Relax! Your Lawn Isn't Going to Die Center for Water-Efficient Landscaping Utah State UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Jerry Goodspeed, Weber County Horticulturist; Dr. Dan Drost, USU Extension Vegetable Specialist; Dr. Paul Johnson, USU Extension Turfgrass Specialist; Dr. Larry Rupp, USU Extension Landscape Horticulture Specialist. Our current dry weather has caused some restrictions because of a lack of irrigation water. In reality, most yards and gardens are overirrigated and do just fine with less water. Within the yard, some plants also need less water than others. For instance, trees, shrubs, and lawns will survive with minimal water. In a drought situation the main goal is simply to keep them alive. Other plants, such as vegetables, fruit trees, and annual flowers, are grown for harvest and have to be watered at an optimal level. In Weber County, optimal irrigation usually means applying about 1.5 to 2 inches of water per week during the months of July and August. Irrigation can take place once or twice per week, as long as the needed amount of water is applied. Because there are so many different types of irrigation systems, it is impossible to say how long to irrigate, only how much to irrigate. Irrigation water is best measured by the depth of water collected in a container or applied to the soil surface. Restrictions in irrigation water usually take the form of limiting water turns and their length. In the event of severe restrictions, the most important goal is to apply enough water in the right spots to keep expensive plants from dying. What can you do to save water and plants? Here are some suggestions. In the Garden and Flower Beds: Control Weeds. Weeds are very vigorous competitors and take water from the soil that could be used by desirable plants. Use Mulches. Mulches reduce weeds and water loss by evaporation. Mulch garden rows with plastic or organic materials such as newspaper or straw. Give It Only What It Needs. Vegetables need to be irrigated with 2 inches of water once a week, or 1 inch of water every 4 days. The amount of water applied can be measured by using a basin under a dripper or soaker hose. All water should be applied at a rate that allows it to soak into the soil. It is always best to water deeply but infrequently. Irrigation Timing. The best way to irrigate vegetables is to monitor the soil to determine when water is needed. Soil moisture can be checked by using a soil probe or screwdriver. As the soil dries out it will be more and more difficult to drive the probe into the soil. When it is too dry to insert the probe, it is time to water. Use Drip Irrigation. If culinary water is used for irrigation, consider using a soaker hose-or some other form of drip irrigation. Drip systems apply water efficiently to plants and won't irrigate areas that don't need it. They are especially effective for vegetable gardens because they can be moved from row to row if needed. Improve the Soil. In essence, soil is a big sponge that holds water for plants. Adding organic matter to the soil allows it to hold more water. In Lawn Areas: Raise Your Mower. Mow lawns a minimum of 3 to 4 inches high during the summer. The higher the grass, the bigger the root system and the more it can withstand stress. Leave the Clippings. Lawns can be mulched by grass cycling. Simply leave the clippings in place. Irrigation Timing.. Lawns may not need to be irrigated as often as restrictions imply. The best way to irrigate is to watch the lawn and water only when needed. As the lawn dries out, it changes from a bright green to a dull, bluish color. This color change is a good indicator that it is time to irrigate again. At the very most, lawns need 2 inches of water once a week, or 1 inch of water every 4 days in the summer. Any extra is wasted. The amount of water applied can be measured by using straight sided cans to catch water from sprinkler systems. Water deeply and infrequently, and make sure none of it runs off into the gutter. Do not irrigate in the middle of the day or when it is windy. Don't water the road. Make sure sprinklers are spraying where they should. Too Hot to Plant. It is very difficult to establish grass seed or sod in July and August. Wait until the weather cools down in September. Let the Lawn go Dormant. As a last resort, it is possible to let a lawn go dormant without killing it. The leaves will turn yellow, but as long as 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water is applied every 10 to 14 days, the crown and root system will stay alive and it will grow back when the weather cools in the fall. It is much the same as perennial flowers that die back in the winter only to return the next spring. What About Trees and Shrubs? Most established trees and shrubs will survive with the water applied to lawns. Newly planted ones need their root balls carefully irrigated on a weekly basis. If the lawn is allowed to go dormant, extra irrigation for trees may be needed. Utah State "Extending USU to You." UNIVERSITY Utah State University Extension prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, EXTENSION national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation and marital or family status. Weber County Reprinted by Marriott-Slaterville City with permission from the Utah State University Weber County Extension Office.