{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-category-category-js","path":"/category/lawn-care/page/67/","result":{"pageContext":{"posts":[{"node":{"id":"ef12bbf7-8add-507c-b7f4-9da25b763abe","slug":"what-is-it-like-to-live-in-washington-d-c-in-30-pictures","path":"/lawn-care/washington-dc/what-is-it-like-to-live-in-washington-d-c-in-30-pictures/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.","name":"Jackie Greene","id":"fb5923e1-833b-5d9b-808e-ded0e62c0bc4","path":"/author/jackiegreene/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2c1121209a3ebfbe0a7e941d102b2971?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"30ecf80b-c320-5679-942e-29dcd7b95c66","name":"Washington DC","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/washington-dc/"}],"date":"April 26th, 2019","excerpt":"

Moving to our nation’s capital is a big decision. You might have heard that it’s expensive and too busy to be your home, but don’t let those negative thoughts get to you. Living in Washington D.C. has some huge perks, plus a developing culture that is vibrant and alive. Here are some pictures that show […]

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Moving to our nation’s capital is a big decision. You might have heard that it’s expensive and too busy to be your home, but don’t let those negative thoughts get to you. Living in Washington D.C. has some huge perks, plus a developing culture that is vibrant and alive.

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Here are some pictures that show you how great living in Washington D.C. truly is.

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1. Washington D.C. is beautiful.

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Source: Aglez the City Guy Flickr 
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2. The Cherry Blossom Festival showcases the beauty of this city.

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Source: CherryBlossomWatch Flickr
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3. Get back in touch with nature by heading to the National Arboretum.

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Source: Charlie Lee Flickr 
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4. The capital hosts an abundance of museums.

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Source: DavidPC_ Flickr
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5. Such as the National Air and Space Museum.

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Source: ClaDae Flickr
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6. Don’t forget to stop at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum.

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Source: Reinhard Link Flickr
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7. Don’t forget our beautiful Capitol building that shines in the city.

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Source: Nicolas Raymond Flickr 
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8. It offers international cuisine.

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Source: Ted Eytan Flickr 
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9. The food scene is bustling, especially food trucks.

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Source: Ted Eytan Flickr
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10. Make sure you try some Chesapeake blue crabs which are fresh.

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Source: Adam Fagen Flickr 
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11. The Union Market is where you can head to try different cuisine.

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Source: OscarPeteFan Flickr
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12. Don’t forget the farmer’s markets every week.

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Source: ep_jhu Flickr
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13. Washington D.C. loves their farmer’s market.

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Source: DC Chelovek Flickr
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14. While it offers four seasons,

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Source: Andrey Sultiskiy Flickr
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15. It never gets too cold, even in the winter.

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Source: Ted Eytan Flickr 
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16. Try sledding down Capitol Hill for some fun.

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Source: Ian Livingston Flickr
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17. D.C. is LGBT and women-friendly.

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Source: Gerald L. Campbell Flickr 
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18. The city is steeped in history and culture.

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Source: ClaDae Flickr 
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19. You could say history is around every turn.

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Source: Aglez the City Guy Flickr
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20. Speaking of turns, D.C. offers over 60 miles of bicycle trails.

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Source: KatWoman3549 Flickr
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21. Hikers and bikers love this area that caters to them, letting them breathe in the fresh air.

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Source: James Schwartz Flickr 
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22. Rowing is another way to stay fit in the area.

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Source: Roma G Flickr
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23. Exercise is a big deal around here, even for families.

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Source: The Q Speaks Filckr
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24. Gardens abound in the D.C. metro area.

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Source: Ron Cogswell Flickr
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25. Potomac Park is a popular pick.

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Source: Leo Boudreau Flickr
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26. Don’t forget the Hillwood Gardens.

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Source: Framemaker 2014 Flickr
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27. The central location means D.C. is a short drive away from Virginia Beach or Maryland.

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Source: David Elliott Flickr
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28. The Washington Redskins are the official D.C. team.

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Source: Keith Allison Flickr
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29. But, Baltimore is close, so Raven fans are everywhere.

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Source: Jay Peterson Flickr 
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30. Enjoy your stay in Washington D.C.!

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Source: Nicolas Raymond Flickr 
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Looking for lawn care services in Washington DC? Or maybe you’re looking for lawn care advice because you’re a DIY kind of person? Visit our Washington DC lawn care page for more information.

\n","title":"What is it like to live in Washington D.C.? (in 30 Pictures)","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.509433962264151,"src":"/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/f2cbb/washington-dc-skyline.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/107df/washington-dc-skyline.jpg 320w,\n/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/293e9/washington-dc-skyline.jpg 500w,\n/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/f2cbb/washington-dc-skyline.jpg 800w","srcWebp":"/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/98a65/washington-dc-skyline.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/67b76/washington-dc-skyline.webp 320w,\n/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/8df11/washington-dc-skyline.webp 500w,\n/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/98a65/washington-dc-skyline.webp 800w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"What is it like to live in Washington D.C.? (in 30 Pictures) | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"e70a70e5-dbdb-57c7-be3e-fc652fbbbab6","slug":"31-pictures-showing-why-everyone-is-moving-to-austin-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/31-pictures-showing-why-everyone-is-moving-to-austin-texas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.","name":"Jackie Greene","id":"fb5923e1-833b-5d9b-808e-ded0e62c0bc4","path":"/author/jackiegreene/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2c1121209a3ebfbe0a7e941d102b2971?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"April 24th, 2019","excerpt":"

Texas might be booming, but Austin is on fire. In 2016, Austin was the 3rd fastest growing city and #1 in the rankings for the most new home construction in the United States for good reasons. Not only is the Austin economy on the rise with unemployment dropping, but it also has a happening live […]

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Texas might be booming, but Austin is on fire. In 2016, Austin was the 3rd fastest growing city and #1 in the rankings for the most new home construction in the United States for good reasons. Not only is the Austin economy on the rise with unemployment dropping, but it also has a happening live music and food scene.

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Austin residents enjoy low cost of living with high home values. More and more families are flocking to this area, seeking the diversity and low crime rates. The city also boosts the 3rd lowest crime rate in the country in 2012 – impressive.

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Austin, TX is a downright awesome place to live. Here are some pictures to prove it.

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1. The food scene is booming.

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Source: asumi_super21st Flickr
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2. Like Torchy’s Tacos

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Source: Wally Gobetz
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3. Food trucks are a local favorite as well.

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Source: IBM Research
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4. Austin is known for its live music scene every night of the week.

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Source: Ralph Arvesen Flickr
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5. You can check out live music everywhere.

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Source: John Rogers Flickr
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6. From the Paramount Theater

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Source: Bex Walton Flickr
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7. To the Empire Control Room.

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Source: Picksysticks Flickr
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8. Austin may have a bit of a lingering hippie community of the 70s.

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Source: Alan Flickr
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9. The Austin metro is one of the cleanest and best performing in the country.

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Source: Fred Reutzel Flickr
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10. Part of that is because Austin is invested in being a green city.

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Source: Michael Flickr
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11. Exercising is a norm around here.

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Source: b7Creative Flickr
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12. Yoga and barre studies abound in town, along with outdoor yoga.

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Source: Earl McGehee
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13. Running and biking trails are everywhere for citizens to enjoy.

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Source: That’s_Entertainment! Flickr
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14. Austin is considered one of America’s Best Bike-Friendly Cities.

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Source: Kris Krug Flickr
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15. Head to the lake for some water sports.

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Source: Something Clever Production Flickr
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16. Or, one of the over 200 parks in the area for families.

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Source: Steve Hopson
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17. Residents love to go tubing and paddle boarding in the summer months.

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Source: Kelly Monroe
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18. Really, all year is nice here, with highs hovering around 107℉.

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Source: Wally Gobetz
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19. Nature abounds in Austin.

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Source: Zug55 Flickr
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20. From forests to rivers and more, Austin has it.

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Source: Dan Pancamo Flickr
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21. Austin loves their pets.

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Source: Shellnort Flickr
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22. Dog-friendly bars and cafes, along with open-play kennels are a thing around here.

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Source: John Feinberg Flickr
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23. Kerbey Lane Cafe has dog treats on hand.

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Source: Steve Santore Flickr
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24. Come on, this is adorable.

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Source: Kerbey Lane Cafe Facebook
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25. Austin is the largest no-kill city in the United States.

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Source: Austin Community College Flickr
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26. Austin cares about people, with the most charitable organizations per capita.

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Source: Cory Doctorow Flickr
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27. Some consider Austin the next Silicon Valley.

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Source: Manuel Garza Flickr
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28. The tech scene is on fire locally with big names like Google, Dell, and Facebook.

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Source: Dell Inc. Flickr
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29. It’s home to all ages.

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Source: John Rogers Flickr
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30. Austin has a diverse age range, making it a great place to raise a family.

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Source: Ralph Arvesen Flickr
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31. Welcome to Austin, Texas!

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Source: Norm Lanier Flickr
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Top Photo: Flickr // Danny Shrode

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Looking for lawn care service? Check out our Austin, TX lawn care page.

\n","title":"31 Pictures Showing Why Everyone is Moving to Austin, Texas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.673202614379085,"src":"/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/1789c/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/107df/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.jpg 320w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/293e9/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.jpg 500w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/f2cbb/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.jpg 800w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/1789c/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.jpg 960w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/a2a79/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/1dd6e/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/67b76/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.webp 320w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/8df11/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.webp 500w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/98a65/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.webp 800w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/1dd6e/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.webp 960w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/7aa54/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"31 Pictures Showing Why Everyone is Moving to Austin, Texas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"6a36cb74-33a8-5d29-9e37-6c80aa9557c3","slug":"the-definitive-guide-to-identifying-common-lawn-weeds","path":"/lawn-care/the-definitive-guide-to-identifying-common-lawn-weeds/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"April 24th, 2019","excerpt":"

Home and business owners across the country have one thing in common no matter their location, taking pride in a well-kept lawn and landscape. Part of that task almost always requires knowledge of what plants are wanted in our gardens and which are intruders. Some weeds are iconic like the thought of tumbleweeds blowing across […]

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Home and business owners across the country have one thing in common no matter their location, taking pride in a well-kept lawn and landscape. Part of that task almost always requires knowledge of what plants are wanted in our gardens and which are intruders. Some weeds are iconic like the thought of tumbleweeds blowing across the western United States, but most weeds found in our landscape are not as easily identifiable. Let’s take a moment to discuss how to best identify common lawn weeds and how to create healthy lawn care habits that will give your grassy areas a fighting chance against the toughest weeds.

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First Things\nFirst: What is a Weed?

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A Plant Out of Place. Weeds are known by everyone but are not always easily recognized. Let’s start by defining what exactly is a garden weed. Simply put a weed is just any plant that is ‘out of place’. While this definition could include desirable plants that have overgrown their intended boundaries, most commonly it is used to cover any plant that –

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What’s in a Name? There are two main types of weeds: broadleaf and grassy. Both of these can be difficult to treat as there are also subcategories: annual and perennial. The perennials are the most difficult to get rid of since they live the longest and keep returning year after year. Left unchecked, the annual varieties will continue to reproduce and spread across your property year after year as well. Additionally, there are often several common names for the same weed so photographic identification is most helpful.

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How to identify lawn weeds that resemble grass

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Grass Weed Types. Everyone knows about lawn weeds but the fact is that they are not always easily recognized. When grass-like weeds start to grow in poorly established grassy areas it can become very difficult to distinguish the desirable turf grass from the weeds. Here are just a few weed types that closely resemble grass and how to quickly identify them.

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1. Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum)

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Photo: Source
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Cheatgrass lives up to its name in that when it is young from a distance it blends into a lawn so well that a homeowner might not realize it has started to take hold until it overruns the turfgrass. When looking to identify cheatgrass, look for leaves that branch out from the base of the plant. These leaves will often have a reddish color and the blades are flat and covered with soft hairs.

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2. Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense)

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Source: aphotoflora.com
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Yet another weed that too closely resembles lawn grass is Johnsongrass. It forms a thick, vigorously growing clump that can rapidly develop into large colonies spreading by their tough rhizomes. Its leaf blades are smooth and display a prominent white mid-rib down the center of each stem.

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3. Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis)

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Source: wikimedia.org
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It is for good\nreason that most people are very familiar with crabgrass, it seems to grow\neverywhere! However, the good news is it is just as easy to prevent. Crabgrass\nis a warm-season annual grass, which means it sprouts from seed when\ntemperatures rise in late spring and can continue to do so through the summer.\nIt will then die when temperatures cool or with the first hard frost in the\nfall. This weed thrives on moist sites with plenty of sunlight and will quickly\ninvade areas where your lawn is thinnest and especially along edges and\nsidewalks.

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How to identify lawn weeds that resemble ground covers or flowering plants

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Flowering Weed Types. Some common weed types produce their own flowers. But unlike the flowers cultivated for the gardening bed, these flowers grow from plants that are often quick spreading, have an unruly growth habit, have thorns and pickers, or other undesirable characteristics. The following examples of flowering weeds are examples of those traits.

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1. Henbit Deadnettle (Lamium amplexicaule)

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Source: wikimedia.org
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In some parts of the country, Henbit Deadnettle is considered a wildflower. However, it is a winter annual that blooms in early spring, especially in the south and south central states. Henbit leaves are finely hairy and rounded with notched edges. These leaves grow every inch or so on a square stem. The stems are weak so the longer the weed grows, the less stable its foundation is. It has purple flowers that grow at the very top of the plant.

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2. Dandelion (Taraxacum)

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Source: pixabay.com
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Iconic due to its seed-head, the dandelion is easily recognizable. Coming from the French name dent de lion (lion’s tooth), the flower has a unique look. Children and adults alike enjoy blowing the seeds, so they take root in a lot of lawns. The leaves grow close to the ground in a star-shaped pattern. In bloom, the flower is yellow. You will usually see them in spring to early summer. They are a biennial or perennial bloom.

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3. Thistle (Cirsium)

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\"\"
Source: kingcounty.gov
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Thistle\nhas a rapid growth rate and it can get very tall. If you don’t deal with it, it\nwill grow several feet high and about a foot wide, taking up a bit of space in\nyour lawn. When it’s young, it resembles a dandelion except that it’s purplish\nin color and the leaves have long spines on them. They also have hairy, jagged\nedges. Butterflies and other insects love this woolly biennial or perennial and\nwill often eat from it.

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How to defend your lawn against weeds

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Now that we’ve identified a few of the most common weedy plants that grow in lawns across America, let’s talk about the wide option of eradication strategies available to homeowners.

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1. Cultivate Healthy Soil

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There are few lawn weeds that can establish themselves in healthy grass.

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Therefore, the first line of defense is creating an environment that is good for your lawn and bad for weeds. Simple right? Well, actually it is! A good lawn starts with good soil. If you are starting your lawn from bare soil, such as what happens after new construction, be sure to till the top 4” of native soil before adding a high-quality organic compost to the top. This will ensure there is a little soil compaction as possible, one of the foundations to healthy soil no matter what the soil make up maybe.

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Proper or improper soil preparation before a lawn is installed will have a huge impact on how a lawn looks, and the amount of money it takes to maintain the lawn for years to come. Proper lawn preparation before the turf is installed costs almost nothing compared to what it costs to correct something done wrong after the turf is installed. If you are trying to increase the health of a lawn that already has turf grass adding a ‘top dressing’ of organic compost mulch will help give your soil a boost of nutrients and therefore create a better growing environment for turf grass, not lawn weeds.

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For a good source of information about turf grass and soil health visit www.redhenturf.com.

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2. Commercially Available Organic Herbicides

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There are many effective organic herbicides on the market and are widely available especially at the home improvement stores and nurseries. Look for application methods that allow you to control the distribution of the herbicide so that you do not unintentionally damage or kill your desirable plants that may be near the bunch of weeds.

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3. DIY Organic Herbicides

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For stubborn weeds use a mixture of white vinegar and orange oil as an organic herbicide. In a large bucket mix 1 gallon 10-20% white vinegar with 2 ounces of orange oil or cleanser containing d-limonene (available at garden centers and some large retailers) and 2 ounces of liquid dishwashing detergent. Stir well to combine. Then…

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  1. Funnel the weed killer into a plastic spray bottle. Shake it well as you use it, as the orange oil will tend to separate. Drench all surfaces of the weed with the solution during the hottest part of a sunny day. The weed will show signs of distress or die completely within two to four days. Repeat after 2 days and reapply after rain.
  2. For year-long protection, give perennial weeds, such as dandelions, a good shot of the mixture in the spring before they have the chance to set seeds. Pick seed heads off and destroy them as they appear throughout the growing season. Don’t add them to your compost heap. Spray perennials with the herbicide in the fall to fully utilize the weed’s life cycle and send the material to the stems and roots to aid in killing the plants.
  3. Tightly stored in a glass jar, this weed killing mixture will last indefinitely.
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Still have questions about lawn care? Visit our lawn care page for more information.

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Washington DC is a great place to be during springtime and summer with its moderately but not overly hot temperatures. This area is not a stranger to drought, however it usually gets the brunt of its rainfall in the peak of summer (which is great for lawn care). Conserving water has turned into a nationwide […]

\n","content":"\n

Washington DC is a great place to be during springtime and summer with its moderately but not overly hot temperatures. This area is not a stranger to drought, however it usually gets the brunt of its rainfall in the peak of summer (which is great for lawn care). Conserving water has turned into a nationwide initiative, so we made an article that outlines tips on how to conserve water while maintaining the beautiful lush lawn that we all strive for.

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Irrigation Guide for DC Residents and Lawn Care Experts

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Irrigation can offer a very efficient way in watering the lawn as well as a method for water conservation: if used correctly. Here are some tips in achieving the best irrigation practices.

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Map out the yard

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Certain areas of the yard will not need as much water as other parts of the yard. Consider areas of the lawn that need no water at all, including driveways and sidewalks. Avoiding these areas will ensure there is no runoff water from your irrigation system. Heavily shaded areas do not need as much water as highly exposed areas however they will need a moderate amount. Obviously, the most exposed areas of the lawn need the most water. An irrigation system needs to work with these areas and they should be mapped out prior.

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Choose the right irrigation method for your lawn

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Drip Irrigation does very well in conserving water. It uses a drip technique that slowly releases water throughout the day, minimizing water lost by evaporation and runoff.  These systems do well with smaller lawns or gardens and are not recommended for large lawns.

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Automatic sprinkler systems are the most popular form of irrigation system for homeowners. They cover a wide area of land and have timer settings which leaves little to worry about. Homeowners should take into consideration that adjustments will need to be made throughout the year depending on the weather. If used correctly these systems can conserve water, however making sure there is no run off and that the sprinkler doesn’t hit any driveways or sidewalks is very important.

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Hand watering can be therapeutic for some people. If hand watering is something you like to do, make sure the lawn is getting enough water and not too much. The soil should be able to give way with the length of a screwdriver an hour after watering. This method works for any lawn, but may take some time with a larger lawn.

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For more information on irrigation and a detailed look on irrigation throughout the year click here.

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Outdoor Water Conservation Tips

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1. Use native plants in your garden & landscape

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In any region, it is best practice to use native plants and trees of the area. These varieties work well with the climate of the region and do not need much additional water. The sprinkler systems should be geared more towards hydrating the grass and only slightly watering additional plants. Using these types of plants will conserve water and make your irrigation system not work as hard.

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2. Keep grass length between 1.5 to 2 inches

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Keeping the grass at a medium height, at around 1.5- 2 inches, will shade the roots from sun exposure: meaning less water. If the lawn is cut shorter than this it will encourage grass roots to become short and shallow. This is not energy efficient and will require that the grass needs much more water to stay green.

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3. Keep track of rainwater

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Every household should have a small water collector that measures the amount of rainfall each week. All too often there will be sprinklers running while it is raining. Try not to be this person. Your lawn only needs about an inch of water each week in total.

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Pro tip: You should also keep track of your own water usage around the home. You can do so in Washington DC by clicking here.

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What is the best time to water my lawn?

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The best time to water a lawn is in the morning between the hours of 6 and 10 a.m. You can also water in the evening, however this can lead to over watering of the lawn. The morning is optimal because there is a low evaporation rate and it allows the water to soak into the roots. Any leftover water will quickly be evaporated when the sun rises.

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Local Lawn Watering Restrictions in Washington DC

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There are currently no water restrictions in Washington D.C. however there is an application that tracks how much water usage you have and alerts you when it is higher than normal.

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Read more: The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority’s Landscaping & Watering Guide

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Still looking for lawn care advice? Visit our Washington DC lawn care page, it’s the #1 lawn care resource for DC residents on the web!

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Top Photo: Flickr // Zuzka Grujbárová

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Phoenix, AZ is no stranger to tumultuous droughts, especially during summer and spring seasons. The conservation of water is especially important in this area to support local guidelines in year-long drought protections. While a green lawn may seem unattainable here, there are watering techniques that make grass very efficient in conserving water with not very […]

\n","content":"\n

Phoenix, AZ is no stranger to tumultuous droughts, especially during summer and spring seasons. The conservation of water is especially important in this area to support local guidelines in year-long drought protections. While a green lawn may seem unattainable here, there are watering techniques that make grass very efficient in conserving water with not very much water at all. Here are some tips on achieving that luscious lawn during drought season.

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What is the best lawn watering schedule for Phoenix, AZ lawns?

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Watering a lawn is most efficient when wind speeds and evaporation are minimized. The time of day that this usually aligns with is in the morning when the sun is rising and at night time. Watering at night is slightly more risky than watering in the morning. However, if night time fits your schedule better, you will just want to keep a closer eye on how much water the grass is getting. It is easier to over water a lawn when the sun isn’t helping to soak up excess water.

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Understand that with different weather, a watering schedule will change from week to week. If the weather is cold or windy, it is best to not water as much that day. In general, although it varies with different grass types, a lawn should receive about an inch of water each week. Its best to have a tool to measure rainfall so you can manage additional water conservatively.

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If the goal is to have a green lawn the course of action has to be to train roots to grow deep. You do this by watering deep and infrequently. When you water, whether in the morning or at night, the grass should have water trickle to about ten inches deep. To test this, you can use a screwdriver about an hour after watering to see how deep the soil will allow it to go. If it is around the 10-inch range then you are watering properly. If it is not then you need to water a little more.

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What are the best grass types for conserving water?

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1. Bermuda grass

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Bermuda grass is a great option for Phoenix homes. It is drought tolerant and resistant to traffic and other stresses. This is a warm-season grass and will go dormant during the winter. To maintain green all year you can overseed with Ryegrass. This grass does really well-conserving water and only needs to be watered about once a week with about an inch of water.

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2. Midiron

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Midiron is another grass type that thrives in Phoenix for its drought tolerance and resistance to traffic. This lawn requires very low maintenance and like Bermuda grass needs about an inch of water every week during peak growing season.

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What are the two best irrigation systems for Phoenix, AZ?

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Irrigation systems take the sweat out of consistently watering the lawn. They are reliable and mostly last very long. Timers allow for the homeowner to designate how much water the lawn receives and when it receives it. Most of human error can be taken out through one of these systems.

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1. Drip Irrigation

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Drip Irrigation has been coined as the most efficient form of irrigation. The Drip systems are incorporated by the base of the grass and or plants. The water drips directly into the base of the grass minimizing runoff and evaporation. This type of system works really well in a desert environment. Sometimes soil becomes overly dry and when it is watered there becomes a flux of runoff. If you’re looking for the best conservation of water, this is it. This system is more geared towards smaller lawns.

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2. Sprinklers

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Sprinklers offer a wider coverage than drip irrigation and are a very popular choice for residential properties. Automatic sprinklers will come with a timer that can be adjusted. These should be watched closely after instillation to ensure there is not runoff water. If runoff occurs change the settings to smaller durations of watering time. If used correctly these can be efficient for water conservation.  

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Pro Tip: Plant Wisely

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In any region, residents should aim to plant plants that are native to the area. For Phoenix especially, you will want to plants plants that do not rely on much additional water. Plants like Cacti, Succulents and native wildflowers do really well in this climate and may not even need any extra water. If you are planting any trees remember that shaded areas of the lawn do not need as much water as exposed sections of the lawn.

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Read more: 5 Native Plants for Easy Gardening in Phoenix, AZ

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Local Watering Restrictions for Phoenix, AZ

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Currently there are no water restrictions in this area but conservatory methods are recommended. For more information visit the Phoenix, AZ government page.

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Looking for more lawn care advice? Visit our Phoenix, AZ lawn care page for a list of pros and additional lawn care tips.

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Top Photo: Flickr // Dean Terasaki

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Dallas spring weather is sometimes all over the place. Unpredictably there will be excessive heat sprinkled with freezing temperatures and sometimes even a tornado will pass by. Luckily the grasses that are most popular in Dallas can put up with these different types of weather. Arguably, the most important part of lawn care is watering. […]

\n","content":"\n

Dallas spring weather is sometimes all over the place. Unpredictably there will be excessive heat sprinkled with freezing temperatures and sometimes even a tornado will pass by. Luckily the grasses that are most popular in Dallas can put up with these different types of weather. Arguably, the most important part of lawn care is watering. It can be mundane, but it is important to have proper watering techniques. Here we have made a guide to watering specific to the Dallas area.

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How much water does my lawn need in Dallas, TX?

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Watering a lawn, while it may sound easy, can be daunting when the results of the lawn are not up to par with expectations. The recommended amount of water per week in north texas is about an inch. Take into consideration the amount of sunlight your lawn receives. If the lawn is fully exposed to the sun and has no shade, these lawns will need more water to survive.

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Under watering grass is probably the most prevalent prognosis in Texas, however in Dallas there are quick outbursts of rain that can add to over watering, especially if your lawn has not had proper watering techniques. Here are some signs that you are overwatering or underwatering.

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What happens when you overwater your lawn?

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1. Thatch Build Up

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Thatch build up is a natural occurrence in lawns that if exceeds ¾ inch it needs to be removed. The build up is a combination of dead grass and debris that can suffocate the living grass. Over watering can prevent the natural breakdown of the thatch by other organisms

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2. Fungus and Disease

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Fungus and disease can arise when a lawn has been over watered. If there is any stagnant water in a lawn there is an opportunity for a fungus to grow. The prime example of fungi is when mushrooms begin growing. If this happens in your lawn make sure to water less.

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3. Weeds

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Weeds of certain strains can thrive over thatch build up. Making sure that the lawn stays dense and free of additional water will promote healthy lawn growth and less weeds.

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What happens if you don’t water your lawn enough?

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1. Stress

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Stress is a factor in any lawn, however, when stress begins to affect the lawn in a noticeable way, this is an indicator the grass is underwatered. For example, if a footprint remains in the grass instead of springing back up the grass needs some extra water.

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2. Discoloration

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Discoloration will turn the lawn from green to brown or yellow. This can be an indicator that the grass has caught a disease as well. Watching the color of the grass closely will ensure the lawn doesn’t get to this point. Remember,  overly exposed patches of grass may need a little more water than shaded sections.

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3. Clump Growth

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Clump growth will indicate the lawn is struggling to survive. There will be several patches of dead grass with small sections of green. This stage is still salvageable, but may need an additional reseed and fertilizer to completely fix the problem.

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What is the best time of day to water your lawn?

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To avoid overwatering and to ensure the conservation of our water supply, the time of day matters. The optimum time to water is in the morning between the hours of 7 am to 10 am. During daylight savings, the watering schedule should be mended to around the time the sun rises.  

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Option A: Watering Mid-Day

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Watering when the yard is fully exposed to the sun is a waste of water. The water will quickly evaporate during these times and not allow the grass to soak it all up. If only some water get through to the roots the roots will most likely become shallow and you will eventually have to water more to keep the grass green.

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Option B: Watering in the Evening

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On the opposite spectrum watering in the evening can lead to over watering the lawn. The morning sun has the ability to evaporate excess water on the lawn ensuring the perfect amount of water gets soaked up by the grass. In the evening the water has nowhere to go but to sit on the lawn.

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What is the best lawn watering technique for a strong, deep root system?

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The best technique to use when watering the yard is deep infrequent watering. This type of schedule aligns with the Dallas Watering Restrictions as well. Frequent watering with less water will cause the grass to have shallow roots. Infrequent watering will also allow the yard to be more durable against drought, below freezing temperatures, and other weather.

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What are the Dallas Watering Restrictions in 2019?

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There is a maximum two day a week watering restriction.  If your house address ends in an even number you can water on Sundays and Thursdays. If your house ends in an odd number you are allotted Saturdays and Wednesdays. If there is no address number where you reside you can water on Sundays and Thursdays.

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Still looking for more lawn care information? Visit our Dallas, TX lawn care page for more tips n’ tricks.

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Top photo: Flickr // jean-louis plamondon

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