to ensure your lawn receives the necessary attention.
6. Mulch Beds and Landscaping: If you have mulch beds or other landscaping features, ensure they are well-maintained before leaving. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weed growth, so replenish mulch layers if necessary. Trim any overhanging branches that could potentially shade or damage your lawn.
7. Secure Outdoor Items: Before leaving, secure any outdoor furniture, toys, or equipment that may obstruct or damage your lawn during strong winds or storms. Store them safely or anchor them down to prevent them from causing damage.

By following these tips and making suitable arrangements, you can maintain a healthy lawn even while you're on vacation. Planning ahead and enlisting the help of professionals or trusted neighbors will ensure that your lawn stays vibrant, weed-free, and well-hydrated during your time away. Return from your vacation to a lush, beautiful lawn that enhances the overall appeal of your home.

After more than three decades of supplying natural grass to sports facilities, landscapers, golf courses, cities, parks, and homeowners, West Coast Turf has become the Official Sod Supplier of the Rose Bowl Stadium.

“Our first job at the Rose Bowl was providing some sod for Super Bowl XVII over 30 years ago,” said West Coast Turf’s marketing director, Danielle Scardino. “After establishing a relationship and trust with the outcome of that job, we haven’t looked back. Our company has been involved in every Rose Bowl Game® and has provided almost every field at the stadium since. We’ve worked closely with the Turf Superintendent to ensure they are getting exactly what they want and expect on the field—they are very ‘hands on.’ The result has been pretty much perfection.”

The Rose Bowl Stadium is sodded with grass grown in the Coachella Valley near West Coast Turf’s Palm Desert, CA, headquarters.

“The Rose Bowl field is an iconic American sports field, and one of the greatest sports venues in the world. We are honored to become official partners,” said Scardino.

About West Coast Turf

West Coast Turf is a full-service sod company providing natural grass, field resurfacing, stolonization and hydroseeding services. Their main office is in Palm Desert, CA, and have additional offices in Scottsdale, AZ; Livingston, CA; Patterson, CA; Winchester, CA; and San Marcos, CA. West Coast Turf grows more than 30 varieties of grass and is the West’s largest grower of drought tolerant warm season turfgrasses.

Other clients include:

• Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Oakland A's, and San Francisco Giants in Major League Baseball.
• San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League.
• The National Football League for nine Super Bowls.
• The San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, Austin FC, LAFC and Phoenix Rising FC soccer clubs.
• The Los Angeles Coliseum, Stanford Stadium and Sun Devil Stadium college football fields.

For more information about West Coast Turf, visit www.westcoastturf.com.

To join social media conversation, visit West Coast Turf on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @WestCoastTurf.

About the Rose Bowl Stadium

The Rose Bowl Stadium is a National Historic Landmark built in 1922 and known around the world. The Rose Bowl has earned its world-class reputation by hosting five NFL Super Bowl games, the 1984 Olympic Soccer matches, the 1994 Men’s World Cup, the 1999 Women’s World Cup, four BCS National College Football Championship Games and the College Football Playoff Semifinal Game.

The Rose Bowl is the proud home of the annual Rose Bowl Game®, UCLA Bruins Football, world-class concerts, International and Premier League soccer matches, music festivals, community events, AmericaFest 4th of July Celebration, and the World’s Largest Flea Market.

WEST COAST TURF LAUNCHES “READY PLAY GRASS®”

West Coast Turf’s Sod Grown on Plastic is Available for Instant Use

Palm Desert, CA……West Coast Turf is introducing their new line of Ready Play Grass® natural grass sod grown on plastic for instant use.

“We have been growing sod on plastic for several years,” said West Coast Turf’s Arizona operations general manager, Jay Danek.  “We are confident in the product we’ve developed over that time and wanted to bring Ready Play Grass to a bigger market.  There is a need for a grass surface that can be used right away.”    

“The reason its grown on plastic is for the strength of the plant itself,” Danek explains. “Similar to when you buy a plant at a nursery where the roots are bound in a ball since they can’t go through the plastic. It makes the strength of the sod three to four times of what a normal sod field is by becoming root-bound. The intertwining roots develop a tight mat of rhizomes to firm up the surface, giving it a sturdy base of strength. It weighs about 18 pounds per square foot and can be grown up to 2 inches thick.  After the sod is put down, it is not going anywhere.  You can play on it instantly. Because we don’t cut the roots, there is no shock factor to the grass and it is able to start rooting immediately—although it doesn’t have to be rooted for use.”

“We start off with a sod product that has been through its growing cycle of anywhere from 8 to 12 months, and then another 6 to 15 months growing on the plastic. We grow it with sod strength and weight in mind so there is no movement. Our proprietary harvest technique allows for sharp and tight seams so the rolls mesh together perfectly,” Danek said.

Ready Play Grass is ideal for sports fields, golf course tees and driving ranges, and on top of artificial turf fields when a temporary natural grass field is required. 

About West Coast Turf

West Coast Turf is a full-service sod company providing natural grass, field resurfacing, stolonization and hydroseeding services. Their main office is in Palm Desert, CA, and have additional offices in Scottsdale, AZ; Livingston, CA; Patterson, CA; Winchester, CA; and San Marcos, CA. West Coast Turf grows more than 30 varieties of grass, and is the West’s largest grower of drought tolerant warm season turfgrasses. 

Clients include: 

• Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Oakland A's, and San Francisco Giants in Major League Baseball.
• San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. 
• The National Football League for nine Super Bowls.
• The San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, LAFC and Phoenix Rising FC soccer clubs.
• The Los Angeles Coliseum, Stanford Stadium and Sun Devil Stadium college football fields.
• The Riviera, Pebble Beach Golf Links, Torrey Pines, Valley Club of Montecito, Quarry at La Quinta, Vintage Club, Lahontan, The Estancia Club, TPC Scottsdale, and The Summit Club golf clubs.

For more information about West Coast Turf, visit www.westcoastturf.com. 

To join social media conversation, visit West Coast Turf on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @WestCoastTurf.