Before your lawn gets sad looks from neighbors and passersby, Chris Swanson, owner of local lawn care company Advanced Irrigation, said there are several simple things homeowners can do to make sure their lawns maintain some green, even if a lack of water prevents you from hydrating your yard as much as you want.
Water early
"If your municipality allows it, water your lawn in the early morning or evening hours. You'll avoid the water evaporating before it gets to the soil. However, don't water too early or late, as doing so can lead to mold."
Mow, don't scalp
"Leaving your grass a little longer will lead to better health for your lawn. While water will still be able to reach the soil, weeds will find it more difficult to take root. Also, when mowing, leave the grass clippings on your lawn instead of bagging them up and disposing of them. These clippings will provide the lawn's soil will essential moisture, oxygen and other nutrients."
Core aeration when needed
"Core aeration is the process of removing small amounts of soil so oxygen and water have the opportunity to aerate the roots. While this won't fix immediate issues, and you might not see results until next year, it is a long-term solution to issues with growth and will it allow it to breathe easier."
Use manual tools for small jobs
"If you need to take care of a minor lawn maintenance issue, don't immediately whip out any tools that are powered by gasoline or else. Manual, hand tools are often better for these jobs and generate no greenhouse gases."
For more summertime lawn care tips, Swanson said readers could visit http://www.advanced-
