Lawn Care Under Pressure

Check your water pressure. Most sprinklers require a minimum pressure to work correctly.

• Spray heads spray water steadily over one area. They need between 20 and 30 psi (pounds per square inch) to work correctly.
• Rotor heads–or Rain Bird sprinkler heads, rotate while they spray a stream of water on the grass. According to Jess Stryker, landscape architect and Web host of www.irrigationtutorials.com, these sprinkler heads need about a pound per square inch of pressure for every foot out from the head that you need them to spray, .

If your water pressure is low, check to see if you have a broken pipe that needs to be replaced as soon as possible. If your water pressure is too high, it is liable to break your sprinkler heads.

Stand Up for Excellent Lawn Care

Over the winter your sprinkler or sprinkler heads might have cracked with the cold weather, or gotten kicked or dislodged. Check to make sure all of your sprinkler heads are standing upright. They should not be leaning or bent. You’ll also want to make sure that you have the correct area covered by the spray from your sprinkler heads. Fan-shaped spray heads come in quarter, half, and full circles depending on the coverage you require. Using the correct shape will help you conserve water.

Time it Right

Check your timer. Make sure the power supply–batteries or electricity–is working. if you live in a drought area of the country, be sure to time your waterings to comply with any rationing ordinances in your community.

Lawn Care Under Pressure

Check your water pressure. Most sprinklers require a minimum pressure to work correctly. Spray heads (spray water steadily over one area) need between 20 and 30 psi (pounds per square inch) to work correctly. Rotor heads–most commonly known as Rain Bird sprinkler heads–which rotate while they spray a stream of water on the grass, need about a pound per square inch of pressure for every foot out that you want them to spray, according to Jess Stryker, landscape architect and web host of www.irrigationtutorials.com.

If your water pressure is low, check to see if you have a broken pipe that needs to be replaced as soon as possible. If your water pressure is to high, it is liable to break your sprinkler heads.

Stand Up for Excellent Lawn Care

Over the winter your sprinkler or sprinkler heads might have cracked with the cold weather, or gotten kicked or dislodged. Check to make sure all of your sprinkler heads are standing up. They should not be leaning or bent. You’ll also want to make sure that you have the correct coverage from your sprinklers. If you are using spray heads that have fan-shaped heads, use only what you need. They come in a variety of patterns including quarter, half, and full circles. Using the correct shape will help you conserve water.

Time it Right

Check your timer. Make sure the power supply is working (batteries or electric). if you live in a drought area of the country, be sure to time your waterings within any rationing ordinances that may exist in your community.

Q: What are the advantages of planting turf grass on your roof?

A: There are many economical and environmental advantages to planting a “living” or “green” roof. Green roofs planted with turf grass provide insulation that saves on energy use and heating and cooling bills. Green roofs also reduce storm water runoff, create wildlife habitats and are an important solution to combating the heat island effect in urban areas. Additionally, green roofs typically last longer than conventional roofs and can add value to your property.

Q: What are the maintenance requirements?

A: Your green roof requires the same maintenance as required for traditional lawns: proper irrigation, mowing, and weed control.

Q: Geographically, where does this work best in the U.S.?

A: Theoretically, turf grass roofs can work anywhere. Environmentally, turf grass works well in areas that receive adequate rainfall, such as the Pacific Northwest. Other materials, such as sedum or wildflowers, can be used more effectively in areas with limited natural water supply.

Q: Is this used in residential structures or just commercial and municipal buildings?

A: Green roofs can be used successfully on residential or commercial buildings and work best on buildings and homes with relatively flat roofs. The soil and maintenance requirements of green roofs made from turf grass make them better suited for larger commercial buildings.

Q: Are there any disadvantages or specific things to consider about the structure of the building/house?

A: Though green roofs can weigh less than conventional roofing material, you’ll want to make sure your building can support the weight of the soil and plant material. You should also research building codes in your area to review local regulations regarding installing green roofs.

But there is room in your backyard landscaping for both and there are advantages to having grass near your swimming pool.

Backyard Landscaping: Creating Your Resort Look

Think about the last resort you visited. Likely there were patches of lush, green grass around the swimming pool areas–even in desert conditions. Not only does it break up the concrete jungle patio, it cools the area. Lawns can be 30 degrees cooler than asphalt on a hot day. Granted, concrete is not as hot as asphalt, but you get the point. The U.S. Green Building council who administers the LEED building rating system, gives points for placing grass on rooftops. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

Chlorine and Grass and Runoff

A great thing about grass is that it captures runoff and brings it back into the soil. Concrete causes runoff and can add pollutants to our storm drains. Turf grass is a natural filter for water. Believe it or not, chlorine in your pool water is actually not known to kill your grass. The grass is selective about what it drinks. Who knew?

Today’s backyard swimming pools often have a salt water system instead of the traditional chlorine. Not only is the salt water not harmful to your law; it is actually good for your grass. The water that is naturally splashed from your pool onto your lawn is a great way to conserve water. Just don’t flood your lawn with pool water, of course.

So consider combining grass and concrete. It can add so much to the look and the efficiency of your backyard landscaping.

As an adult, I am seriously wondering why we have a tool that trims weeds instead of gets rid of them. I would say it was a misnomer, however I watched half a dozen homemade videos that I found on the Web and they all mentioned trimming weeds. Is this just a lazy man’s weed treatment? I did a little digging and this is what I found.

Question: What was the original purpose of a weed eater?

Answer: George C. Ballas, Sr. invented the Weed Eater to get those hard to reach places that his mower would not–exactly how it is marketed now. He had a huge yard and got the inspiration from watching a car wash clean a car with nylon lines to act as scrubbers.

Question: Was George C. Ballas just a lazy guy with a big middle that didn’t want to bend down and pull weeds?

Answer: Quite the contrary! I found the most biographical information on his son’s dance Web site. Yes, dance! Turns out George C. Ballas, Sr. owned the largest dance studio in the world. The Dance City USA Studio has 43,000 square feet of dance floor and is still operating in Stafford, Texas. He also started more than 100 other companies. I tried to email him but the message failed. Darn! He sounds like an incredible person and eating weeds was just one of his many hobbies.

However, due to its drought-tolerant, low-maintenance qualities, some clover lawns are making a comeback.

Love It!

White clover has flowers that bees love. That’s where you get clover honey. That’s also why a clover yard is best in low-traffic areas–you wouldn’t want to step on those bees. Clover grows two to eight inches tall and needs little to no mowing. Clover is rich in nitrogen and successful at crowding out other weeds. It also naturally helps to keep out chinch bugs that eat grass–especially St. Augustine, bermuda, and zoysia grasses.

Clover is lush to walk on, and you can keep it mowed to avoid the white flowers that attract those bees that can sting bare feet. However, due to colony collapse, clover fields do a great job to help bees survive. Parkways or perimeters landscaped with clover might offer a perennial green look that you love.

Leave It!

If not, there are simple ways of getting rid of clover. You can cut down on the nutrient it likes the most, which is phosphorous, and let your healthy lawn combat it naturally. If you want to go the chemical route, there are many herbicides on the market that will kill off clover. Read the labels and look for clover in the list of weeds the product targets. Last but not least–good, old fashioned weeding always does the trick. Make sure that you get the tap root out–it will spread.

If the idea of a toxic chemical pest control defeats your pursuit of a green environment, then consider a natural pest control like pyrethrins. Pyrethrins are derived from chrysanthemums, and they may be used in a variety of products from flea abatement on pets and head-lice removal on humans to mosquito abatement in public areas.

Pyrethrins permeate an insect’s nervous system on contact and paralyze the insect. There is no residual effect of the pyrethrins, which means it needs to be reapplied. Although it’s natural, there can be some toxicity if pyrethrins are ingested, but humans usually break it down easily and quickly without any long-term effects. Side effects for humans can reportedly be a rash, runny nose, and coughing, which might be an allergic reaction to the compound.

The downside is that pyrethrins can be more expensive than regular pesticide. If you have small children or pets, the extra cost may be worth it to keep them away from anything with dangerous side effects.

Pyrethrins are sold in outdoor foggers for mosquito abatement as well as in powder form. Keep an eye on your watering between the rains so you don’t over water your lawn and create a worse problem. Pyrethrins may help you have a spring and summer without mosquitoes.

According to the Long Beach Water Department, 50 percent of all water used in homes is for landscape irrigation. That’s a lot of water, especially in a drought situation. Using a rain barrel for rain harvesting might help cut down a hefty water bill and aid in water conservation efforts.

There are a variety of household rain barrels available. Some look like traditional barrels, and some look like beautiful planters. There’s even one that looks like a boulder. They are designed with a flat back to sit flush against your home and collect the falling rain directly from your rain gutters. Through a diverter with a clean out system, it is easy and convenient to do some rain harvesting.

If you are a hearty do-it-yourselfer, you can visit a blog that outlines how to build your own rain barrel system.

You should keep in mind things like keeping mosquitoes away and some other details, such as accessories to aid the rain harvesting process. Other water conservation tips are to make sure your sprinklers are not directed toward any runoff areas like a sidewalk or patio. Change the heads of the sprinklers to make sure you are not overwatering any particular area. If you live in a drought area where water rationing is in effect, be sure to follow the recommended water conservation rules.

Creating a Flower Bed

Map out how you want your new garden to look. To kill the grass in the area where you want to add a flower bed, cover the area with four to six sheets of newspaper (also great in your compost), then cover it with a layer of steer manure. It will naturally decompose over the winter. The plot is then ready for spring plantings or an herb garden.

Adding a Path

A great way to delineate areas, especially in your backyard, is by adding a path. You can do it inexpensively by using pavers, gravel, or decomposed granite. By adding a path, you may create areas of your backyard much like an outside room. The path can meander by your new flower bed and lead to a barbecue or sitting area.

Front Lawn That Stands Out

Instead of having just another rectangular front lawn, add a path that leads to a bench or swing under a shade tree. Line the path with blue fescue to vary your grasses and add some height to an otherwise flat front lawn. You can still keep your beautiful bermuda or luscious rye, but now you have accented its beauty. Creating spaces in your front lawn helps welcome visitors with a resort feel. Isn’t that a nice thing to come home to?

Too Late to Plant?

If you live in a colder area of the country, you might be thinking it’s too late to plant winter rye right now. You’d be correct. The best time to plant winter rye is in the fall, just when evenings start to get cool. However, in the west, winter rains have just begun–80° on New Year’s Eve is not uncommon–and if you watch the Rose Parade, you know what I mean. You could get away with planting winter rye this late in warmer climates–seed or sod. In fact, winter rye does well with occasional sunny days. Winter rye also is a great choice to over-seed your bermuda or St. Augustine grass.

Advantages of Winter Rye

Winter rye is known as a scavenger, meaning it will seek out nutrients in the soil. It loves nitrogen and finds the residual nitrogen in the soil. Farmers use it as a cover crop because it is good at keeping weeds out and holding the soil in. A cover crop is planted between seasons to maintain and add nutrients to the soil. Winter rye is used often because it grows so quickly.

Getting Rid of Winter Rye

Going into the summer months when your regular bermuda grows well, you should let the winter rye die back and let your summer grass grow in. Let it go a few weeks without watering, then return to regular maintenance as your bermuda comes out of its dormant season.