June 17th

By Mutt Mulligan

Water wise tips for summer {VIDEO}

It’s that time of year again – summer lawn care season! TurfMutt wants to remind you to be water-wise, whether you live in a drought state or one where you don’t have as many water worries.

Watch this video to learn why TurfMutt thinks green is cool!

Here are a few additional things to keep in mind in about living landscapes, especially if you live in an area that tends to be affected by drought.

• Brown is okay. Especially in drought-challenged areas, we must get out of the mindset that all plants must stay green all the time. Grass will turn brown when it goes into dormancy. But turfgrass is incredibly resilient. It will spring back to green when rain returns.
• Grass cycles. The “lush and plush” lawn is challenging to keep in a severe drought environment. Grass will grow in cycles, “turning on and off,” based on the resources it receives. As water becomes less available, grass will slow down, go dormant and turn brown. But it’s not dead!
• Too much water is bad for grass. Make grass work hard for its water. If watered too much, grass sends its roots horizontally, which makes it lazy. With little water, grass will send its roots deeper, vertically, seeking water. Having to work harder makes grass do a better job of sequestering carbon and releasing oxygen.
• Plant to slow and capture water. Water sheets off hard surfaces, asphalt and other hardscapes in cities and suburbs. Grass and plants will slow down and capture this water.
• Save those clippings! Grass clippings contain 80-85 percent water and decompose quickly.
• Water wisely. Only water your yard when it is necessary. Install watering solutions like smart controllers or irrigation systems that help you use less water, but still permit you to have a living landscape.

Remember nature starts at your backdoor! TurfMutt wants everyone to be a responsible environmental steward. Put the right plant in the right place, and use water wisely.