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Activate
your sprinkers:
Turn on your sprinkler system about May 15 depending on warm
weather, and turn off your sprinkler about October 30 depending
on cold weather.
TUNE
UP YOUR SPRINKLER SYSTEM AND YOUR TIMER/CLOCK
- Check
for broken heads and leaks
- Replace the backup battery in your timer
- Learn to program your timer/clock
How
often to water:
A conservation schedule designed to deliver 1 inch of water per
week will give Kentucky blue grass approximately 80% of its demand
through the hot/dry summer months of July and August. This will
save a tremendous amount of water without seriously affecting the
appearance of the lawn. If you want a greener lawn meeting 100%
of its demand, a generous schedule will deliver 1-1/2 inches of
water per week, but will produce significantly higher water bills.
LET THE WATER IN:
- Aerate
your lawn and remove excess thatch - so water can penetrate the
soil.
Your
lawn will adapt easily to an every three-day watering pattern; in
fact, you can even water less frequently. Let nature sprinkle your
lawn as late into the spring as possible before you begin to irrigate,
and you'll be helping your lawn develop healthy roots.
What
time of day is best to water:
Watering between 10 p.m. and 8 am can reduce evaporation loss by 15
to 20 percent. Because our climate is typically dry, this practice
won't create mildew or fungus on your lawn unless you water too
much. Always avoid watering during the heat of the day from 11
am to 6 p.m.
KNOW WHEN TO WATER:
- Learn
your lawn's water limit. Irrigate only until the ground is saturated.
- Vary watering times depending on rainy or dry conditions.
Think
smart - adjust your sprinker clocks throughout the outdoor season:
Millions of gallons of water are wasted every year by sprinkler systems running in the rain and clocks still programmed for mid summer schedules in the spring and fall.
- To
prevent this from happening, follow these guidelines:
- Water less frequently before Memorial Day and after Labor Day;
- Change the setting on the clock or leave the system on manual but continue to repeat cycles for deep root watering and clay soil;
- Turn the system off or flip the rain switch when it rains;
- Consider installing a rain sensor or arrange to have a neighbor turn off the clock if it rains when you are away.
WATER
EFFICIENTLY:
- If
soil is damp 3" under surface, do not water.
- Water heavy clay soils more frequently, but for shorter periods of time.
- Know how much water your sprinkler system applies per hour.
To
determine if your lawn is getting enough water, try this simple
test; stick a screwdriver in the ground, if it goes in too easily,
cut back on your watering; if it's a struggle to get it in, increase
your watering.
Don't
water on automatic; respond to your lawn's need, not your habit!
thanks, your Castle Pines North Metro District
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Our
CPN soils: Different
soils have different water intake rates.
Sandy
soil: water moves quickly through sandy soil, seeping
deeply into it rather than spreading out. it doesn't take
much water to wet the roots.
Loam
soil: the water spreads out and down, forming a ball shaped
waterfront.
Clay
soil: the water travels slowly, spreading more to the
sides than moving downward.
PREPARE
YOUR SOIL: If you are putting in a new lawn, till the soil
until you have at least 4-6 inches of loose dirt and add organic
material. Then lay your sod.
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Interested
in a water audit? Want to learn more ways to conserve? Need
more information?
If
you have any questions regarding the Metro District and the
services they provide, please contact them directly:
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Phone:
303-688-8550
Fax: 303-688-2529
email: cpnmd@earthlink.net
Office:
CPN Community Center
7404 Yorkshire Drive
Castle Rock, Colorado 80104
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