[middleton]Tips for watering your lawn in hot weather
David Shaw
dshaw@town.middleton.wi.us
Mon, 2 Jul 2012 13:39:55 -0500
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Efficient Lawn Watering Practices - General Information from Michigan
State Turf Grass Specialist and the Minnesota Department Of Natural
Resources.
=20
As we have noticed several residents watering their lawns in the middle
of the afternoon, we thought we would pass this along to you. Many of
use simply let our lawns go dormant during hot weather. Others wish to
keep their laws green. The choice is yours. =20
We do understand that for some folks, their schedule does not allow them
to water in the early morning hours. For those of you with irrigation
systems, you may want to change the time when your system turns on.
Michigan State has done extensive research as to best practices for
watering lawns.
=20
=20
Generally, cool-season lawn turf requires 0.5 to 1.5 inches of water per
week. The amount of water you apply will vary depending on the weather
conditions and rainfall events. Periods of high temperatures, coupled
with full sun and high wind will require more water. It is important to
note that the water can come from either rainfall or irrigation. Light,
frequent applications of water are much more productive than heavy
(soaking) applications once a week. Remember that turf roots are
naturally shorter during hot and dry weather and water moved past the
root zone is wasteful and of no benefit. Research at Michigan State
University indicates that damage from certain turf diseases and insects
are reduced when light, frequent (daily) irrigation is used compared to
a heavy, infrequent irrigation. Light, frequent irrigation corresponds
to 0.1 to 0.2 inches of water for each irrigation event. Applying this
amount could correspond to 10-60 minutes of irrigation depending on the
output of your system. The delivery rate and pattern of your irrigation
system can be measured by scattering rain gauges, Tupperware containers,
or tuna fish cans throughout the lawn prior to an irrigation cycle. Turn
on the system for one hour and measure the amount water collected in
each container. Use this information to determine how long it will take
to provide the amount needed. An in-ground irrigation system is more
expensive, but will give better coverage and is easier to use. Hose end
sprinklers are not as easy to use and uniform coverage is a challenge.
Timing of Irrigation
Irrigating between midnight and 6 am can be very effective as it reduces
the time the turf remains moist during the over-night period and may
also be a time of little or no wind. Together, this maximizes the
amount of the water going into the soil and minimizes the amount that
evaporates. In contrast, irrigating during the early evening hours is
one of the worst times to irrigate as this results in the turf remaining
moist for an extended period of time and may increase disease activity.=20
Wrap It All Together for Success
First, choose a level of quality or maintenance for your lawn that is
compatible with your objectives and choose a range of total water needed
(0.5-1.5 inches per week). Determine the specific amount you wish to
apply after making adjustments for weather and soil conditions. Split
the desired amount up into light frequent events.
Be aware of poor distribution when irrigating during periods of high
winds. Additional irrigation cycles may be needed to achieve adequate
distribution and prevent dry spots. On sloping lawns, using shorter
cycles with repetition will permit time for infiltration and reduce the
potential for runoff.
Finally, take control of the sprinkler! Coordinate irrigation with rain
events and don't overload your lawn by irrigating in the rain. Install a
rain over-ride device on your irrigation system to prevent wasting
water. During rainy periods turn off a clock-controlled irrigation
system. Remember that keeping the water where the turf can use it is the
most efficient and environmentally sound program
=20
Adjust sprinklers to water only grass areas and not impervious surfaces
such as streets, driveways and walkways.
Mow grass to a height of 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Taller grass shades the
roots and soil surface, which helps reduce the amount of water that is
lost to evaporation.
Use sprinklers that spray low large drops vs. high fine ones.
Use hand held soakers for small trees, shrubs and plants.
Use shut off nozzles on hoses and repair leaky hoses and fittings.
=20
When to Water
Don't use a fixed schedule for lawn watering. Apply water only when it
is needed. Over watering can promote diseases and affect the health of
the lawn.
Water during the cool part of the day to minimize water lost to
evaporation. Early morning hours (4 a.m. to 8 a.m.) are the best.
Avoid watering during midday hours when it is hot and sunny to prevent
scalding the turf.
=20
Automatic Lawn Watering Systems
An automatic timer is part of most buried sprinkler systems, but can be
added to any sprinkler system for a very low cost. Automatic timers make
it easy to set sprinkling systems to apply specified amounts of water
during the best times of the day.
Set systems to turn on between 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. in the morning.
Set the system to turn on for a maximum of 15 minutes with multiple
sessions to improve water infiltration and reduce runoff.
Equip the system with moisture sensors so the system does not turn on
when it is raining.
=20
New Lawns and Landscaping Alternatives
Adding organic matter before seeding will help improve water and
nutrient retention.
Reduce water requirements by using drought-tolerant grass seed and sod.
Reduce turf areas by planting drought-tolerant trees, shrubs and plants.
=20
=20
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vlink=3Dpurple><div class=3DWordSection1><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none'><b><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Efficient Lawn Watering Practices =
- General Information from Michigan State Turf Grass Specialist and the =
Minnesota Department Of Natural Resources.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt'>As we have noticed several residents watering =
their lawns in the middle of the afternoon, we thought we would pass =
this along to you. Many of use simply let our lawns go dormant =
during hot weather. Others wish to keep their laws green. =
The choice is yours. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none'><span style=3D'font-size:10.0pt'>We do =
understand that for some folks, their schedule does not allow them to =
water in the early morning hours. For those of you with irrigation =
systems, you may want to change the time when your system turns =
on. Michigan State has done extensive research as to best =
practices for watering lawns.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt'>Generally, cool-season lawn turf requires 0.5 =
to 1.5 inches of water per week. The amount of water you apply will vary =
depending on the weather conditions and rainfall events. Periods of high =
temperatures, coupled with full sun and high wind will require more =
water. It is important to note that the water can come from either =
rainfall or irrigation. Light, frequent applications of water are much =
more productive than heavy (soaking) applications once a week. Remember =
that turf roots are naturally shorter during hot and dry weather and =
water moved past the root zone is wasteful and of no benefit. Research =
at Michigan State University indicates that damage from certain turf =
diseases and insects are reduced when light, frequent (daily) irrigation =
is used compared to a heavy, infrequent irrigation. Light, frequent =
irrigation corresponds to 0.1 to 0.2 inches of water for each irrigation =
event. Applying this amount could correspond to 10-60 minutes of =
irrigation depending on the output of your system. The delivery rate and =
pattern of your irrigation system can be measured by scattering rain =
gauges, Tupperware containers, or tuna fish cans throughout the lawn =
prior to an irrigation cycle. Turn on the system for one hour and =
measure the amount water collected in each container. Use this =
information to determine how long it will take to provide the amount =
needed. An in-ground irrigation system is more expensive, but will give =
better coverage and is easier to use. Hose end sprinklers are not as =
easy to use and uniform coverage is a =
challenge.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h3><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Timing of =
Irrigation<o:p></o:p></span></h3><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt'>Irrigating between midnight and 6 am can be =
very effective as it reduces the time the turf remains moist during the =
over-night period and may also be a time of little or no wind. =
Together, this maximizes the amount of the water going into the soil and =
minimizes the amount that evaporates. In contrast, irrigating during the =
early evening hours is one of the worst times to irrigate as this =
results in the turf remaining moist for an extended period of time and =
may increase disease activity. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt'>Wrap It All Together for =
Success<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt'>First, choose a level of quality or =
maintenance for your lawn that is compatible with your objectives and =
choose a range of total water needed (0.5-1.5 inches per week). =
Determine the specific amount you wish to apply after making adjustments =
for weather and soil conditions. Split the desired amount up into light =
frequent events.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt'>Be aware of poor distribution when irrigating =
during periods of high winds. Additional irrigation cycles may be needed =
to achieve adequate distribution and prevent dry spots. On sloping =
lawns, using shorter cycles with repetition will permit time for =
infiltration and reduce the potential for =
runoff.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt'>Finally, take control of the sprinkler! =
Coordinate irrigation with rain events and don't overload your lawn by =
irrigating in the rain. Install a rain over-ride device on your =
irrigation system to prevent wasting water. During rainy periods turn =
off a clock-controlled irrigation system. Remember that keeping the =
water where the turf can use it is the most efficient and =
environmentally sound program<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>Adjust sprinklers to water only =
grass areas and not impervious surfaces such as streets, driveways and =
walkways.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>Mow grass to a height of 2.5 to =
3.5 inches. Taller grass shades the roots and soil surface, which helps =
reduce the amount of water that is lost to =
evaporation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>Use sprinklers that spray low =
large drops vs. high fine ones.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>Use hand held soakers for small =
trees, shrubs and plants.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>Use shut off nozzles on hoses and =
repair leaky hoses and fittings.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><b><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p=
class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><b><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>When to =
Water<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>Don’t use a fixed schedule =
for lawn watering. Apply water only when it is needed. Over watering can =
promote diseases and affect the health of the =
lawn.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>Water during the cool part of the =
day to minimize water lost to evaporation. Early morning hours (4 a.m. =
to 8 a.m.) are the best.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>Avoid watering during midday =
hours when it is hot and sunny to prevent scalding the =
turf.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none'><b><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p=
class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><b><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>Automatic Lawn Watering =
Systems<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>An automatic timer is part of =
most buried sprinkler systems, but can be added to any sprinkler system =
for a very low cost. Automatic timers make it easy to set sprinkling =
systems to apply specified amounts of water during the best times of the =
day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>Set systems to turn on between =
4:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. in the morning.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>Set the system to turn on for a =
maximum of 15 minutes with multiple sessions to improve water =
infiltration and reduce runoff.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>Equip the system with moisture =
sensors so the system does not turn on when it is =
raining.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><b><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>New Lawns and Landscaping =
Alternatives<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>Adding organic matter before =
seeding will help improve water and nutrient =
retention.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>Reduce water requirements by =
using drought-tolerant grass seed and sod.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>Reduce turf areas by planting =
drought-tolerant trees, shrubs and plants.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>
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