August 23, 2004 Weekly Water Saving Tip

Last Updated: 2004-08-23 10:18:24

Weekly Water Saving Tip #35

The weather still seems to say it is summer, but the calendar does point to the fact that it is becoming fall. The days are becoming shorter and the night temperatures are cooling. However, this time of year the weather is more intense; It’s hot and humid. But remember that although the humidity has such an effect on your comfort, it is beneficial to the plant. The loss of water from our plants is drastically reduced when the humidity is high. The stress to the plants can be reduced by the higher humidity which also results in the reduction of water loss.

The irrigation requirements for this week is 1 inch every 3 to 4 days. You may be able to water less, if we received some rain. But, whether the water comes from rain or irrigation, it is important that you check to make sure the water is getting down to the bottom of the root zone. For our lawns in clay soils that is 6-8 inches deep; and 8-10 inches on sandy, loamy soils. For trees and shrubs, it is even deeper. A big portion of the roots of trees and shrubs are in the top 12-18".

Keep watching for insects and diseases that might occur. This is the time of year when they appear very quickly and create problems before you are aware of them. And fall weeds can become a problem where ever the turf has become weakened. This is especially true by sidewalks and driveways or where dry spots have developed. Pay special attention to these areas.

The weekly water saving tip is provided to Washington County Water Conservancy District by Dr. Frank Williams, professor of the BYU Horticulture department. If you would like any more information please call me, Julie Breckenridge, at 673-3617.