You don't put 15 gallons of gas in your car every week whether it has an empty tank or not... You'de be spilling gas on the pavement half the time.
So why do so many people- and businesses water their lawns whether they need it or not.
For once, you can blame it on the weather. June can be warm and dry, or it can be June of 2008.
Different weather- different water needs- duh.
If it rains, you need less- if it's hot and sunny, you need less.
If its windy we really lose water
Putting too much water on your lawn is a waste of water-- and it's bad for your landscape.
Many trees will die, or lose branches if their feet are too wet. Soggy grass is a major factor in crane fly infestations.
Water properly- turn them on late.
And overwatering- especially during cold weather can take fertilizer unused through the lawn- and right into the ground water. The solutions is a summer staple in these parts.
The green grass gauge
Over watering at home is easy to stop-- turn off the tap.
But automatic sprinkles at work are often turned on on May 1st- and left on full summer mode even when spring makes a comeback. Finding the controls might involve some detective work.
Persuading the maintenance folks to slow the flow may involve some diplomacy.
While saving water in a wet year may not seem all that important-- there are some who will appreciate the effort.
I've linked EWEBs green grass gauge to our web site- it's where the winter snow forecast used to be.
Follow their recommendations- and you'll save some water and at the same time have a healthier lawn.
