How To: Keep Lawns Hydrated in Summer Heat

It’s summertime in Cumming, and the living is…hot!

As homeowners are anxious to protect their yards from the elements – and protect their wallets from sky-high water bills – offers expert tips on smart watering. Most homeowners actually overwater their lawn and garden. Experienced green thumbers and budding landscapers alike can take the guesswork out of gardening with waterwise gardening and make their luxe summer lawns the envy of the neighborhood.

Waterwise Tip #1: Water in the early morning to reduce evaporation

• Water between the hours of 6 a.m. & 10 a.m.
• This will cut evaporation, saving you money and conserving water.

Waterwise Tip #2: Switch from overhead sprinklers to soaker hoses 

• Soaker hoses conserve water by dripping water right to the roots of the plant.
• Snake the soaker hose throughout the garden placing it about a foot away from the base of shrubs.

Waterwise Tip #3: Adjust timers on automatic sprinklers

• Most sprinklers are programmed to water too often. Set your timer to water longer for a deep watering
• You want to water until right before you start to see run off
• If plants show signs of stress such as wilting or yellowing add another watering to your schedule

Waterwise Tip #4: Use water wands with a trigger

• When watering container gardens, hanging baskets or other small areas use a water wand with a trigger.
• Allows you to water only the plants and not the pavement or ground between plants.
• Make sure to water each plant thoroughly so water penetrates to the root system.

Waterwise Tip #5: Reduce lawn watering

• Most homeowners water their lawns too much. Reduce your total watering by as much as 50 percent - lawn will be healthier and just as lush and green.
• This may mean skipping one lawn watering each week.
• Never restart the entire automatic watering cycle to water a dry patch - select the appropriate station and run manually.

Waterwise Tip #6: Mulch to conserve soil moisture

• Using mulch in your garden reduces weed germination, retains moisture and reduces the need for watering.
• There are a variety of mulches to fit any look:

          o   Cedar Mulch

          o   Colored Mulch

          o   Pine Bark

Waterwise Tip #7: Adjust watering seasonally

• Adjust the time and frequency of automatic sprinklers seasonally.
• Turn automatic sprinkler system off during rainy periods.
  

Plant Type

Watering Time

Small Shrubs 
(4 feet or less in height)

One minute/5 gallons

Large Shrubs 
(4 feet or taller)

Increase watering time by 15 seconds for each foot of height

Trees

Apply 2 gallons for every inch of trunk diameter (measure 4.5 feet above the ground)

Flowers

5 Gallons of water per 10 square feet/1 minute at medium pressure