September 20, 2004 Weekly Water Saving Tip

So, the frequency of irrigation this week is every 5 to 7 days. It is hoped that by now you have started to lengthen the interval between irrigation. The length of time is the same for each irrigation, it is just not as often. By irrigating this way the deep moisture encourages the roots to grow deep.

If you haven’t all ready, now is a good time to apply fertilizer on your turf. Apply about 1 pound of nitrogen for every 1000 square feet of lawn. The best fertilizer to use is ammonium sulfate. Apply the fertilizer just before the sprinklers are to come on; or at least irrigate the fertilizer in with a light amount of water. Many times, certain individuals will state the application of nitrogen sulfate in these temperatures will burn the grass. This is not true, if you irrigate the lawn immediately after application of the fertilizer and if you only apply the recommended amount. The soil is at the right temperature now where the roots have come out of dormancy from the heat and have started to grow. The reason fertilization is applied this time of year is encourage the root growth.

Now make sure that fertilizer is kept off your deciduous trees and vines. We do not want to encourage the growth of theses established plants. Also, make sure to reduce the frequency of watering on them to nudge them into the needed dormancy for the cold winter months that they require. Watch the color of the leaves for the indicator that the trees are ready for a rest and the water should be cut off, except for an occasional deep watering (depending on the natural moisture we receive this winter). Once the leaves start to change color and have that beautiful fall appearance, cut the water back drastically. Let the surface of the soil dry out longer between irrigations.

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