Summer Watering Tips
Many
people are experiencing brown or straw coloring on their
lawns.
During this is not unusual. However, many people attempt
to correct the
problem by increasing the amount of water they apply.
This may lead to
wasting water without receiving benefits.
In some cases, improper or infrequent fertilization may
be the culprit.
In the Rocky Mountain region, most lawns are comprised
of cool- season
grasses. For cool-season grasses (Kentucky bluegrasses,
fescues), it's
best to aerate and fertilize the lawn before the grass
gets going in
April. If you choose to fertilize only once, feed in the
fall - if
twice, then in spring and fall. If you desire a green
lawn from spring
to fall, then fertilize four times per year, early
spring, late spring,
late summer and mid-fall.
Another common problem is the manner in which water is
being delivered
to your lawn. You may be missing spots. You may be
watering during the
day when much of the water is evaporated. To conserve
water and water
most efficiently, water uniformly, deeply and
infrequently in the early
morning or evening hours. You may verify watering
uniformity by
utilizing 4 to 6 flat-bottomed, straight-sided cans as
gauges with a
ruler and a watch. Arrange the gauges at random
distances away from any
sprinkler, but all within the area you assume is being
covered. Run the
sprinkler for a specific time (pop-up spray heads 15
minutes, rotors –
30 minutes). Then measure the amount of water in each
can, checking for
uniformity. Some variation is expected, but a difference
of 10 percent
or more between any two gauges must be addressed by
adjusting your
sprinkler coverage, or repairing the sprinkler heads.
Other problems may require the assistance of a
professional. The Rocky
Mountain Sod Growers Association is comprised of experts
who use science
and experience to provide quality advice concerning sod
installation,
lawn care and water conservation.
For more information, please contact one of our members.
Is Sod a
Good Choice For Our Environment?
Absolutely. Sod cools and cleans the atmosphere by
reflecting the sun’s heat and
absorbing noises, carbon dioxide and other harmful
pollutants. It releases valuable oxygen and moisture
into the air we breathe. As it grows, sod silently
contributes to a healthier environment.
Conserving
water while maintaining a healthy lawn is easy if you
consult the experts. Don’t waste water – learn how to
apply the appropriate amount of water, for your lawn
type, by reviewing the information contained within this
site.
Information contained within this site was compiled
through the expertise of the Rocky Mountain Sod Growers
Association in conjunction with:
Dr. Tony Koski, Extension Turf Specialist
at Colorado State University.
Brent Mecham, Landscape Water Management & Conservation
Specialist at Northern Colorado Water Conservation
District.


What is the Rocky Mountain Sod Growers Association (RMSGA)?
RMSGA is
committed to providing top quality service throughout
the Rocky Mountain region. Our members stay current on
the latest scientific trends to ensure that our products
remain beneficial to the environment while meeting the
needs of our customers.
Members of
the RMSGA believe that professional integrity, quality
service, products, and cooperation are the key
essentials to promoting the industry and supporting
customers.
Be sure to
look for the RMSGA logo