Water by the thermometer, not the calendar

Fall is a critical time for lawn care and moisture. Hopefully, you shut down your irrigation system prior to the hard freeze and snow we just had, but your landscape still needs care. We are still experiencing drought, and taking care of your plants now can ensure that they return to their full splendor next spring.

Keep watering
Keep watering even after the system is winterized. Haul out the hose and sprinkler and keep watering as needed as long as temps are warm. Don’t water when a hard freeze is expected. Freezing temperatures can result in damage to your plants.

Water by temperature, not by date
Water when the air and soil are 40 degrees or above—and only water then. Don’t water when there are freezing temperatures, which can result in damage to your plants. Don’t water if there is snow covering the lawn. Water mid-day to avoid an overnight freeze that can damage your turf.

If your lawn is moving into dormancy and drying out, make sure it gets sufficient water. Push a screwdriver into the soil to see how hard the soil is. It should go down several inches and easily. Dry ground will be difficult to push through. If that’s the case, then you need to water.

Follow these steps and you will be promoting a healthier lawn that over time will require less water.