November 2nd

By Mutt Mulligan

Make a plan for your living landscape

Even if yard work season is wrapping up in your neck of the woods, it’s never too early to start making a TurfMutt-approved plan for your yard come spring.

Many people in California and other areas of the country that are ravaged by drought are concerned about their lawns and the impact they have on water use. But TurfMutt wants to remind you: you can have a grass lawn and be water-conscious. It’s all about planting the right kind of grass and planning for your lawn’s care and maintenance.

You have a little extra time now that you’re not mowing each week. So why not set aside a few minutes to make a plan for your yard to succeed in spring?

First, know your zone and find a species of grass that is drought-tolerant. Bermuda, Zoysia, Kikuyu, St. Augustine, Seashore paspalum and Buffalo grass are warm-season grasses that can handle heat and use far less water than other types. These grasses go brown (or dormant) in the winter. But they will green up again in the spring. Bonus benefit! They can also handle the foot traffic of kids and pets.

Second, know the rules. Check with your local government about water rules where you live so you can follow them.

Lastly, know how often you need to water your lawn. Many people think when it gets hot they need to irrigate daily. But this isn’t true! No lawn needs to be watered that often. And drought-tolerant grasses may only need to be watered 1-3 times each week. Spend some time now learning the water recommendations for your grass, so you can be prepared when warm weather returns.

To learn more about the importance and benefits of living landscapes, go to LivingLandscapesMatter.com.