With watering restrictions in place from the beginning of the growing season, all of us have concerns on what this means for our lawns. First off, I’d like to applaud the efforts that customers, cities, and businesses are making to conserve our precious resource.
Holding off on turning on the secondary water until mid-May was a wise decision. Roots grow in moist soil, therefore with infrequent moisture entering the soil from above, the roots must follow the water being pulled downward. This results in a deeper root system, which is crucial to success in the summer months. The best time for allowing our lawns to dry out is while temperatures, especially at night, are cooler.
Some have questioned if letting the lawn die is the best decision for this year. My response to this is: If all you see in grass is the green color, than you are really missing turfs benefits! Consider these 4 benefits:
- Natural cooling: If a sidewalk is 100°, nearby turf can be 75°; a full 25° lower! Just think what this does to your home’s temperature and cooling needs.
- Erosion control: A lawn’s fibrous root system holds soil in place. Heavy rains and winds can’t move the soil as easily when it’s covered in turf.
- Water filtering: Healthy lawns are efficient water filters, keeping debris and other pollutants out of the drainage systems.
- Oxygen producing: Studies have shown that an average lawn provides oxygen for a family of four.
Our lawns may not provide the beautiful green, lush color this year however we still advocate for keeping the lawn alive and healthy as possible. Kentucky Bluegrass is found natively in our foothills and mountains for centuries and it’s still there with no sprinkling system at all, other than Mother Nature. Lawns have been made to look like the enemy, but its benefits far outweigh its beauty.
Thank you for your confidence in us.
Blake Moore
Owner