"I water all the time and my lawn still looks terrible!"
This is the most common complaint from many of my clients that have been calling during this hot and dry period. When I respond to the call I first look to make sure that the sprinklers are coming on and running. Second, I check the program to see that the watering is more frequent and for a longer run time. July is the hottest and driest month of the year. Lawn and plants are under great stress to stay healthy and look their best.
Here are the top 10 problems I find :
1. Not watering enough. The average evapotranspiration rate of a plant on a sunny hot day could be 0.25"/day or greater. Equal amounts of water need to be replaced with an irrigation cycle. Check the coverage of the sprinkler heads and make sure that they are covering from one sprinkler head to the next sprinkler head and overlap each other.
2. The water pressure may be to low to allow sprinklers to operate properly due to high demand by all consumers during specific times of the day.
3. Watering during the day when sun is the strong and evaporates most of the water before it penetrates into the soil.
4. Lawns are cut too short. Grass should be cut 3" and higher each time it is mowed in the summer. Cutting it shorter that 3" allows sunlight to bake the soil and roots.
5. The soil has very low organic matter and has very little water holding capacity.
6. The soil is very heavy and hard and does not allow water to infiltrate.
7. The turf has not been core aerated and therefore is compacted and will not allow water, air, and nutrients to penetrate into the root zone.
8. Lawn has a fungus due to high heat and humidity. E.g. summer patch
9. Lawn has insect problem. e.g. chinch bugs, grubs.
Here are some suggestions to provide relief to your lawn during this time:
1. Increase the amount of time you run each cycle.
2. Run multiple cycles (2 - 3) per day to allow water to soak into soil.
3. Check to make sure all the sprinklers are working properly.
4. Check to make sure each zone comes on during an automatic cycle
5. Check your water pressure during different times of the day and operate you sprinkler system during the highest pressure. If you can't obtain 50psi - 60psi then you may have to install a booster pump.
6. Have your lawn cut at 3" height or higher. The longer the blade of grass the deeper the root.
7. Make sure the lawn mower blade is sharp.
8. Use organic controls only. These products are safe and most have no long lasting residue.
9. Wait until Labor Day to renovate your lawn. No sense doing it now as it is too hot.
10. Have your soil tested for pH, % organic matter, mineral content, etc and then treat accordingly.
The science of growing and maintaining a lawn has advanced rapidly and is rather simple if you follow a simple basic plan. Start with the right foundation of soil, water, and nutrients. Think "soil" when improving your lawn. Amend your soil with the proper nutrients and complete with the correct watering and your lawn will be the picture of beauty.
Should you have any questions on how to help reduce the stress your lawn feel free to contact us at 631.423.2211 or email us.
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