May Tips

Controlling Water Usage - Learn how to adjust your sprinkler system

Your turf grass lawn is approximately 85-90 percent water. How important do you think controlling water is? The answer is simple! In Colorado’s semi arid climate blue grass lawns may require up to 2 inches of water per week in the month of May. Monitoring your water and adjusting your sprinkler system clock can be achieved by getting a rain gauge or a simple "coffee can" and checking how much water your system puts out in a given time frame.

Example
Place your gauge in an area of your lawn. Set your "clock" or "timer" for 15 minutes and measure the amount of water you recorded. In a "pop-up" system you may get 3/10's of an inch of water. After you have discovered the amount of water your system delivers for every 15 minutes you can then adjust the time for each zone to achieve the correct amount of output for the current conditions.
Most communities in Colorado now have watering guidelines or restrictions that may limit the number of days per week you are allowed to water. Three days per week is the general rule. Also remember, it is best to water early in the morning or in the early evening. Water will evaporate and be less effective if applied during the daytime hours.

Remember to shut off your control if it is raining or if moisture has fallen a day or two before your "scheduled" watering day. Usually less water is needed in April & early May than in June, July and August.