Lawns, the green we love to obsess over - watering certainly makes them green, but here are some ideas for doing a few other things to help your lawn and use less water at the same time.

When seeding, select a blend of grass seed that is suitable to your region and climate. Consider using alternatives, such as ground covers, where grass is underperforming. Adjust the height of the mower blades based on the conditions - higher in the dry season, lower when it’s rainier. Cut only the top third of the grass blades and leave the clippings where they fall to provide a layer of mulch that will slow water evaporation, choke out weeds, and provide a dose of nitrogen. This will not only promote deeper roots, which help retain moisture and nutrients, but will also help maintain density, which plays a role in keeping diseases and weeds at bay. To maximize water retention in the soil and prevent water run-off, aerate your lawn in the spring and fall.

If you must water your lawn, use rain gauges to help measure the amount of water your lawn is receiving. In general, a lawn requires about one inch of water a week. Ideally, the water should be applied slowly so that it soaks down to about one foot in the soil. Frequent light waterings should be avoided, since they encourage shallow roots and render them susceptible to drying out.

Published Courtesy of Lee Valley Tools Ltd., www.leevalley.com

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