WATER WATER WATER !!

One of the most crucial cultural practices we can adopt at this time is watering our lawns and trees and shrubs. I have observed and heard this issue repeatedly throughout the year.

Leaving the irrigation off at the controller and stating, “I don’t need to water now because we’ve had so much rain.”

Let us consider these matters one by one. When the irrigation system is activated, whether you do it yourself or hire a service to do it on a schedule (usually in mid-to-late March), it is advisable to start an early program. Most controllers allow you to have more than one, typically 3-4. Take the time to understand the system and learn how to program it. Many controllers now have Wi-Fi capabilities, making it much simpler and more convenient. Even during the March-April period, it is essential to water your lawn, even if it is rainy. Program the system to provide a 1/4 inch of water per week. A rain gauge can assist you in determining how much water you are reaching the lawn. Deep watering is crucial to ensure that the water penetrates the soil as deeply as possible.

It is important to water your lawn, as excessive rainfall can be detrimental. I have observed numerous instances where customers had the controller off in mid-to-late June, despite receiving ample rainfall. They would call and inquire why their turf appeared pale or lacked its usual vibrant green color. I used a 6-inch screwdriver and could not penetrate the ground more than 2 inches.That turf has been getting fed since March and in some cases late January. It had utilized all its available energy resources, including the rain received in April.

It is usually straightforward to replenish the water supply, but watering more than usual to catch up is not cost-effective. If you are in mid-July and notice drought stress indicators, you will not be able to catch up with the high water bill, which could lead to frustration and abandonment. However, September is approaching, and it is time to replenish the turf with overseeding, which involves watering 2-3 times a day for 3 weeks.

In summary, we must adhere to some simple steps and follow a few basic rules to ensure that we are maximizing the benefits of watering. 

**Utilize a Rain Gauge:**

* **Daily Water Measurement:** Measure the amount of water that accumulates in your lawn over a day or week by turning on your irrigation system for 30 minutes and recording the water collected. Then, calculate the average water input per day or week.

* **Optimal Watering Schedule:** In the absence of rainfall, aim for an inch of water per week. This can be achieved by watering your lawn deeply and less frequently. For example, 45 minutes to an hour of watering per session, spread over 2-3 days of the week, is more effective than 10-15 minutes of daily watering.

* **Early Morning Watering:** Water your lawn early in the morning, ideally between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM. This allows the grass blades to dry before nightfall, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

* **Avoid Late Afternoon and Evening Watering:** Late afternoon and evening watering can promote fungal diseases in all grass types, not just tall fescue, which is prevalent in Middle Tennessee. Stagnant water on the grass blades overnight can lead to mold and mildew growth, similar to leaving a wet rag under the sink for an extended period.

**Share Your Experiences:**

We welcome any feedback or insights from individuals who have successfully implemented these watering techniques. Until next time,

**Keep it Green**

Lee

Greener Solutions TN