2 minute read
Gardening with Complete Solutions
It’s Getting WARMER…
by PJ Kratohvil, Owner of Complete Solutions
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We’re barely into June, and things are starting to heat up! We’ve had mild temperatures so far, but if you’ve been in North Texas long then you know the 100°F temperatures will show themselves soon enough! We’re going to hit on a few things you should keep in mind as we transition into the summer season.
CUTTING
When it is hotter outside try to keep the amount you prune off of your shrubs and lawn to a minimum. Trees and shrubs can react harshly if you cut back too much when temperatures are hot. On your grass spaces, letting the grass become a little taller/thicker will help hold moisture at the base of the sod – allowing you to water less and keep things greener in between cuttings. It’s nice to have a tight, low-cut lawn, but the shorter you go, you expose more of the base of the grass blades and the higher you run the risk of burning.
MULCHING
One of the best ways to grow healthy plants and conserve water is mulching. It protects the plantings, helps to hold moisture closer to the roots, prevents erosion and suppresses weed growth. Three inches of mulch is typically a reasonable amount for this area. Remember to keep it as even as possible and do not let it build up against tree trunks or bases of the plantings themselves.
IRRIGATION
With the average household spending 40% to 50% of its summer water bill on irrigation make sure you’re water-wise. In our smaller lot communities we see a lot of water runoff/ loss, which prevents the water from making it into the ground. Test your irrigation for leaks, efficiency and adequate coverage. If you see water runoff within a couple of minutes, then its going to be better to set your system up to run shorter times more frequently. Also, keep in mind that once trees and shrubs are established they need less water than the turf so adjust your controller accordingly.
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