Improper irrigation can be a real horror story!
First it’s too much rain, then there’s not enough. There’s either a flood or a drought, feast or famine, too hot or too cold. As a homeowner you start to feel a little like Goldilocks. All you want is a good-looking, healthy lawn. So how much water is just right?
Water logged
Too much water on your lawn can lead to a lot of problems, like drowned grass roots, increased disease and fungus, more weeds, loss of nutrients, and on and on. Whether it’s you or Mother Nature who’s responsible for too much aqua, there are things you can do to remedy the situation.
- Proper drainage. If you have standing water in your yard after a storm, you have poor drainage. Fill those areas with dirt, then reseed.
- Correct technique. Lawn care experts know that there are a wide range of factors that determine how frequently you should water for deep root growth and healthy turf. Is your soil sand or clay? Do you have lots of shade or full sun all day long? Every lawn is different so your best option is a smart irrigation system customized to your lawn.
- Get sensitive. Get a weather sensor installed on your irrigation system. It will shut off the sprinklers automatically when it rains. What’s more, it can be programmed to water the exact amount needed for your lawn depending on the weather conditions. (Sunny and hot or cool and rainy.)
Parched
Not enough water will create “drought stress” in your lawn, resulting in that crunchy, brown grass that makes your feet hurt when you walk on it barefoot. How you manage lawn care before a drought hits can make all the difference.
- Thirst quenching. Deep water saturation is more important than watering frequency depending upon soil type. Watering is specific to your yard with many variables to consider. A smart irrigation system can be set to deliver the correct amount of water to quench the thirst of your lawn.
- Cutting and clippings. Instead of raking up grass clippings when you mow, leave them on the grass. They’ll return valuable nutrients and moisture to the plants below.
- Fortifying. Nutrient-rich soil is important during times of active growth so that your lawn has the essential healthy foundation to survive periods of drought. Perform a soil test to determine your lawn’s needs, then fertilize appropriately.
April is Lawn & Garden Month. Be sure to contact Rock Solid online or call us at 763-398-0739 for more lawn care tips, information about irrigation, or questions about landscaping. We’ll be happy to help!
