Lawn Watering Guide

Over-watering your lawn can often encourage fungal problems

Extended periods of hot weather during the summer can take a toll on your lawn, especially areas that are fully exposed during the day. Without the benefit of an adequate supply of water, your lawn can endure severe stress, making it more susceptible to insects, disease and unsightly browning. A regular watering regimen will solve this problem.

When to Water

Watering your lawn first thing in the morning (even before sunrise) is generally considered the best time to water. By doing so, you'll give the water an opportunity to soak in before it has a chance to evaporate, and any moisture that doesn't take to the soil will be gobbled up by the hot summer sun. If you water in the evening, you run the risk of any excess water sitting on your lawn and fostering fungal damage.

How to Water

Your lawn's roots will only travel as far as the water does, so light watering will result in roots that stay near the surface. Deep watering will therefore encourage deep root growth, so it's extremely important to provide the right amount of water to your lawn. It also means less frequent watering because it will take longer for the soil to dry out. We generally recommend a 1-2 inch application twice a week by watering for 5 minutes, then allowing the water to soak in for 15 minutes, and repeating until the desired amount has been applied. This will not only conserve water, but also reduce runoff.

Watering Devices

If set-up and placed correctly, a sprinkler system will consistently cover your entire lawn and can be programmed to water as frequently as you need it. Just remember that water tends to pool around the base of sprinklers, so rotating their locations even on small lawns is a good idea. If your lawn is too large to be covered by your present amount of sprinklers, either purchase more to ensure total coverage or move them to dry areas after one area has received an appropriate amount of saturation.

Too Much Water

Many people feel that if a little water is good, then more of it must be better. This is not the case when it comes to watering your lawn. In fact, more problems occur from over-watering than under-watering. By applying too much water to your lawn, you can wash away essential nutrients from your lawn and leave pools of unabsorbed water that will encourage fungal spores and disease.

Measuring

Something as simple as a tuna or cat food can will be able to tell you how much water your lawn is getting. Simply place a few cans around the lawn and allow them to collect water while your sprinklers run. Measure the amount of water in the can and multiply by the number of times you water each week to figure out how much water your lawn is getting. Unlike your plants, which will shed rainfall away like an umbrella, openly exposed areas of your lawn will readily soak up this moisture, so remember to include any rain in your calculations.

By employing a sprinkler system that covers your entire lawn and is programmed to deliver an appropriate amount of water in the early morning twice a week, you'll have an effective solution that requires little supervision and provides your lawn with a consistent supply of moisture that will help it thrive through the summer.

Plant for the Planet: The Billion Tree Campaign

People all over the world are joining together in an attempt to plant a billion trees worldwide this year

Are you looking to do a little more for the environment than slapping on another bumper sticker this year? Join the Billion Tree Campaign and help make our world a better place to live.

Plant for the Planet: The Billion Tree Campaign is a major worldwide tree planting campaign sponsored by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Under the campaign, people, communities, business and industry, civil society organizations and governments are encouraged to enter tree planting pledges online with the objective of planting at least one billion trees worldwide during 2007.

A majestic tree can serve as the focal point of your landscape while providing beauty, structure and balance for many, many years. In addition, a tree can also add up to 15% to your residential property value. But most importantly, trees provide many benefits to the environment.

Here are a few facts for you to think about:

• In one year, an average tree produces enough oxygen for a family of four for one year
• One tree will absorb the carbon dioxide from 4 cars every year
• Shade trees can reduce utility bills for air conditioning by 15-50%
• The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day

Over a billion pledges have already been received, but the number of trees actually planted is still far below the target. Help the number rise by joining the cause, planting your own tree and registering it online by clicking here.

To help you get started, we have many large varieties on sale now thru the weekend at 25% OFF. Our experts will help you select the right tree for your location and deliver it right to your door for only $25. Good luck!