Minimizing Water Usage
How to Minimize Water Usage While Maintaining a Healthy Lawn in the Bow Valley.
Living in the beautiful Bow Valley, Alberta means dealing with unique climate conditions that can make lawn care a bit challenging. Water conservation is crucial, especially during dry spells, but you can still maintain a healthy, lush lawn by following some smart watering and lawn care practices. Here are some tips tailored to homeowners in our region to help you minimize water usage while keeping your lawn vibrant and green.
1. Mow at the Right Height
Mowing your lawn at the correct height can significantly impact its water needs. Grass that is cut too short can become stressed and require more frequent watering. Taller grass shades the soil, reducing evaporation and encouraging deeper root growth.
Ideal Height: For most cool-season grasses common in Bow Valley, such as fescue and bluegrass, aim to mow at a height of 3-4 inches. This promotes healthier grass that is more drought-resistant.
Mowing Frequency: Regularly mowing your lawn to maintain this height is key, but avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time to prevent stress and encourage robust growth.
For anyone who has chatted with me about their lawn, there is a high chance I have mentioned the importance of root depth. There are several reasons why longer roots are arguably the most important part of your lawn. During the summer, the longer the roots are, the further down they can reach for water and therefore the less you will need to water your lawn to keep it healthy. During the winter, the roots are where the plant’s carbohydrates are stored which feeds it during dormancy, helps it to survive our harsh winters, and ultimately, helps it to have a quicker green-up in the Spring.
To note: regarding the ideal height, most homeowners cut their lawns too short, which, as explained, allows your lawn to dry out more as the bottom of the leaf blade and the soil are more exposed to the sun and wind. But this can go the other way as well, if you all of a sudden let your grass go in the summer, the roots won’t have a chance to catch up and will be trying to hydrate a leaf blade that is too long for its root system which will result in your lawn drying out as well.
2. Water at the Right Time of Day
Watering at the optimal time can make a significant difference in water retention and efficiency.
Early Morning: The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning, between 4 AM and 10 AM. This allows water to penetrate the soil before the heat of the day increases evaporation.
Evening Watering: Watering in the evening has the potential to leave the grass too damp overnight, which can promote fungal growth and other lawn diseases common in the Bow Valley's cooler nights. I have nothing against evening watering if you are putting down the correct amount of water (golf courses water all through the night as their sprinklers are timed and over-watering isn’t a concern). If you choose to water in the evening, ensure you are being extra diligent with putting on a timer and not forgetting about it.
3. Implement Deep and Infrequent Watering
One of the most effective water conservation techniques is to adopt a deep and infrequent watering schedule.
Deep Watering: Water your lawn deeply, so the soil is moistened to a depth of 6-8 inches. This encourages deeper root growth, making the grass more resilient during dry periods.
Infrequent Watering: Water your lawn only 2-3 times per week, depending on weather conditions and soil type. This method trains your lawn to become more drought-tolerant and reduces overall water usage.
Play around with your watering times and schedules to determine your lawn’s water needs. I have a tough time giving a straight answer to the “how often should I water and for how long?” question as most lawns in the area are different depending on how they were built and the quality of the topsoil. Start out with 2-3 times per week for 20 minutes (ensure you are timing it for consistency purposes) per area. If you are finding your lawn is still a little dry, increase the time. Conversely, if you’re lawn is vibrant green or gets a little squelchy in low spots, you may be able to start to back off your watering times to save water.
4. Determine the Right Amount of Water
Understanding your lawn's water needs is crucial to avoid overwatering or underwatering.
Measure Water Output: Use a rain gauge or place a few empty tuna cans around your lawn to measure how much water your sprinkler system delivers. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.
Adjust for Soil Type: Sandy or rocky soils drain quickly and may need more frequent watering, whereas clay soils retain water longer and require less frequent watering. Ideally, your lawn was put in with quality topsoil and can retain enough water to hydrate your lawn, but not too much so it hangs wet for a long time.
5. Use Efficient Watering Tools
Using the right tools can help you minimize water waste.
Sprinklers: Choose sprinklers that provide even coverage and adjust them to avoid watering sidewalks, driveways, and other non-lawn areas.
Timers: Use timers to control the duration and frequency of your watering sessions. This ensures that your lawn receives consistent watering without the risk of overwatering. Set timers to water during the early morning hours for maximum efficiency.
Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your watering tools and systems to ensure they are functioning correctly. Clean sprinkler heads, check for leaks, and replace any worn or damaged parts. Proper maintenance helps prevent water waste and ensures that your lawn receives the optimal amount of water.
Rain Barrels: Collecting rainwater in barrels can provide a free and sustainable source of water for your lawn and garden. Use this collected rainwater to supplement your irrigation efforts, especially during dry periods. Rain barrels help reduce your reliance on municipal water supplies and lower your water bill.
6. Regular Lawn Maintenance
Proper lawn maintenance practices can also help reduce water needs.
Aeration: Aerate your lawn annually to soil compaction and water penetration, which is particularly beneficial in the Bow Valley's compacted soils.
Mulching: I am a big believer in not bagging your clippings; leave grass clippings on the lawn to help retain moisture and provide natural fertilization. You will need to ensure your lawn mower has a mulching blade on it, which most come with these days, otherwise not bagging can leave it looking a little messy.
Weed Control: Keep your lawn free of weeds, which compete with grass for water and nutrients. Our fertilizing and weed control services can help you maintain a healthy, weed-free lawn.
By following these tips, you can achieve a beautiful, healthy lawn while conserving water in the Bow Valley. Encouraging these practices not only helps you save on your water bill but also supports sustainable lawn care, which is crucial for preserving our beautiful environment.
If you have any questions or need further advice, feel free to contact us. We're here to help you create and maintain the perfect lawn with environmentally conscious practices.