“Summerize” Your Landscape

“Summerize” Your Landscape

Mother Nature has been very generous to us with beautiful spring-like weather, moderate temperatures and bountiful rain. Anyone who has spent more than one summer in South Texas knows that a hot summer is not too distant in the future. There are things that can be done to prepare for our scorching heat that will be here before we know it. Here are some steps you can take now to prepare for the blistering heat that lies ahead.

Amend your soil!

Plants need good deep soil that holds moisture and drains well too. Healthy soils produce healthy landscapes. Compost added improves soil conditions and increases water holding capacity of the soil. Mulch your trees and plants to give them an added boost. A generous layer of mulch will conserve moisture. It conserves moisture by reducing evaporation of water from the soil surface; and prevents compaction by reducing soil crusting during irrigation. It also moderates soil temperature and suppresses weeds. Weeds can rob the soil of moisture. Apply 3-5 inches of mulch for best results.

Reduce fertilizer!

Avoid fertilizing your turf in the summer. Fertilizing spurs new growth, increasing the need for water. Summer blooming plants will still need to be fertilized.

Treat pests and diseases!

Heat and drought stressed plants are more susceptible to pests and diseases. Use the least toxic method to avoid contamination from filtration into the ground or run-off. Always follow directions on the label.

Check out your irrigation system!

If you have an in-ground sprinkler system, check for leaks and make sure heads are directed where you want them. Turn the system on manual instead of relying on a pre-set schedule. Check hoses and sprinklers to make sure they are in good working order. Replace or repair as needed. You might also qualify for a rebate. Click here.

Mow for Water Efficiency!

Set your mower at the highest setting! Taller grass has a more extensive root system that is able to draw more water from underground. Mow St. Augustine at 2½-3½ inches, Bermuda at 1½-2½ inches, Zoysia at 3-3½ inches, and Buffalo at 4-5 inches. This aids in root development and cools the soil.

Leave grass clippings on the lawn. Clippings restore nutrients to the soil and minimize water loss due to evaporation.

Keep mower blades sharp. Ragged grass blades can lead to diseased lawns. Healthy lawns are able to use water more efficiently.

Make Every Drop Count!

Water efficiently. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deeper root growth. A deeper root system is able to utilize every drop of available moisture during hot, dry periods. Do not apply water any faster than the soil will soak it up. Select the best method of application for your soil type and plant requirements.

During the hot summer months our lawns transpire large amounts of water. A plant transpires water out of its leaves much the same way our bodies perspire to stay cool. This process keeps the flow of water and nutrients moving through the plant’s roots, stems and leaves.

Most people either under- or over-water. Light daily sprinklings are applied that only settle the dust and wet the soil to a depth of less than one inch. This does little to help drought stress of plants growing in hot, dry soil. It is most beneficial to water deeply to a depth of 5-6 inches. Moisture is able to penetrate deep into the soil where roots can readily absorb it.

Some water so much they drown plants. Too much water causes oxygen deficiency in the soil. Plant roots need oxygen to live. It soil remains soggy little oxygen is present. Roots die and can no longer absorb water. The plant then begins to show signs of insufficient water. Many times this is mistaken for lack of water and more water is added. To prevent this, feel the soil around the plant where the roots are located. For best results, deeply water, and allow plants to use most of the water before watering again.

How Much Do I Water?

During the hot summer months it is a good idea to give your trees and shrubs a good deep soaking if it has not rained at least 1 inch in 2-3 weeks. Apply 1 inch of water to make sure the water reaches deep into the roots. Water around and just beyond the canopy to encourage extensive root systems that are able to withstand our hot and dry summers.

Appropriate watering is perhaps the most important factor contributing to turf quality. Watering too much and too often encourages shallow rooted grass which will not withstand the extreme heat of our summers. No irrigation results in brown and dormant turf that is not acceptable to most homeowners.

Turf should be watered when the moisture in the soil is nearly depleted. When very little water is left in the soil, the turf will show signs of stress. Some of the signs of stress include leaf blade curling, wilting, discoloration and footprints left after being stepped on.

Water once every 5 to 7 days, wetting the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches. Watering deeply encourages deep roots that are better able to withstand our harsh weather conditions.

How Do I Know How Much is Enough?

To gauge how much water you are applying, set straight sided cans around the lawn in various places. Turn the sprinkler or irrigation system on. Note how long it takes to collect 1 inch of water in the cans. This will also give you an indication of the uniformity of your irrigation system.

When Do I Water?

The best time to water is early morning. There is less chance of evaporation because the wind is usually calm and temperature is low. Strong winds may carry the water over to the neighbor’s yard. Late evening is the worst time to water because the turf stays wet all night, making it more susceptible to disease.

Taking a little time to “summerize” your landscape now will save you time and money on your water bill.