Are you KILLING your lawn with 'KINDNESS'?
Effects of poor watering habits
This homeowner turns on the sprinkler system every day. Not only is this unnecessary, it is damaging the landscape. On average, Wasatch Front homeowners apply twice as much water as needed by their lawn. Watering every day promotes shallow rooting and weed germination. The photo to the left shows too much water being applied too quickly (high precipitation rate), causing excessive runoff. The water is probably carrying fertilizer with it, polluting the rivers and wasting the homeowner's money.
More poor watering habit effects:
Trees demand different treatment than the lawn
Trees and shrubs have different water requirements than lawn turf. Ideally, sprinkler systems are designed with separate stations for lawn areas and garden areas to accommodate these different demands.
Tree 'feeder' roots grow in the upper 12" of soil. Elimination of competing plants in a young tree's drip zone will promote faster establishment and vigorous growth. A layer of organic mulch in the drip zone helps keep soil aerated and assists with water infiltration.
Trees need less frequent irrigation than turf. To water trees properly, irrigate deeply (allowing the water to penetrate 12" deep) then allow the soil to drain and dry for several days. A healthy soil environment includes 25% 'pore space' (air pockets) so tree roots can 'breathe'.
During the hottest part of summer, deep water your trees about every 1 to 2 weeks. Use a soaker hose or a drip line in the tree root zone and allow water to infiltrate into the soil 12" deep.
If your trees are within the lawn sprinkler area, try to refrain from watering your lawn too often. Even during the hottest part of summer, you should not need to water every day. Give your trees a deep watering every 2 to 3 weeks; lawn can compete with the tree for moisture quite successfully.
Learn more about watering trees and shrubs by reading the Utah State University Extension publication, "Efficient Irrigation of Trees and Shrubs", at http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/HG-523.pdf
Weed Invasion
Watering too frequently creates a weed-friendly habitat. Weed seeds are able to germinate and grow readily when the lawn surface is moistened often.
Ideally, your lawn's topsoil should dry at least one inch deep before more water is applied.
Learn more about weeds and weed control at:
Weed Control
Basic Turfgrass Care
Unsightly bleaching and salt accumulation on wood fences blemish a landscape. Sprinkler heads must be properly adjusted to avoid spraying on fences and buildings.Efficient irrigation saves more than water. Proper watering saves money, time, fertilizer, pesticides, effort, and frustration.
Inefficient irrigation results in a multitude of landscape problems, including:
- shallow rooting of turf
- increased weed germination and invasion
- dry spots and wet spots
- deterioration of concrete sidewalks, driveways, and curbs
- increased fungal infestations
- waterlogged tree and shrub roots
Inefficient irrigation COSTS MONEY by:
- increasing your water bill
- requiring more weed control
- concrete sidewalk and driveway repairs
- tree and shrub replacements
Learn how to water your lawn EFFICIENTLY
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