It's that time of year when we drag out the sprinklers to water the
lawn. How do you know just how much water your lawn needs?
Here are some lawn watering tips offered by the Southwest Florida Water
Management District:
Many
residents water their lawns too much. Most lawns need only one inch of
water every five to seven days in the summer and every 10 to 14 days in
the winter. A heavy rain means you don't have to water at all!
How do
you know when your lawn has soaked up enough water to maintain its
health? Buy a rain gauge to determine how much rain or irrigation your
yard has received.
Instead
of beautifying your yard with plants and flowers that need a lot of
water, try some Xeriscape (pronounced ZERE-AH-SCAPE) techniques. This
landscaping method uses native and drought-tolerant plants, mulch to
hold in moisture, and grouping plants according to their water and
light needs. Call your county extension
office to get more detailed information on Xeriscape.
When
mowing, raise the blade on your lawn mower to at least three inches
high, or to its highest level. Closely-clipped grass makes the roots
work harder, thus requiring more water.
Water
your lawn only on the days and times allowed if your county has
watering restrictions.
Check
sprinkler systems to make sure they work properly.
Make
sure sprinklers do not spray water on driveways or streets.
Dispose
of oil, fertilizers, and other chemicals properly.
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