Yard watering in South Lane County? - Ask Extension
There are so many mixed messages about watering yards. We have about 1000 sq. ft yard that I water weekly or more when temps are high. I water infeque...
Knowledgebase
Yard watering in South Lane County? #879962
Asked August 02, 2024, 5:39 PM EDT
There are so many mixed messages about watering yards. We have about 1000 sq. ft yard that I water weekly or more when temps are high. I water infequently just to keep it healthy, but not sure if this is a good . I would rather have a little green, but maybe that's more damaging than just letting the yard go dormant. I'm unclear what is the best method to keep the yard healthy. Regular watering to keep up with 90+ degree temps is too costly in Cottage Grove. I use Malorganite to fertilize and planned to feed the lawn in the fall. Any help on whether I should keep watering or forget it altogether or is my current watering the yard infrequently a good plan or just stop altogether? It's an old yard with clay soil that was doing well until this July/August heat storm.
Lane County Oregon
Expert Response
If it is lawn grass you are watering, let it go dormant, It will come back when the conditions are good again. If it is shrubs and trees, established ones will suffer some, so judicious application of water and then let dry out again usually is successful. Clay can hold a lot of water, so that is a bit of good news. Get back to me if you still have questions.