International Commission on Irrigation & Drainage Commission Interationale des Irrigation et du Drainage



Green Lawn Irrigation

Green lawn irrigation not only saves water and helps the environment; it results in a healthier landscape.Turf management studies have shown that most lawns only need to be watered every 4 to 8 days, yet many homeowners irrigate much more frequently.

 

One of the key concepts in green lawn irrigation is that plants that are watered deeply create deeper, healthier root systems. By reducing the number of lawn irrigation days, and increasing the duration of watering, a healthy, stable lawn can be created.

One or two good sessions a week should provide enough water for the lawn, but runoff should be watched as the duration of irrigation is increased. If puddles or water draining off the lawn is noticed, watering time should be broken into shorter cycles with a 15 or 30-minute break in between.

 

A regular schedule of fertilizer will give grass the energy to develop into strong, healthy turf, reducing lawn irrigation needs. Fertilize cool season grass in the spring and fall. Fertilize warm season grass in the early and late summer.

 

Make sure the blade of the mower is sharp and cut grass a bit longer. Long grass blades promote deep roots and provide shade to reduce heat stress. Mowing early in the day reduces the stress created by mowing.

 

Inspect the lawn irrigation system regularly. Replace broken or leaky sprinkler heads. Check for tilted or misaligned heads and adjust as needed.

 

Clogged heads will reduce the lawn irrigation coverage area and wastewater. Inspect and clean sprinkler heads to remove accumulated grit or plant debris.

 

Lawn irrigation systems that are run under too much pressure produce mist instead of droplets. Mist is carried away by the wind and never reaches your lawn.

 

In warm weather, adjust the lawn irrigation system to only water at night. Water loss will be less due to evaporation by avoiding daytime watering.

 

Override the lawn irrigation in windy or rainy weather. Wind will cause uneven watering and rain is free water-don't duplicate the effort.

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