“There’s one good thing about snow, it makes your lawn look as nice as your neighbor’s.” – Clyde Moore
In a recent survey conducted by the University of Florida, homeowners revealed that not only do they want their lawns looking green and lush, they also want to conserve water.
“A message for residents is that we can have beautiful landscapes that increase the value of our homes, provide habitat for pollinators and animals, a place to socialize with friends and family — and we can do all that while saving water,” says Laura Warner, a faculty member with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Water conservation is certainly on the minds of homeowners in Colorado, where drought conditions are often a way of life from year to year.
Brian Fuchs, a climatologist with the National Drought Mitigation Center in Nebraska, said people are becoming more aware and concerned. Especially in the Four Corners region which includes Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah.
“We’ve been on this pattern where conditions have dried out, we haven’t seen much relief through last summer or into the winter months and here we are going into the summer of 2018 with over two-thirds of the region already in a drought. That’s alarming to say the least.”
But there are steps you can take to ensure you lawn remains lush and green while still conserving water all season long.
Regular feeding – Not only does regularly fertilizing and nourishing your lawn improve its overall appearance, it also strengthens your lawn’s resiliency during times of heat and drought stress.
Mowing at the right height – Don’t scalp your lawn when mowing. By setting your blade near the highest setting, you’ll develop a deeper root system for better water absorption. Deeper roots mean your lawn can better withstand wear and tear, drought and heat.
Mulch your lawn instead of bagging it – Whenever you bag your lawn clippings for trash day, did you ever wonder why it’s so heavy? That’s because moisture is trapped inside the blades. By mulching your lawn, you’re returning that “free” water back into the soil – not to mention additional nutrients.
With temperatures increasing, draught conditions are a reality for Colorado residents. But changing your lawn care practices can have a big impact right now.
