A recent St. Paul Pioneer Press article reported a new pricing structure for municipal water usage in Woodbury. The reason behind the new plan is to encourage city residents to conserve water and prevent the need for the construction of very expensive new infrastructure needed only for a few high water consumption days in the summer.
One resident responded by stating that she watered her grass twice a day, everyday, and felt that if she didn't her turf would suffer. She also consumes in excess of 90,000 gallons of water a year.
In truth, she's probably doing her grass more harm than good. Frequent, shallow irrigation will encourage turf roots to remain shallow in the soil. As a result, it's more susceptible to water stress during the hottest part of the summer. That lawn would suffer more and sooner.
A better approach is irrigating less frequently and more deeply. This method encourages deeper root growth, which yields a lawn that is better able to weather the dog days of summer. Grass "farmers" will also save themselves more than just a few pennies whether they live in Arden Hills or Woodbury. Who can argue with that? Another hot tip: consider your soil type when adjusting the amount and frequency of irrigation. More water more often is a requirement for the sandy soils of Blaine; but the clay in Edina holds a great deal of water for a longer period of time. Generally, use less there and less often.
Don't forget that fertilizing is equally important. Come into the store and take a look at Gertens four-step fertilizer regimen. It will knock down your crabgrass and broadleaves, feed your turf, and prepare it, in the autumn, for another green-velvet spring.
Erik Carlson
Perennials