Yard and Landscape Care

Spring 2020 has had below normal rainfall, low humidity, gusty winds, and a handful of times with fire weather watches and warnings across the state. This year is dry. We need rain. If you have a rain gauge in your yard, tracking the amount of water each week is easy. Some irrigation systems have rain sensors.

“What is working in our favor right now is the cooler than normal temperatures. Working against us? Below normal precipitation expected for the next month. It’s time to water” said Chris Sletten, Southview’s Irrigation Manager.

In a normal year with average snowfall, a gradual ground thaw, and spring rains, we would not have to water the lawns and gardens until Memorial Day. It is better to let the lawn green up on its own. It will be a stronger, healthier lawn.

Existing lawns require at least 1 inch of rain/water per week. A deep, slow soaking is much better than frequent, light watering. Sandy soils require more watering than clay or heavy soils. The best time to water is between 6 to 8 am. Watering in the morning reduces the chance of diseases.