Lawns, Gardens and Trees

Just resting - During the summer heat, grass will automatically go dormant (stop growing). However, lawns will start to become green again after a heavy rain or cooler temperatures set in. Caution - a dormant lawn could be damaged by foot traffic.

Designing

Lawn design can provide specialized areas for play, relaxation and gardens. When planning your lawn keep in mind the activities your family enjoys and natural features of your yard, such as sunlight, soil type, and slope. For more information on water-efficient landscaping, visit the Ontario Clean Water Agency website and download the Eight Steps to Water-Efficient Landscaping.

Wind Shield - use shrubs, trees and fences as barriers to protect flowerbeds from moisture loss caused by wind.

Mulch, mulch, mulch - add mulch around gardens to reduce evaporation and weed growth, and to add colour and texture to your lawn and garden. Healthy soil, rich in organics and nutrients easily absorbs and retains water. Avoid over-fertilizing as this promotes excessive growth and increases water demand.

Planting

Plant an original - "add native species to your garden. A plant is considered to be native to North America if it existed here prior to European settlement. They are well adapted to the rigours of the regional climate, pests and diseases." [Environment Canada. Planting the Seed 2000].

• How to create a water efficient garden
• Native, Drought resistant plants and groundcovers
• How to build a rain barrel
• Low Maintenance Perennials

Newly planted - young trees should be watered two hours a week using either a soaker hose or a garden hose set to drip 3 drips per second. Rainwater should be considered when watering - skip the weekly watering if it has rained two or more days during the week. New trees should be watered weekly during the summer months during their first two years only.

Cover up - Filling in thinning patches with drought resistant grass seed and top dressing may reduce your watering needs and provide a thicker lawn.

Maintaining

Raise your wheels - Longer grass shades and protects roots. Don't cut more than one-third of the blade length at a time. "…rather than giving your lawn a close shave, mow it to a height of 7-8 cm, this will promote better root growth and competition with weeds. Keep your mower blade sharp and mow often enough that you don't take off more than one-third of the growth." Health Canada - Healthy Lawns

An inch a week is enough - Limit watering to an inch of water per week, including rainfall. To measure the amount of water you use, place an empty tuna can on your lawn. Once the can is full the lawn has been watered one inch. Remember to count rainfall when measuring your one inch per week. A good rainfall means the sprinkler isn't needed. Watering before noon and during low wind conditions reduces evaporation.

Aeration is one of the most important steps to a healthy lawn. Aeration permits oxygen, nutrients and water to enter the soil, which speeds up the micro-organism activity that breaks down food. Earthworms, and ants will also aerate the soil. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides will kill earthworms. Aeration should be done every fall and spring. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Mature Trees - older trees do not need to be watered regularly unless there has been a period of drought. During a time of drought water mature trees as per newly planted trees described above.

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