Drought Updates

The current restriction of watering landscapes is two days per week. The lawn may exhibit some stress but will still be reasonably healthy with perhaps some damage that can easily be repaired once rain returns. The bottom line is there is no need to fear or give up on your lawn unless you choose to do so. The goal is simply to keep it alive over the summer months. It may help to know the tremendous environmental benefits of turfgrass (and landscaping) especially cleaning and cooling our air. Click on this link for more information: The Lawn Institute.

Lawn Doctor is your lawn drought specialist. Our customers who monitor sprinkler schedules closely report they use 15% to 20% less lawn water just by having our service. We are always working on new strategies and technologies to help further. Rest assured we will be able to keep your lawn alive even with these additional restrictions. The following is a summary of tips to reduce lawn/landscape water use and get through the drought to protect the investment in your property.

In addition to Lawn Doctor services there are other things you can do to help with landscape water conservation.

    1. First and foremost, make sure your irrigation system is in a good state of repair: Leaks and/or poor distribution wastes water and creates increased need to achieve the desired results. On the other hand, a system in good operating condition saves water. It may be a good time for a “tune-up”. Head-to-head sprinkler coverage is essential to minimizing the effects of water restrictions!

    2. Upgrade sprinkler nozzles to the newer efficiency models that save water. The added benefit is their exemption from the current time limitation for each watering cycle. Also, there are rebates which keep the cost low.

 

    1. Landscape areas generally require less frequent water than lawn areas: The general rule is landscape plants should be watered about half as often as lawns unless there is a special need. Use a separate program on the irrigation controller for areas with different need. Everything on the same schedule wastes water. Schedule each sprinkler station according to actual need: each lawn and landscape has varying needs based on the type of plants and growing conditions. Schedule differently for areas of sun vs. shade, small plants vs. trees and newer vs. mature plants. This saves water and is healthier for the plants too.

    2. Utilize a “cycle and soak” irrigation strategy. Instead of one sprinkler cycle for your allotted minutes, break it into two or three separate starts spaced 30 minutes to one hour apart. Always in the early morning.

    3. Hand watering dry spots on the lawn is allowed by most water districts as long as the hose has a positive shut-off nozzle. Also, capturing shower warm up water in a bucket is a great way to give special need plants more water.

 

    1. Update your mowing practices: most lawns in our area are tall fescue grass and often mowed too short. The proper mow height is minimum 3 inches. This allows for a thicker and healthier lawn but also reduces water loss by shading soil. If the lawn should become stressed then also mow less often. Mowers should “grass cycle” or mulch the grass clippings back onto the lawn which also contributes to lawn health. Grass clippings should never end up in the landfills.  If you have a gardener, make sure they know this!

 

    1. Consider eliminating unused or impractical areas of lawn such as sides of driveway or down the back side of the house where nobody ever goes. Add mulch to landscape areas to retain moisture. Reduce edging to keep thick grass up to the very edge of the lawn. There should be no exposed soil in and around the lawn and landscape.

 

  1. For a more creative idea consider some sail shades (approx $30) to put up over lawn areas in the back yard. This not only shades and cools the lawn to save water but also gives the area a great summer look!

At Lawn Doctor, we care about saving water and helping our customers have healthy and beautiful lawns. These two things go hand in hand with just a little effort and the benefits are great. If you have any questions or would like more information about these water saving tips please contact us.
Click on the link for your water district for the latest drought restrictions.

 

Oceanside Water Division
Carlsbad Water Division
San Dieguito Water District
Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Santa Fe Irrigation District
Vista Irrigation District
Vallecitos Water District
Fallbrook Public Utility District

Call 760.967.7800 to schedule your FREE On-Site evaluation today.