Steele: Time to focus on the lawn

While irrigation of lawns accounts for much of the 24 per cent of valley water used for outdoor residential irrigation, this can be reduced for existing lawns and new ones.

Now is the perfect time to feed turf-grass and build up the soil by spreading a one inch layer of organic matter such as Natures Gold, well-rotted manure, or compost over your lawn.

It will decompose to form new, nutrient-rich soil which in turn feeds your lawn all season long.

There wont be the spike of fast growth, needing more water and more mowing, that chemical fertilizers create.

Mulch helps retain moisture. If soil is poor, mulching may be done in fall as well as spring to improve soil faster.

Aeration improves water penetration. If you aerate before mulching the mulch will fill the holes.

By the time you are ready to mow, the mulch will have settled below mower blades.

For more tips on reducing water use on your lawn check http://www.makewaterwork.ca.

Now is a good time to get rid of some lawn not needed for activities.

This will reduce maintenance time (mowing and trimming) as well as reduce your water bill.

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Steele: Time to focus on the lawn