Page 7 - RVO Home Lawn Garden 2016

RIVER VALLEY & OZARK EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRATGAZETTE • HOME, LAWN & GARDEN
SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016 7VV
Avoid watering your lawn during the middle of the day when summer heat is at its highest.This will keep the water from evaporating before it gets to the lawn.
and efficient way to water a lawn, then you’ll likely rely on a sprinkler to keep your lawn looking lush through the summer months. When choosing a sprinkler, look for one that shoots water out horizontally as opposed to vertically. A vertical sprinkler system is more vulnerable to wind and evaporation than one that shoots water out horizontally, so make sure your sprinkler system is sending water into your lawn and not into summer breezes.
➤ Avoid overwatering.
How much water your lawn needs in the summertime depends on a host of factors, including where you live and how often rain falls in that region. Over- watering can promote the growth of fungus and adversely affect your lawn’s root system, making it difficult for roots to grow deep. Speak with a local landscaping professional to determine how often you should water your lawn each week.
➤ Strategically position your sprinklers.
When choosing where to put down your sprinklers, hook them up to your hose, turn them on, and then watch to see where the water is going. Areas that are exposed to sun are most in need of water, so make sure the bulk of your wa- ter isn’t going to shaded areas beneath trees. In addition, make sure you aren’t wasting water on sidewalks, patios and driveways. Sprinklers should be positioned so that none of the water shooting out is landing on surfaces that don’t need water. It sounds simple, but too often, homeowners drop their sprinklers down, turn them on and then walk away without waiting to see where the water is landing. Position sprinklers or adjust sprinkler heads so that all the water is landing on your lawn.
Keeping a lawn lush and green at the height of summer requires homeowners to adopt effective strategies. Such strategies can make the difference between a lush landscape and one that succumbs to summer heat.
— Courtesy of Metro Creative