1. Do not overwater. Most people grossly overwater their lawns. Consider getting a free water audit if your water company offers one, or just turn the sprinkler off and observe the results. If your grass does not spring back when you step on it in the heat of the afternoon, it is time to water. Watering four times a week is too much in most parts of the country.
2. Water deeply. It is better to water deeply than frequently. Many lawns do well with 15 to 20 minutes at a time, once or twice a week. For maximum efficiency, give the water a chance to seep in: Water for 10 minutes, wait 20 minutes and then finish watering.
3. Get adequate coverage. If your sprinkler does not cover a spot, you end up with a dry area or an overwatered lawn.
4. Give the soil breathing room. Aerate your lawn once or twice a year in the spring or fall with a gas- or foot-powered aerator. This loosens the roots and lets water and fertilizers penetrate.
5. Try a lush look. If you keep your grass 3 inches high, it will shade out weeds, denying them the sun they need to grow and take over your lawn.
6. Reduce your lawn size. Less lawn means less watering. Consider a border planted with low-maintenance ground cover instead of grass.
7. Kick the chemical fertilizer habit. Do not pump too many nutrients into your lawn. One fertilization with an organic fertilizer in early fall is plenty.
8. Go natural. Insecticides with ingredients such as vinegar and orange oil are sold at many nurseries and boiling water kills weeds.
9. Keep grass clippings. Rather than removing them, rake them gently over your lawn. They’re free and rich in the plant nutrient nitrogen.
10. Consider low-maintenance grass. Ask your local university extension program or agriculture department to recommend a low-maintenance grass.
CALL BILLINGS REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS.
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