Landscaping Care Guide for Sacramento, California (Zone 9a)

Your new landscape is a significant investment in the beauty and value of your property. CaliGreen is dedicated to helping you maintain this investment with simple, effective care tips tailored to Sacramento’s unique climate. This guide focuses on the essentials: sod care, mulch replenishment, plant management, and seasonal sprinkler adjustments.

Over time, your landscaping will need maintenance, so here are some things we recommend keeping up to date with.

1. Sod Care 

• Watering: Begin by watering your new sod twice daily for (15 to 20 minutes with spray sprinklers) and (40-50 minutes with rotator sprinklers) during the first two weeks to ensure the roots are well-hydrated. As your sod establishes, adjust to deeper, less frequent watering sessions, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week or about every other day. 
• Mowing: Allow your sod to reach 3 inches in height before the first mow. Maintain it at a height of 3 to 5 inches to promote healthy roots.
• Fertilizing & Weed Control: Apply balanced fertilizer every 6 weeks during the growing season, and pre-emergent application in early spring before soil temperatures reach 55F. To prevent weed infestation, apply pre-emergent early spring before soil temperatures reach 55F and spot spray for weeds throughout the year. 

2. Mulch Replenishment

• Purpose: Mulch is crucial for moisture conservation, soil temperature regulation, weed suppression, and adding aesthetic value to your landscape.
• Timing: Inspect your mulch layer in spring and fall, maintaining a 2 to 3-inch depth. Replenish as needed to keep your landscape looking fresh and well-cared-for, usually every 1.5 – 2 years

3. Plant Management

• Pruning: Keep your plants in top shape by pruning away any dead or diseased branches regularly. For flowering shrubs, prune right after they bloom to encourage future growth unless they are annual plants
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support your plants’ flowering and growth through the seasons.
• Pest and Disease Control: Regularly inspect plants for pest or disease signs. CaliGreen recommends using eco-friendly treatments whenever possible to maintain a healthy ecosystem in your garden.

4. Seasonal Sprinkler Adjustments

• Spring Setup: Inspect your sprinkler system for winter damage and adjust the coverage to avoid wasting water in non-landscape areas.
• Summer Optimization: Increase watering frequency to combat the heat, always complying with local water use regulations. Watering in the early morning minimizes evaporation and disease risk.
• Fall Adjustment: Reduce watering frequency as the weather cools. Prepare your system for winter by draining it to prevent freeze damage.

Who Can Take Care Of This?

Landscape Company We Recommend:
Landscape Maintenance (Fertilization/Weed Control & Mowing)
LawnCareUp.com (916) 250-2924

Thank You for Partnering with CaliGreen!

Your satisfaction and the health of your landscape are our top priorities. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s keep your outdoor space vibrant and thriving together.