събота, 19 юли 2014 г.

Orem Lawn Care Emphasizes Water Conservation

By Paulette Mason


Utah is one of the most spectacularly beautiful areas in the United States. Early settlements to the east of the Great Salt Lake have matured into modern cities where residents enjoy a semi-desert climate in the shadow of the Wasatch mountains. Like most areas of the West, demand for limited water supplies is increasing as population grows. Orem lawn care focuses on maintaining a healthy appearance without wasting this finite resource.

Homes surrounded by an expanse of green turf are an American tradition that works best in regions where the ecosystem receives enough water to support a wide variety of other plants. Although lush cottage gardens are a romantic ideal, that concept is not easily translated to arid climates. Besides being more costly to maintain, achieving that look takes effort, time, and resources.

Homeowners in this area prefer to plant a blend of Kentucky Bluegrass, a variety adapted to temperatures under eighty-five degrees. When that level is consistently exceeded, grass tips may become yellow and burnt due to water stress. Even during seasons of normal rain, additional watering is almost always necessary. Some towns have adopted strict conservation rules, and violations may result in fines.

The drought currently strangling most Western states cannot be easily ignored, and many people are seriously questioning the wisdom of using precious water in a sprinkler system. In order to become optimally healthy, most varieties of grass require around one inch of water each week, which may be moderated by local rainfall. Homeowners are usually careful to monitor runoff, which is nearly impossible to avoid.

For the best results, timers for sprinklers should activate the system in the early hours before dawn. Grounds with several water stations are most effectively hydrated in around thirty minutes, and the early hour allows plants to absorb liquid before the most intense heat. Watering in the evening is not recommended, because it spurs the growth of fungi, creating circular barren spots.

Because soils in the region are not always ideal for many grass varieties, regular fertilization is necessary. Bluegrass needs about 2.5 pounds of nitrogen-rich fertilizer for every 1000 square feet of turf, creating a lush appearance. Too much can lead to yellow-tipped areas as the existing root system becomes overwhelmed. Excess application may also cause fertilizer burn, ultimately causing thinning.

Insects are attracted to healthy lawns, and in this area they include sod webworms, white grubs, billbugs, and others. Pesticides are effective, but kill indiscriminately, wiping out good and bad bugs alike. When used with few controls, pesticides become environmentally hazardous. They are a valuable tool that should be used sparingly, and most experts recommend focusing on improving grass health rather than applying toxins.

Many local residents have discovered that hiring a local landscaping service saves time and does away with guesswork. They evaluate specific conditions at a particular home or business, and make recommendations for weed and pest control, as well as fertilizer. A service helps people who are concerned about excess water use practice conservation methods that keep grass growing without waste.




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