MEASURING THE VALUE OF RAIN
Watering Tips For Your Yard

Most of us guess correctly that we receive more rain per year than the U.S. Southwest, like Phoenix, AZ (8 inches per year). While we don't think of Hampton Roads as a water-rich area, we ARE. We average about 44 inches of rain annually, 12% more than Seattle, Washington, which measures about 39 inches per year.

What does this mean to us?
It means you may not need to water your lawn as often as you do if you make wise use of mother nature's abilities to help.

*Lawn Watering Facts . . .

• In most cases, watering is only necessary during the growing season, March through October.

• A once-a-week deep soaking of about 1- inch is sufficient for most grasses, trees, and shrubs.

• Deep soaking promotes deep roots. As roots grow deeper into the soil, less watering is necessary since moisture is found deeper in the soil.

• Let your grass grow a little taller. Longer grass blades reduce evaporation which is helpful during the hot, dry months. Keep it about 2-3 inches high.

• Keep 1-3 inches of mulch around your plants and shrubs to retain moisture. You won't have to water as often.

• Get to know your lawn sprinkler. Set the controls to keep the water on the lawn, not the driveway or street.

• The least efficient means of watering your grass is hand-watering. While we may enjoy a leisurely stance in the yard with the water hose, our legs
  usually do not last long enough to provide a 1-inch deep soak.

• Early morning outdoor watering is best because the sun evaporates water used during midday hours. If watering in the evening do so as late as possible to reduce the chance for fungus to develop (fungus thrives in wet, dark places). Avoid watering when windy since most of the water may end up on the driveway or street.

A Rain Gauge Is a Good Tool...

• Place a rain gauge in your lawn and check it after each rainfall. This will help you determine if you need to water, and if so, how much to assure an inch per week on your landscape.

• You can also use the rain gauge to measure how much water your sprinkler is applying to the lawn. When it reaches an inch, you have watered enough.