April Showers? May Flowers? What about the Grass?
This week in our travels from lawn to lawn we have seen the effects of those missing April showers (read following link for rainfall amounts prior to April - National Weather Service Public Information Statement) on a good many of our customer's lawns. We have seen lawns showing mild to moderate stress from lack of water (even in lawns we have recently fertilized). Grass needs nutrients, oxygen and water for survival. The very best type of water for our lawns falls from the sky and when there is a thunderstorm we get a bonus - the water falling has nitrogen in it which makes our lawns green up more. Without water falling from the sky we have to get more of it from the end of a hose or through the underground irrigation system (aka sprinkler system). Even though this is not the best water source (it has chlorine in it and no nitrogen) it should not be avoided. Have I gotten to the point yet? Almost. The Point: It's time to water your lawn more!
The pictures below were taken this week in two different customer's lawns (names will not be shared to protect the guilty). These customer's lawns are healthy for the most part, with underground irrigation systems that are being used, but as you can see, are in need of more water. The natural question and a question I have heard people ask is, "How much more?" How much more varies from yard to yard and even within the same yard. There is no precise one recommendation for all yards but there are ways to properly use an irrigation system (or even a hose and sprinkler) to keep the grass growing and green even in dry patterns like we are into now.
I have completed all required coursework for becoming a licensed irrigator (sprinkler man?) and taken the required exams. I should know by the middle of June the status of my license. So what does this have to do with the question of how much to water your lawn. Once I am licensed I can offer services and products to help our customers water their lawn more efficiently and effectively. For now I can say (legally) if you are watering once or twice a week, move to three times. Water in the early morning (between 4 and 7 a.m.) when less evaporation occurs and the blades can dry off before possible disease can occur. Don't over-water (e.g. water every day for long periods). Don't under-water (water every day for 3 or 4 minutes, or water once or twice a week). In the end, your lawn will tell you when it needs more watering (see pictures below). If your lawn is dry looking it will need more water.
Bottom of picture is the edge of the sidewalk. Beyond sidewalk is cracked, dry ground beneath grass.
Cracked ground in lawn near back yard gate (partially shaded area).
