By Clint Waltz
Georgia Extension Service
Volume XXVII
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Just like trees, shrubs, pets and even humans, turf grasses
need water to survive.
The perception that turf is a water consumer is correct, but
we’re all water
consumers.
The forgotten benefits
Often forgotten are the environmental benefits of a healthy
turf. Grass prevents
soil erosion, filters rainwater, traps airborne dust and soot
and acts as a
noise abatement. Imagine how much louder our lives would be
without turf to
absorb the polluting sounds of the fast-paced world.
Lawns can act as air conditioners, too. The surface
temperature of an actively
growing turf grass may be 20 degrees (Fahrenheit) cooler than
a dormant turf.
As a result, the surroundings are cooler, too, so it costs
less to cool buildings.
Don’t forget that grass is a plant. So, through
photosynthesis, it converts
carbon dioxide to oxygen — which we all require.
Choose and plant appropriately
Many inputs are needed to maintain a healthy turf, but proper
water management
is the most important. For best water conservation, choose and
plant the right
grass.
Different types of grasses are better adapted for particular
climates. Properly
matching the grass with the climate minimizes its water
requirements. Georgians
are fortunate to have a diversity of climates and an array of
turf species to
choose from.
Likewise, plan to establish a new lawn at the right time.
Trying to plant a
lawn just as the climate gets its toughest takes more water
and money. Work
with nature, not against it.
Water wisely
Once the lawn is actively growing, water wisely. Most turf
grasses grown in
Georgia need about 1 inch of water per week to maintain normal
growth and color.
Base their watering on need, not on the day of the week.
Watch for signs of moisture stress, such as wilt, leaf blades
rolling or the
turf’s failure to bounce back from foot traffic. The right
time to irrigate
is when you first see signs of stress.
Water, though, with the idea of watering deeply but not
often. Light, frequent
irrigations lead to shallow, weak root systems that require
more money and effort.
Turf roots will “mine” for water. As the soil surface dries,
roots explore
greater soil depths in search of moisture. Allowing the turf
grass a little
moisture stress can actually increase rooting depths and, in
the long run, save
water.
Typically, you should apply one-half to 1 inch of water at a
time, depending
on the soil.
Pay attention. Avoid watering so much that the soil becomes
saturated and water
runs off the soil surface. If the water doesn’t make it to the
turf’s root zone,
it’s of little use to the plant.
Don’t water the pavement, either. Many have tried, and adding
water doesn’t
cause the asphalt or concrete to grow.
Watering is most efficient in the early morning, when losses
from evaporation
are less. Research shows that water losses at night are 50
percent less than
in midday irrigation. Once again, the plant can use only water
in the root zone.
Water vapor can’t help the grass at all.
Get help, if you need it
For further help with turf topics, consult your local county
agent of the UGA
Extension Service. Turf can be a valuable asset to the
landscape and the environment,
but it’s up to us to properly manage water resources.
Turf grasses don’t waste water. People do.
