It’s Smart Irrigation Month!

Jul 7, 2014

Alaris Properties LLCJuly is typically the month of peak water demands, so the Irrigation Association named July as Smart Irrigation Month to increase awareness about simple practices and innovative technologies for homeowners. By watering efficiently you can save money, save water and see better results. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Turn on your irrigation system and walk around the yard to look for emitters or sprinkler heads that are broken, clogged, or misaligned.
2. Convert sprinkler nozzles to rotating nozzles which spread heavy droplets of water at a slower pace, making them more targeted and effective.
3. Water early in the morning to reduce the evaporation rate.
4. If water runs off your yard, split your watering times into two or more sessions.
5. Put a rain gauge in your yard. If you get 3/4 to 1 inch of rain in a week, you can skip your next lawn watering.
6. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots. The amount varies with soil type, but a good guide is to apply no more than one inch of water every time, which is enough to soak the soil to between 6 and 10 inches.

How often should you water? Water only when your turf is stressed from lack of water. How can you tell? Step on it. If you leave distinct footprints or the grass doesn’t spring back, it’s time to water. As long as you apply one inch of water (don’t forget to include any rainfall) each time you water, then no more than once a week is typically enough to keep your lawn green throughout the summer.

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