July Is Smart Irrigation Month
Last year, we talked about Smart Irrigation Month and the types of sprinkler systems and smart watering practices to use to save water. Well, it’s that time of year again. Droughts are being declared and water restrictions are being implemented. While we’ve talked about these issues before, we want to offer just some quick advice on the best summer watering practices.
1. Only Water At the Right Times
We mentioned this last month, but it bears repeating. You should only water when you need to and at the right times. Watering in the middle of the day will lead to the water evaporating instead of soaking the soil. You should water in the morning before the sun comes up, certainly no later than 10 AM so that the water has a chance to get into the soil and be absorbed by the grass. You may not need to water your lawn over the summer, as good drought resistant grasses can survive for weeks without water by going dormant. If you do choose to water your lawn, you will usually need no more than 1 to 1.5 inches per week. Automated sprinkler systems linked with moisture sensors can help make sure you don’t over water.
2. Zone Your Yard
A great smart watering practice is to zone your yard so that you don’t need to water certain areas as much. When setting up your lawn and yard, you can arrange for plants with similar water needs to be put together. If you place low-water plants in the same area, you can drastically reduce the amount of water that area needs and thus save time and money.
3. Remember To Inspect Your Watering Systems
Your watering systems may develop problems that waste water. Pipes and sprinkler heads may break, form leaks, or get clogged. If this happens, it can result in wasted water, or fail to properly water your lawn. You should check your watering systems once a month to make sure they are in proper working order. Don’t be afraid to adjust them if changes in the weather make the set-up no longer suitable to your lawn’s needs.
4. Cut Back on The Lawn
This customer used bark and mulch as a replacement for grass, eliminating the need for weekly watering.
No matter how carefully you manage it, a lawn is always going to be a water hog. Even the best drought-resistant grasses require water to maintain. If your lawn costs you too much to water, consider cutting it back. Replace grassy areas with drought-resistant or native foliage that can survive on Utah’s natural water levels. Consider rock or gravel pathways to replace grass where you walk. With some smart planning, you can cut back on the amount of water you need to use to keep your landscape looking healthy and appealing over the summer.
Let Us Help
CV Lawn King is always ready to help you manage your lawn. Whether it’s irrigation planning, lawn mowing, or other yard maintenance work, we can do it all. Want to redesign your yard to need less water? We can help you out with that! We operate in Cache Valley, Box Elder County, and the greater Bear Lake area. If you want some help and are in any of those areas, don’t hesitate to get in touch!