Earth Wise Guide to Lawn Care
Irrigate Efficiently
- Water before the sun comes up to help prevent fungal diseases and evaporation
- Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deeper roots and prevent thatch
- Water so that the soil is wet to a depth of 4-6 inches. To achieve this, you will need to apply 1/2 to 1 inch of water which can be measured in a small can or rain gauge
- Because water is more likely to run off clay soils and sloping lots, it may be necessary to irrigate slowly or in multiple short cycles to prevent water run-off
- Allow soil to dry out between waterings
- Watering is seldom necessary during the dormant season (December-February)
Aerating
- Aerate your lawn at least once a year to improve drainage and bring more oxygen to the soil
- Moisten your soil the day before aerating to make the job easier and more effective
- Use a hollow-tined aerator that removes the plugs to increase water and oxygen to the soil
- After aerating, apply 1/8 of compost to increase microbial activity (Call 972-1954 for information on Dillo Dirt, an organic compost produced by the City of Austin’s Water Utility.)
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