DOES THE UNSEASONABLY WARM WINTER MEAN YOU SHOULD TURN YOUR SPRINKLER BACK ON?

Tuesday, February 07, 2012 | The Greenery, Inc.

The Greenery, Inc. – Tuesday, February 07, 2012

This winter has given Hilton Head Island residents lots of ups and downs in terms of temperatures. There have been days you just want to stay indoors and days you step out in flip flops. Should that change your watering strategy for your lawn?

The answer is no. Don’t be fooled by the warmer temps and think that means you should turn on your sprinkler system. This is the dormancy period for most turf grass and woody ornamentals. Watering your lawn now could cause fungal problems once it really gets hot outside. Warm days and cool nights spell trouble!

The only parts of your yard needing water now are new plantings and annuals such as pansies, violas and snap dragons. Water new plantings two days per week for 15 to 20 minutes max to ensure they are well established. Water your annuals only once a week for the same 15 to 20 minutes. So remember even though it feels like spring, don’t treat your lawn like it is.

By Stuart Grant

General Manager for Residential Accounts, The Greenery