Although the earth is made up of nearly 70% water, only approximately 2.5% of that is fresh. Thinking about all that you use water for- consumption, bathing, cleaning, irrigation, etc- now multiply that by 7.6 billion people! Unfortunately, that ratio does not appear to be in our favor. So, what can you do to help? Water conservation is important year round, but especially in the peak months of summer. That is why the irrigation association chose July to promote the social, economic, and environmental benefits of efficient irrigation systems. So before you leave your sprinkler running all day long, check out these tips on how you can efficiently keep your grass green all summer long, while doing your part to conserve water!
All soils are different:
Not all soils absorb water at the same speed. It is important to first determine your soil type, and test how long it takes to penetrate. A good rule of thumb is to soak the soil 6 inches down to reach the depth of a healthy grass root. Time how long this takes in your yard, and use that duration of time each time you water.
Don’t overwater:
This is not only wasting water, but it could also be damaging your lawn! Some people believe that when it hits extreme temperatures outside, they should be watering their grass excessively to keep it green. Overwatering can actually promote weed growth, disease, and fungus. Watering 2-3 times per week is sufficient. Remember to only saturate your lawn enough to get the roots, and give the soil time to dry!
Timing is everything:
The best time of day to water your lawn is early in the morning. Watering during the day is less efficient, as you could be losing up to 30% of your water due to evaporation from high temperatures. Watering at night can be dangerous, as the water will cling to the blades of grass at night, causing potential lawn disease. Try to water between 4am-10am for best results.
Location, location, location!
How many times have you been walking on a sidewalk, and had to dodge the water coming from a sprinkler? This is one of the biggest ways that people are wasting water, without even batting an eye. When placing your sprinkler, be sure that it is in a place where it is ONLY watering your lawns, plants, and greenery. Avoid putting it in a place that will be watering your driveway, cars, sidewalk, patio, or house.
Contact Done Right Landscape
Done Right Landscape has provided the Boston and North Shore area with top of the line irrigation systems for over 30 years. Our team specializes in underground irrigation systems for lawns and gardens, landscape lighting and drainage systems. To learn more about how we can help you, fill out our contact form or call us today!