How Frequently Should I Water This Fall?

As summer transitions into fall on Long Island, shorter days and cooler temperatures mean your lawn and landscape generally need less water. It is time to begin adjusting your irrigation schedule!

During the summer heat, many lawns and landscapes may need to be watered three times per week or every other day, depending on weather conditions, soil, and your irrigation system. As we move into fall, watering twice per week should be sufficient during dry weather.

We’ve Had Plenty of Rain!

Over the past six weeks, many areas of Long Island have received more than 10 inches of rainfall. With that much rain, your lawn and landscape may not need any additional irrigation for the remainder of the week. 

If rain is in the forecast or your soil is already moist, consider turning your irrigation controller to “off” temporarily. There is no reason to water when Mother Nature is doing the job for you!

Of course, newly planted lawns, trees, shrubs, and landscaping still require regular watering to help establish healthy root systems. If you have new plantings, reduce the number of minutes each zone runs rather than completely eliminating watering. Always check the soil moisture and adjust based on actual weather conditions. 

What a difference a Few Months Can Make!

Nature never ceases to amaze me. When I look back at this year, April, May, June, and July were unusually hot and dry. The beginning in August, the weather became much cooler and wetter.

That is why it is so important not to simply leave your irrigation controller programmed the same way all season long. You watering schedule should change as the weather changes. 

Do You Know How to Adjust Your Controller? 

Understanding how to operate your irrigation controller can save water, help reduce unnecessary water costs, and keep your lawn and landscape healthier.

Hunter Industries offer helpful tutorials and information on programming and adjusting irrigation controllers. If you have a Hunter or Hydrawise controller then please visit www.hunterindustries.com and or www.hydrawise.com.You can also visit Youtube.com and type in your controller model to find instructional videos. 

Fall Is a Great Time to Improve Your Landscape

Fall is an excellent time to plant new trees and shrubs and make improvements to your lawn and landscape. Cooler temperatures can make it an ideal time to prepare you property for next spring.

If you need help adjusting your irrigation system, improving new landscaping, or planning fall improvements, Rain Rich is here to help! Call us at 631-423-2211 or email  rsilverman@rainrich.com.

We look forward to serving you!