Water, Water, Everywhere!

  

We talked about the importance consistency plays in a great looking landscape. This is true regardless of the size of the property. Today we will address proper watering practices.

 Applying the proper amount of water to your lawn, trees, shrubs, and flowers promotes deep root systems and healthier plants. Let's start with your grass. On an established lawn, you want to water until you have moistened the soil to the bottom of the root system. To determine the depth of the root system, use a soil probe or spade. Now, the amount of water needed to moistened the soil to the correct depth, say 6 inches, will vary by soil type. If the soil is mainly clay, typical in central Ohio, it can take 1 to 2 inches of water. If your soil is sandy, you may need as little as 1/2 inch. Watering too deeply, especially on sandy soil, wastes water as it percolates past the root zone. 

You need to have a good soaking once a week. So water deeply over a period of 1-2 days instead of small amounts everyday . Remember, to account for rainfall! Watch the grass as it gets really hot and dry in the middle of summer and adjust your watering as necessary.

The most efficient time of day to water is late evening or early morning. Generally, it is less windy, cooler, and more humid during these times. Therefore, you have more efficient use of water due to less evaporation and water pressure is usually better than during peak use times during the day.

You can water using hoses or an automated underground irrigation system. An automated system will save you time and water by efficiently watering the lawn. No more forgetting to turn off or move the sprinklers. No more watering in the rain. Automated systems use a rain gauge to adjust the amount of watering to account for rainfall.

Call us today for a free estimate on an 

Irrigation System

614-866-0088

Mowing Matters

In past blogs we have discussed changing the oil in your mower and sharpening the blades. Today, let's see if we can get you mowing like a pro!

First, remember that mowing the lawn can be strenuous physical activity and you want to be sure you are up to the task.

Always wear sturdy footwear and safety glasses. Keep pets, children, and bystanders at a safe distance during the mowing operation. Walk the area and remove rocks, sticks, toys, trash or debris. Make note, or physically mark, any hazards such as water caps, gas markers, etc.

So, begin by determining the correct mowing height. I recommend 3 inches. Leaving the grass a little bit taller helps to shade the roots of the grass plants. This promotes a thicker, healthier lawn and leaves less area for weeds to become established.

Safety tip: when mowing a hill, never mow up and down the hill (like sledding!) but rather along the hill (side to side). Riding mowers should not be used on any hill with a slope of 15 degrees or greater (per manufacturer's recommendations). If in doubt, it's probably too steep!

Start by mowing two passes around the perimeter of the lawn. Now, mow in a striped pattern. When you reach the end of a pass turn directly around and mow the next pass with the mower wheels inside the area you just cut. Continue back and forth in this fashion until all areas are cut. Always turn around on the previously cut area to avoid missed areas in the lawn and excessive clean-up of hard surfaces.

If the grass was tall and there are excessive clippings on the lawn either rake them up or re-cut the lawn. I know this can be time consuming--raking or double cutting--but is worth it in the long run. Grass clippings are good for the lawn in moderate amounts but can damage your lawn in greater amounts.

When you mow next week, change the direction of the striped pattern by 45 degrees. Mowing in different directions also promotes a thicker, lusher lawn.

If you would rather not mow your own lawn--for any reason--we'd be happy to do it for you. Buckeye Landscape (614-866-0088) can provide professional services for all your landscape needs.

Have landscape questions? Any particular landscape project you'd like to read about? Leave us a message in the comment section.