August 30, 2004 Weekly Water Saving Tip

You can rejuvenate your lawn by aerating. Aerating the soil is important for returning oxygen to soil layers, improving water movement and allowing better root penetration. This is accomplished with a core aerator which punches many holes into the sod, pulls out small cores of soil, and throws them on the soil’s surface. The cores on top will later mix back into the soil usually after a few mowings. When aerating, make sure to pass an area at least two times, preferably three. For example, go in the direction of north to south, east to west and also diagonally.

After aerating, do a complete check of your sprinkler system. First, program a two-minute test run on your clock. While each station is running, check each individual head. Be sure that each head produces a nice spray of water and that all rotor heads are turning. Also, make sure the heads are spraying where they are suppose to. You can visually check the pressure of your system by observing the spray. Large drops means too little pressure while misting means too much. If you notice either of these problems, you can find solutions by either calling me or going on line to www.conservewater.utah.gov. Continue inspecting your system by walking along each lateral line making sure there are no leaks. If your system has filters, be sure the filters are clean so that water flow is not disrupted. Finally, set you clock appropriately for this time of year. As I mentioned prior, irrigation now is every four to five days.

These weekly water saving tips are provided to Washington County Water Conservancy District by Dr. Frank Williams, Professor of Horticulture at BYU. If you would like any more information please call me, Julie Breckenridge, at 673-3617.