If you just bought a new home in Kerman and you're staring at a bare dirt yard, you're not alone. Most builders leave the backyard — and sometimes the front — as raw dirt. The good news: with the right plan, you can go from dirt to a finished yard in as little as one to two weeks. Here's exactly how to do it.
As Kerman locals and Kerman High graduates, we've landscaped hundreds of new construction yards across town — from Whispering Falls to the neighborhoods near the Kerman Community Center.
How Long Should I Wait Before Landscaping My New Home?
Wait 30–90 days after your home is completed before starting major landscaping. New construction soil is heavily compacted by equipment, and the ground needs time to settle. Starting too early can lead to drainage problems, uneven grading, and cracked hardscaping.
During this waiting period, you can:
- Plan your layout and get quotes
- Test your soil (Fresno County soil typically runs pH 8.0+ and heavy clay)
- Check what your builder included (some Kerman builders like Crown Homes include front yard landscaping)
- Review your HOA requirements if applicable
What Should I Do With the Soil First?
Kerman's San Joaquin series soil is alkaline (pH around 8.0) and heavy in clay. Without soil prep, your grass will struggle from day one — yellowing from iron chlorosis and pooling water from poor drainage.
Essential soil prep steps:
- Grade for drainage — Ensure water flows away from your foundation, not toward it
- Break up compaction — Rototill to 6–8 inches deep to loosen builder-compacted soil
- Amend the soil — Mix in 2–3 inches of compost to improve drainage and nutrient availability
- Add gypsum — 40 lbs per 1,000 sq ft helps break up clay structure without changing pH
- Level and rake — Create a smooth, even surface for sod or seed
This soil prep makes the difference between a lawn that thrives and one that struggles for years.
Should I Plant Grass Seed or Install Sod?
For Kerman's climate, sod is the better choice for most new construction yards. Here's why:
| Factor | Sod | Grass Seed |
|---|---|---|
| Time to usable lawn | 2–3 weeks | 2–3 months |
| Best planting window | Year-round (best in fall/spring) | Fall only (Sep–Oct) |
| Erosion protection | Immediate | None until established |
| Weed competition | Low (sod blocks weeds) | High (weeds germinate with seed) |
| Cost (per 1,000 sq ft) | $1,500–$2,500 installed | $300–$800 (with soil prep) |
Seed is cheaper upfront, but in Kerman's heat, new seedlings face a tough road. Sod gives you instant coverage and prevents the dust and mud problems that make bare dirt yards miserable. See our sod installation service for details.
What Type of Grass Should I Choose?
For Kerman, the two best options are:
- Bermuda grass — Handles extreme summer heat (105°F+), low water needs, but goes brown/dormant in winter (November–March). Great for full-sun yards.
- Tall fescue — Stays green longer in fall and spring, tolerates some shade, but needs more water in summer and can struggle in peak heat.
Many Kerman homeowners choose Bermuda for the backyard (lower maintenance) and fescue for the front (greener year-round appearance). We can help you decide based on your yard's sun exposure and water budget.
Do I Need a Sprinkler System?
Yes. With Kerman's 3-day summer watering schedule and 15-minute-per-station limits, hand-watering a new lawn simply doesn't work. A properly designed sprinkler system ensures even coverage and maximum efficiency within the watering restrictions.
A basic residential sprinkler system for a new construction yard costs $2,000–$5,000 depending on yard size, number of zones, and controller type. This includes:
- Trenching and pipe installation
- Sprinkler head placement for full coverage
- Zone setup (front, back, side yards, flower beds)
- Timer/controller programming to match Kerman's watering schedule
We recommend smart controllers (Rachio, Hunter Hydrawise) that automatically adjust watering based on weather — they pay for themselves in water savings within a year or two. Our sprinkler repair and installation service handles new installs and upgrades.
What About the Front Yard?
Check with your builder first — some Kerman developments require front yard landscaping to be completed within 90–180 days of closing. If your builder didn't include front yard landscaping, plan for:
- Sod or drought-tolerant ground cover for the main area
- Mulch or bark around trees and along the house foundation — see our mulch and flowerbed service
- A few accent plants or trees that are suited to Zone 9 and alkaline soil
- Edging to separate lawn from planting beds
A well-designed front yard doesn't have to be expensive. A simple layout with sod, mulch borders, and a few drought-adapted plants can look great for $2,000–$4,000.
A Step-by-Step Plan for Your New Kerman Yard
- Wait 30–90 days for soil to settle after construction
- Get a soil test to confirm pH and composition (expect alkaline clay)
- Design your layout — decide where grass, plants, hardscape, and play areas will go. We offer landscape design with 3D renderings
- Prep the soil — grade, till, amend, and level
- Install irrigation — sprinklers for lawn zones, drip for plant beds
- Lay sod — water heavily for the first 2 weeks (new lawn establishment qualifies for a short-term watering exemption in most cities)
- Add mulch, plants, and finishing touches
- Set up a maintenance plan — your new lawn needs regular care to establish properly
Ready to Transform Your Yard?
We've helped Kerman homeowners across every neighborhood — from new builds at Whispering Falls to established homes near downtown. As locals who grew up here, we know the soil, the water rules, and what works in our climate.
Book a free consultation or call us at (559) 809-1230. We'll walk your property, discuss your vision, and give you an honest plan and quote.