Grass Lawn

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    Watering Needs:  Grass needs the most water of any plant in the landscape.  Use only as much as you need for children, pets and entertaining.

    Reduce Area:  Replace extra grass with more drought tolerant ground covers, shrubs and trees.  This will help to conserve water and promote diversity in your landscape.

    Cutting and Maintenance:  Maintain the grass you have by mowing high, 3" to 4" for St Augustine and Bahiagrass) to encourage deeper, stronger roots.  Also remember to fertilize as needed, rather than regularly.  To "green up" your lawn in the summer, apply liquid iron rather than fertilizer.  Leave grass clippings on the lawn.  They will decompose and return nutrients to the grass.

    Watering:  Watering frequently for short periods of time creates a root system that is close to the top of the soil.  The plant depends on frequent watering.  If the watering schedule is disrupted, as in a drought, the plants will die off quickly and not recover.  Watering for longer periods of time, a good soaking, helps develop deep root systems and a much healthier plant.  The deep roots allow the plants to reach moisture deep in the soil in times of drought.  While the lawn will be stressed, it should recover.

To learn more contact the University of Florida, Hillsborough County Extension Office on the web at:

http://hillsborough_fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/LandscapeDesign.htm#LD_Workshops