Green Living Idea

Fall might be the season for raking leaves, but it’s also a great time to prepare your lawn for less watering next year. You can do this as part of fortifying your lawn for the winter. You’ll need a plug aerator, some water absorbing polymers, a top dressing, and a leaf rake.

This method helps you achieve a healthy, vibrant lawn next year and will reduce the amount of precious water called for in next summer’s heat. A little effort now will reduce watering requirements by as much as 40 per cent come next summerâ??enough to make a serious impact on any homeowner’s pocket book.

Follow these five steps:

Do not be concerned about the hydrated crystals remaining on the surface. They will look like small water gel nuggets as the polymer hydrates. They will harmlessly decompose as they are exposed to direct sunlight. Many of them will find their way to the base of the grass blades. Until they decompose and disappear, they will actually serve to cool your turf from the heat of the sun.

This procedure can be done any time of growing season, and should be part of an annual lawn care program. Apply water crystals in the following year at a rate up to 15-30 percent of the first year’s application, depending on the performance and results of their first season in your lawn. Organic soil conditioners and top dressing should be reapplied as needed.

Tags: Lawn, next, Prepare, Save, Water, Year