Thirsty Lawn?
Here over the last week we have been fielding quite a few calls. Homeowners are wanting to start their summer watering schedules. Now, more than ever, water conservation is so important. As always, we are here to help.
This is a simple process that you can do for yourself. All you need is a rain gauge. Whether you are using an automated in-ground system, or the old faithful garden hose sprinkler. We will discuss both types.
In-ground automatic irrigation
This system should be installed by a professional. This system divides your lawn and bed areas into several zones. Each zone uses a series of emitters to either spray or drip water on plants and turf. The system will have a central controller. Most new systems can be controlled using your smart phone or computer.
If a system is used correctly, it can decrease the amount of water used. First, and most important, make sure that your system is installed with a rain delay sensor. If your system is running during the rain, it is a total waste of water.
Second, make sure that all drip emitters and spray heads are clear of debris.
Third, rotating heads should be kept in working condition and not spraying driveways or roads. We have reset many systems that were watering the house or even the front door. Have your system inspected each year for potential problems.
Now that your system checks out, lets set it up. Grab that rain gauge. Place it in a spray zone. Run the zone until the gauge reaches 1/2 inch. How long did it take? Now that you know, set each zone to run that amount of time. Set your system to run two days per week. Most turf and garden areas only need one inch of water per week. Your system should run in the morning just before dawn. Never water in the evening. Night watering promotes disease and fungus.
Hose method
Yes, the old fashioned oscillating drag around can be a great method. We can't tell you which sprinkler to purchase. But, it is important to use good quality sprinklers and hoses prevent leaks. Make sure that the gaskets are in good condition at the connection points.
Most sprinklers can be connected together to create a chain. If possible it is best to position each sprinkler to overlap the spray from another sprinkler. When using one sprinkler, over lap the area as you move it.
Watch the weather. You need to get one inch per week. If mother nature is not going to help, grab the rain gauge. Place the gauge within the range of your sprinkler. When it fills to 1/4 inch, note the time and move the sprinkler. Remember that you will move the sprinkler so that half of the spray is still hitting the rain gauge. Once the same amount of time has passed, your gauge should be at 1/2 inch. Move the sprinkler in the same fashion until you have covered all desired areas. It is not necessary to move the rain gauge each time. As long you know how long it takes to get to 1/4 inch, and you overlap properly, just pay attention to the time. Most garden supply stores sell timers that can be used on your garden hose.
Water your lawn twice per week. It is important to do this in the early morning. Do not water during the heat of the day or during the evening.
Over watering
Too much water causes many problems. Standing water breeds flies and mosquitoes. Watering twice per week allows the water to soak into the soil. Over watering a lawn that uses fertilizers or pesticides washes the chemicals into groundwater and storm drains. Even if you use organic chemicals on your lawn, why let it wash away. Water aids in soil compaction, root degradation, and fungus.
Good watering schedules are one of the most important things that you can do for your lawn and environment. Save yourself time and money being responsible for your sanctuary.
Remember that your landscape is your sanctuary. Let it bring you peace and keep you grounded. Dream it, build it. If I can help, let me know.
Contact us
This is a simple process that you can do for yourself. All you need is a rain gauge. Whether you are using an automated in-ground system, or the old faithful garden hose sprinkler. We will discuss both types.
In-ground automatic irrigation
This system should be installed by a professional. This system divides your lawn and bed areas into several zones. Each zone uses a series of emitters to either spray or drip water on plants and turf. The system will have a central controller. Most new systems can be controlled using your smart phone or computer.
If a system is used correctly, it can decrease the amount of water used. First, and most important, make sure that your system is installed with a rain delay sensor. If your system is running during the rain, it is a total waste of water.
Second, make sure that all drip emitters and spray heads are clear of debris.
Third, rotating heads should be kept in working condition and not spraying driveways or roads. We have reset many systems that were watering the house or even the front door. Have your system inspected each year for potential problems.
Now that your system checks out, lets set it up. Grab that rain gauge. Place it in a spray zone. Run the zone until the gauge reaches 1/2 inch. How long did it take? Now that you know, set each zone to run that amount of time. Set your system to run two days per week. Most turf and garden areas only need one inch of water per week. Your system should run in the morning just before dawn. Never water in the evening. Night watering promotes disease and fungus.
Hose method
Yes, the old fashioned oscillating drag around can be a great method. We can't tell you which sprinkler to purchase. But, it is important to use good quality sprinklers and hoses prevent leaks. Make sure that the gaskets are in good condition at the connection points.
Most sprinklers can be connected together to create a chain. If possible it is best to position each sprinkler to overlap the spray from another sprinkler. When using one sprinkler, over lap the area as you move it.
Watch the weather. You need to get one inch per week. If mother nature is not going to help, grab the rain gauge. Place the gauge within the range of your sprinkler. When it fills to 1/4 inch, note the time and move the sprinkler. Remember that you will move the sprinkler so that half of the spray is still hitting the rain gauge. Once the same amount of time has passed, your gauge should be at 1/2 inch. Move the sprinkler in the same fashion until you have covered all desired areas. It is not necessary to move the rain gauge each time. As long you know how long it takes to get to 1/4 inch, and you overlap properly, just pay attention to the time. Most garden supply stores sell timers that can be used on your garden hose.Water your lawn twice per week. It is important to do this in the early morning. Do not water during the heat of the day or during the evening.
Over watering
Too much water causes many problems. Standing water breeds flies and mosquitoes. Watering twice per week allows the water to soak into the soil. Over watering a lawn that uses fertilizers or pesticides washes the chemicals into groundwater and storm drains. Even if you use organic chemicals on your lawn, why let it wash away. Water aids in soil compaction, root degradation, and fungus.
Good watering schedules are one of the most important things that you can do for your lawn and environment. Save yourself time and money being responsible for your sanctuary.
Remember that your landscape is your sanctuary. Let it bring you peace and keep you grounded. Dream it, build it. If I can help, let me know.
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