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Watering Know-How
The very words
“water restrictions” tend to strike fear in the hearts of even the most
seasoned gardeners. But don’t despair!
Beautiful yards take a lot less water than you think. When you use
water wisely, you can provide your lawns and landscape plants with the
water they need, even during the hottest part of the summer. It just
takes common sense and watering know-how.
Our irrigation experts clear up some common misconceptions with the
facts:
When is the best time to water my lawn?
FACT: Water early in the morning to avoid losing water to
evaporation.
Wouldn’t watering after the sun goes down have the same benefits as
early morning?
FACT: Avoid watering your lawn in the evening. When left damp
overnight, your grass can be especially vulnerable to the formation of
mold, fungus and other diseases.
If water restrictions allow me to water my lawn every other day, I
need to make sure I don’t miss my turn, right?
FACT: The ground will dry from the surface down, therefore less
frequent watering will promote deeper roots and thus a stronger lawn.
Frequent watering will promote shallow root growth and a weak lawn.
Only water once every 3-4 days.
Isn’t more frequent light watering better than using a lot of water
all at once?
FACT: A good soaking is better than a light watering. However, if
the water is running down the gutter and not being absorbed into the
lawn, it is being wasted. If puddles form or runoff occurs, STOP
watering and allow the water soak in before watering is resumed. This
is called cycling.
How much water does my lawn require?
FACT: Typical lawns in Illinois require about 1 inch of water each
week. Your contractor can calculate how long each zone should run to
provide this amount of water. There are automatic devices to stop
watering when it is not needed.
Why does my lawn turn brown so much quicker than my neighbor’s?
FACT: A lawn that browns quickly without water probably has shallow
roots and will require a program of fertilization through watering.
Sprinkler systems can save you a lot of time and money!
A properly designed sprinkler system will not only ensure proper
coverage and avoid missed areas, but will also improve water
conservation and cut your watering cost. This method of watering is not
only the least labor intensive watering practice, but also can prove to
be the most economical to use as well.
What you need to know about the person or company installing your
sprinkler system:
Contractors who install or maintain lawn sprinkler systems in Illinois
must be a Registered Irrigation Contractor or a Registered Plumbing
Contractor through the State of Illinois.
Every contractor installing or maintaining lawn sprinklers must have and
display a registration number.
Every person working on a lawn sprinkler work site must carry and be
able to produce upon request either a Registered Irrigation Employee
card or a Licensed/Licensed Apprentice Plumber card.
Every new lawn sprinkler system must be registered with the state on the
proper state-provided form.
Every lawn sprinkler system drawing water from a potable supply must be
equipped with a RPZ Backflow device.
Hire a better educated and trained irrigation contractor and reap the
benefits of a system that is reliable and uses the appropriate amount of
water. A system that wastes water is wasting the money you pay for the
water.
Ask your contractor about these water conserving devices:
-
Deduct
water meters
-
Freeze
sensors
-
Moisture
sensors
-
Rain
sensors
-
Water
budgeting controllers
-
Weather
stations
- Wind
sensors
To check the
registration status of a contractor, call the Illinois Department of
Public Health’s Division of Plumbing at (217) 524-0791.
For a complete list of Registered Irrigation Contractors in the State of
Illinois, please call (217) 525-6222.
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