Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Orem Lawn Care Methods Help Conserve Water

By Paulette Mason


Utah boasts some of the most stunningly beautiful natural scenery in North America. To the east of the Great Salt Lake, small towns have matured into bustling cities, with increasing numbers of people choosing to live at the base of the Wasatch mountains. As is the case throughout the American West, growth demand for water is exceeding supplies. Orem lawn care practices create beautiful results without wasting limited resources.

The tradition of a wide expanse of grass surrounding a home is quintessentially American, and works best in ecosystems supporting a wide variety of growing plants, including grass. While a lush, English-style garden may fit an ideal, it does not translate well to arid locations, and can be expensive to maintain. Keeping grass healthy year round in a dry climate generally takes more time and effort than it does elsewhere.

The most common seed blend used by homeowners is Kentucky Bluegrass, which thrives best in temperatures below eighty-five degrees. When summer heat rises above that level, water stress becomes commonplace, leaving the expanse of grass burnt and yellowed. In a season of bountiful rain, additional watering can help preserve a lush, green appearance, but home gardeners must still practice conservation.

The drought currently strangling most Western states cannot be easily ignored, and many people are seriously questioning the wisdom of using precious water in a sprinkler system. In order to become optimally healthy, most varieties of grass require around one inch of water each week, which may be moderated by local rainfall. Homeowners are usually careful to monitor runoff, which is nearly impossible to avoid.

For the best results, timers for sprinklers should activate the system in the early hours before dawn. Grounds with several water stations are most effectively hydrated in around thirty minutes, and the early hour allows plants to absorb liquid before the most intense heat. Watering in the evening is not recommended, because it spurs the growth of fungi, creating circular barren spots.

Because soils in the region are not always ideal for many grass varieties, regular fertilization is necessary. Bluegrass needs about 2.5 pounds of nitrogen-rich fertilizer for every 1000 square feet of turf, creating a lush appearance. Too much can lead to yellow-tipped areas as the existing root system becomes overwhelmed. Excess application may also cause fertilizer burn, ultimately causing thinning.

A vivid patch of green is a magnet for some insects, including white grubs, sod webworms, billbugs and many others. While very effective, pesticide use often kills without discrimination, eliminating insect predators as well as their favorite targets. Without firm controls, pesticide use degrades the environment. They can be a useful and valuable tool, but should be used as a last resort.

Homeowners often find that a hiring local landscaping service is an excellent way to evaluate and control all aspects of lawn growth, care and management, which saves time and eliminates guesswork. From sprinkler systems to regular fertilization, pest, and weed control, lawn care services help homeowners maintain ideal outdoor appearances while helping conserve precious water.




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