Turfgrass Water Conservation in Landscapes

Turfgrasses are the primary vegetative covers on air-ports, athletic fields, cemeteries, churches, commercial buildings, golf courses, home lawns, schools, parks, and roadsides. Healthy grass is an aesthetic asset, and a growing body of scientific evidence points to positive environmental and health contributions from lawns and other turfgrass areas. While turfgrasses are typically thought of for recreation and aesthetic value, they also provide a valuable environmental service by preventing soil erosion, the most common water polluting agent in Georgia, from wind and rain.

Use a turfgrass that is best adapted to its region or microclimate. Plant selection and adaptation are the most important factors in planning, planting, and maintaining a lawn for water conservation. A properly selected grass species or cultivar is more likely to thrive and need fewer inputs (e.g. water, fertilizer, pesticides, etc.). Selection and adaptation include the influence of environmental factors as well as the ability of the turfgrass plant to withstand periodic dormancy.

Irrigate each unique microclimate/zone within the landscape separately according to the needs within the microclimate or zone.

Modify the root zone. Improvement in either the chemical or physical characteristics of the soil can reduce turfgrass irrigation needs by enhancing infiltration of rainfall, increasing soil moisture retention and promoting deeper rooting to reduce water leaching beyond the root zone. This practice involves understanding Georgia’s soils. The water and nutrient holding capacity of the sandy soils in Coastal Georgia have different needs than the clay soils of the Piedmont and need to be modified or managed accordingly.

Prior to irrigation, determine the need for supplemental water by checking the moisture level of the soil in the turfgrass root zone or using the turfgrass plant as an indicator of moisture stress. Allow plant factors to indicate a need for supplemental water. Apply only the amount of water the turfgrass needs to wet the root zone.

Manage extrinsic stresses, like traffic. To reduce water use, maintain turfgrass stand density and promote survival during periods of drought stress, wear must be minimized. A thinned, weakened turfgrass will require more water for basic maintenance of physiological processes and recovery than a turfgrass that has ample cover despite being drought stressed.

At Greens Keeper Landscape we want you to know how to take care of your property.  If you don’t want the headache of landscape maintenance we take care of your landscape for you.  To find out how we can help just give us a call at 623-848-8277.

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623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
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