As the seasons change, so too should our lawn care routines.
During the fall and winter, many plants, including grass, go dormant and require less water than they do in summer. Now is a good time to cut back on outside watering, which can save you money on your water bill and help conserve water for the warmer months when plants grow actively.
As the leaves start to fall and cold fronts arrive, it's time to adjust or turn off those automated sprinkler systems.
Continuing to water lawns and gardens at the same rate during fall and winter can lead to overwatering, waste valuable resources, and result in soil erosion, nutrient loss, and pest problems. Texas has a limited water supply, a natural resource that becomes more scarce as the population grows. Businesses and homeowners can help conserve water by learning how to water their green spaces properly.
Lawn irrigation often accounts for nearly half of homeowner water use, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
It's important to remember that dormant grass is not dead grass; it's simply resting. Dormancy is a natural process that helps grass conserve water and nutrients. Most lawns will become dormant in the fall and stay that way until spring.
So, how can people figure out if their lawn needs watering?
To conserve water effectively during fall and winter, it is essential to monitor rainfall patterns and adjust watering schedules accordingly. Use a rain gauge to track precipitation and reduce watering when sufficient rain falls. Also, deep watering, which involves slowly applying water to promote root growth, is more efficient than frequent shallow watering.
You can return to your summer watering schedule once the intense heat returns, but until then, take the time to ensure you're not overwatering or wasting water and money. Small adjustments can make a big difference in protecting a vital natural resource and avoiding the headache of a dead lawn.