Tuesday, 22 July 2014

Orem Lawn Care Faces Unique Challenges

By Paulette Mason


The spectacular geography of Utah is stunning, from rugged peaks to eerie rock formations. The area near the Great Salt Lake is the site of several small cities where residents bask in a semi-desert climate moderated by the Wasatch mountains. As the population grows, so does the demand for fresh water. Orem lawn care practices focus on maintaining healthy, lush grass without depleting finite supplies.

Homes surrounded by an expanse of green turf are an American tradition that works best in regions where the ecosystem receives enough water to support a wide variety of other plants. Although lush cottage gardens are a romantic ideal, that concept is not easily translated to arid climates. Besides being more costly to maintain, achieving that look takes effort, time, and resources.

The most common seed blend used by homeowners is Kentucky Bluegrass, which thrives best in temperatures below eighty-five degrees. When summer heat rises above that level, water stress becomes commonplace, leaving the expanse of grass burnt and yellowed. In a season of bountiful rain, additional watering can help preserve a lush, green appearance, but home gardeners must still practice conservation.

The drought currently strangling most Western states cannot be easily ignored, and many people are seriously questioning the wisdom of using precious water in a sprinkler system. In order to become optimally healthy, most varieties of grass require around one inch of water each week, which may be moderated by local rainfall. Homeowners are usually careful to monitor runoff, which is nearly impossible to avoid.

For the best results, timers for sprinklers should activate the system in the early hours before dawn. Grounds with several water stations are most effectively hydrated in around thirty minutes, and the early hour allows plants to absorb liquid before the most intense heat. Watering in the evening is not recommended, because it spurs the growth of fungi, creating circular barren spots.

Because soils in the region are not always ideal for many grass varieties, regular fertilization is necessary. Bluegrass needs about 2.5 pounds of nitrogen-rich fertilizer for every 1000 square feet of turf, creating a lush appearance. Too much can lead to yellow-tipped areas as the existing root system becomes overwhelmed. Excess application may also cause fertilizer burn, ultimately causing thinning.

A growing patch of greenery instantly attracts the local insects, including white grubs, billbugs, and sod webworms. While pesticides work quickly, they destroy all insects, eliminating helpful predator species. Without careful controls, pesticides are a well-documented hazard. They can be a very valuable tool, but should be employed with caution. Rather than spreading toxins, improving lawn health is a better way to discourage pests.

Using a reputable local landscape service is a good way to keep grass healthy while practicing conservation. A local lawn-care company evaluates all facets of maintenance and management, saving time, and eliminating the need for guesswork. From pest and weed control to optimal fertilization and sprinkler system operations, regularly scheduled care allows homeowners to enjoy their own patch of turf with a minimum of water consumption.




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