Turfgrass Management Archives

Properly Watering Your Lawn This Fall

Posted on October 4, 2023October 2, 2023 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

As the leaves start to turn and the temperatures begin to drop, homeowners in South Carolina often wonder how to care for their lawns properly. During the fall months, grass in South Carolina requires special attention to ensure it stays healthy throughout the cooler months. One crucial aspect of fall lawn care is understanding when and how watering your lawn makes a difference.

The Importance of Watering Your Lawn in the Fall

Fall lawn care isn’t just about raking leaves and preparing for winter. Your grass still needs water during this season. In South Carolina, the fall weather can be unpredictable, with occasional dry spells and lingering heat. Adequate moisture is vital to help your lawn recover from the stresses of the summer and prepare it for the dormant winter period.

When to Water Your Lawn

Timing is everything when it comes to watering your lawn in the fall. The best time to water is in the morning, ideally between 6:00 and several hours before sunset (if you irrigate several times daily). This allows your grass to absorb the moisture and dry off during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases that thrive in cool, damp conditions.

Be careful not to overwater. In South Carolina, you should aim for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Use a rain gauge to measure how much precipitation your lawn receives naturally. If you’re not getting enough rain, supplement it with irrigation.

When to Stop Watering Your Lawn in the South

As the fall moves into winter and temperatures continue to drop, you’ll want to gradually reduce watering frequency. You should begin tapering off your lawn watering routine in October or early November. We suggest setting your irrigation systems at 50 to 75 percent utilizing the water budget option if your controller has one.

When the nighttime temperatures consistently stay below 70°F, the grass growth rate significantly decreases. At this point, your lawn requires less water because it’s not actively growing. However, you don’t want your lawn to go into the winter season completely parched, so continue to provide light moisture until the first frost.

The Role of the Right Irrigation Products

Investing in the right irrigation products to properly water your lawn can significantly impact your grass. Because water conservation is essential, even in South Carolina, efficient irrigation systems can help you maintain a beautiful lawn while using water wisely.

Smart Irrigation Controllers: Consider upgrading to a “smart” irrigation controller that adjusts watering schedules based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels. This ensures you’re not wasting water or overwatering during the fall season.
Drip Irrigation: For precise watering in South Carolina’s varied landscape, drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to the roots, reducing water waste and promoting healthier grass.
Rain Sensors: Install rain sensors on your irrigation system to automatically pause watering when it rains, preventing overwatering and saving water and money.
Regular Maintenance: Don’t forget to regularly check your irrigation system for leaks, clogs, or broken sprinkler heads. Addressing these issues can prevent water waste and keep your lawn healthy.

Proper fall lawn care in South Carolina requires knowing when and how often you need to water your lawn. Using these tips and making intelligent choices about your irrigation system can help you enjoy a vibrant lawn that will thrive year-round in the Palmetto State. To learn more, contact your local experts at W.P. Law, Incorporated.

2 Benefits to Irrigating Before a Cold Snap

Posted on November 23, 2022October 31, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Taking steps to irrigate before cold weather can be a crucial step to protect your lawn and crops from frost and colder temperatures. It may seem counterintuitive, but experienced farmers know irrigating crops will initially cause the temperature in the fields to decrease as evaporation occurs and then increase as the air temperature lowers during a cold front. However, once you understand how it works, you can use irrigation to your advantage as the temperatures drop.

Here are two noteworthy benefits your plants and lawn experience when you irrigate before cold weather:

#1: Frost Damage Prevention

Because water releases heat at a slower rate than air, watering your lawn can provide natural insulation that prevents frost damage. Irrigating one or two days before a cold snap will allow enough time for saturation and thorough insulation from frigid temperatures. In addition, with the slower heat release, the plants and grass blades have more warmth for longer periods, protecting them from frost.

#2: Root Hydration

Did you know drought-stressed plants are more susceptible to cold damage? Irrigation provides your lawn and plants the moisture they need to become stronger and healthier. Think of pre-freeze irrigation as an immune system booster! The healthier the plant cells are, the stronger the plants are and the more quickly they can fight off damage from frost and cold weather.

Implementing proper irrigation is an excellent way to keep your lawn and crops healthy all year. Contact the friendly irrigation experts at W.P. Law to get started with a plan to irrigate before a cold front and give your plants all the protection they need.

Seeding vs. Sod: Which Is Best for Your Yard?

Posted on November 2, 2022October 31, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Which is better: seeding or sod? It’s a question many homeowners have when they want to ensure their lawn is lush and healthy. The best way to answer the question is to consider your yard’s current factors and conditions.

How to Decide If Your Lawn Needs Seeding or Sod

Lawn care experts agree that assessing the current state of your yard determines whether seeding or sod is appropriate. First, you’ll need to compare the sections of weeds and dead grass to healthy grass. For example, if the lawn contains more than 40-50% dead grass or weeds, your best option is to start your yard over with new sod.

On the other hand, if 50% or more of your lawn grass is healthy, performing manual weed control and planting grass seed should be sufficient.

Another factor to consider is the grass you are growing on your property. There are more grass varieties for seeding available than sodding. So if you have a specific grass variety you prefer, you’ll need to find out if it’s available in sod or if you will need to stick with seeding.

Sod Installation Is Best Left to the Pros

While you may take a DIY approach to seeding, sod installation is more complicated. It has a brief 24-hour period for transplanting and requires proper installation. Reach out to trusted professionals to set your lawn up for success.

Whether you choose seeding or sod or are still trying to determine the best next steps for your lawn, the team at W.P. Law is here to guide you. Contact W.P. Law, Inc. today to get started.

Tips for Irrigating Turfgrass in the Fall

Posted on October 5, 2022September 30, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Your irrigation system worked hard all summer, but is fall the time to shut it down for the Winter? In South Carolina, we don’t need to winterize our irrigation systems the same way in colder states to the north. Here’s what you need to know about taking care of your grass and sprinkler system.

Keep Watering

Watering your grass in the summer is a no-brainer, but what about Winter? The general rule in the south is to keep watering year-round, even when the grass becomes dormant. In the Winter, the exception is when it rains. If we have a particularly wet fall and Winter, you won’t need to water as much. When it’s dry for more than a few days and the soil is dry, it’s a good idea to turn on the sprinklers and irrigate your lawn and landscaping. It’s beneficial to water in the morning instead of the evening to avoid fungus.

Irrigation System Winterization

In other states where the temperatures regularly get to freezing and below, it’s critical to drain and blow out sprinkler systems. In the south, with our mild climate, that’s generally not necessary. However, protecting components from freezing is still essential since we get some cold nights. If you have any exposed water pipes, drain them and the pumps. The rest of the system, especially what’s underground, should be fine in the South Carolina fall and Winter.

When you’re ready to transition from summer to fall, your local landscaping and irrigation system professionals can help. Contact the team at W.P. Law, Inc. for all the guidance you need.

Which Type of Pump is Best for My Irrigation System?

Posted on July 27, 2022September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

The latest irrigation system pumps are available in a broad range of designs to meet lawn care and agricultural irrigation needs. However, it can be challenging to identify the right water pump for your irrigation application. Professional irrigation system design will give you the best results, especially if you are just getting started with a new system. The experts can tailor the irrigation system so you can get precisely what you need to optimize your irrigation efforts.

The most common irrigation system pumps include:

Centrifugal—a centrifugal pump moves fluid through the transfer of rotational energy to an impeller. Centrifugal pumps are typically classified as either self-priming or straight centrifugal pumps. Both types are common in irrigation applications with the self-priming being slightly more popular in lawn sprinkler applications.

Submersible—a submersible pump as its name implies is used in submerged applications such as pumping out of a well. Both the pump (wet end) and the motor are both submerged in the liquid being pumped. Submersible pumps are used in lawn sprinkler applications and large submersible pumps are often seen in agricultural irrigation applications.

Jet— The jet pump used along with a jet is used for deep or shallow wells. The jet pump can also be used to pump from lakes or ponds as a centrifugal pump.

Easiest Way to Choose the Best Water Pump for an Irrigation System

Online research may provide you with all the details about different pump types suitable for irrigation applications based on water requirements and elevation changes. But it can be overwhelming to wade through the information and arrive at your optimal choice.

At W.P. Law, Inc., we are happy to offer irrigation system pump suggestions to meet your unique needs and budget. We’ll assess your irrigation system or help you design and install an irrigation system that gives you the best results. Turn to the team at W.P. Law, Inc. to get expert advice about irrigation system pumps.

Want a Lawn That’s the Envy of the Neighborhood? It’s Not Too Late – Try These 3 Tips on How to Make It Happen

Posted on July 20, 2022September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

If you are trying to stop weeds from growing to achieve a lush, green lawn, the best lawn care tips can help you achieve your goals. No homeowner wants their yard to be the eyesore of the neighborhood. With these expert tips, you can stop the constant lawn care headaches and enjoy a gorgeous lawn that brings you pride.

Tip #1: Mow Correctly at the Right Time

Lawn care professionals know that mowing correctly at the right time is one of the most crucial tasks to promote a thriving lawn. For best results, mow often enough, so you only remove 1/3 of the length of the grass blades. Always ensure the grass is dry before cutting and vary your mowing direction and patterns to prevent lawn ruts.

Tip #2: Use Proper Watering Techniques

A speedy watering every day may seem like a good idea, but it isn’t the best practice for your lawn. Experts recommend a deep, long watering on a less frequent basis. Doing this strengthens the grass and gives it sustenance to survive droughts or times with less rainfall. Use a sprinkler to water until the soil is sticky—not overly saturated. Keep in mind that your lawn will typically require less watering during the spring and late-fall than during the summer months.

Tip #3: Use Pre-Emergent Herbicide

During the spring, and again in the fall, apply a high-quality pre-emergent herbicide. Doing this will prevent spring and winter weeds from infiltrating your lawn. Herbicides are most effective when you apply them during weed and crabgrass germination when the soil is around 58 degrees. Use a soil thermometer to know when the time is right to perform the application.

Need more lawn care tips to stop weeds from growing and promote your most attractive lawn? Contact W.P. Law, Inc. for customized recommendations and fertilizer programs to meet the needs of your property.

Why Following a Fertilizer Program Can Improve the Health of Your Lawn

Posted on July 8, 2022September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Following a fertilizer program is a great start to figuring out the best time to fertilize your lawn. With a program, you will have access to a detailed plan customized to your lawn type and goals–no more troubleshooting or second-guessing the best steps to care for your lawn. Even a homeowner inexperienced in lawn care can achieve a gorgeous, healthy lawn with one of our fertilizer programs.

What to Expect from our Fertilizer Program

Your individualized program will provide a guide to help you care for your lawn based on the specific grass you have. It will cover an easy-to-follow schedule featuring application rates that take the guesswork out of proper fertilization and weed control.

A sound fertilization program will include detailed information on the following:

Soils: A primer on how soil factors impact your lawn’s management, including ideal pH levels, soil applications, and soil testing options.
Watering: Details about watering requirements for your grass type and suggestions for using irrigation controllers and other solutions to maximize your watering tasks while practicing conservation.
Mowing: Guidelines for proper mowing height and schedule.
Pre-emergent herbicides: Best practices for using pre-emergent herbicides to prevent annual weeds from germinating in the lawn.
Aeration: Recommendations for aerating the lawn to loosen soil and prune the roots.
Management: Information about best practices for mowing, scouting, and fungicide applications to prevent insect and disease problems from taking hold in your lawn.
Troubleshooting tips: Proven troubleshooting methods for your specific grass type.
Month-by-month steps for insect control and weed prevention: Details regarding what steps to take each month to keep your lawn insect and weed-free and healthy.

Join W.P. Law’s Fertilizer Program to Achieve a Beautiful Lawn

Keeping your lawn looking its best doesn’t have to be a headache or a struggle. At W.P. Law, Inc., we are dedicated to helping you establish the right maintenance program to achieve the lawn of your dreams. Contact W.P. Law, Inc. today to get started with a fertilizer program best catered to your lawn.

Category: Turfgrass Management