No need for sprinklers this spring

Friday, May 15, 2015

A green lawn and a rainbow of flowers are the envy of many homeowners and gardeners across Oklahoma. The springtime rain brings colorful plants to life and according to the Oklahoma Climatological Survey, Oklahoma received a 254 percent increase in normal rainfall levels in the last 30 days.

Because of the rainfall, the grass is a bright shade of hunter green, the rivers are flowing high and the flowers, both in gardens and growing wild, are blooming without sprinklers or watering cans.

According to Oklahoma Mesonet, an average of 9.96 inches of rain fell in Oklahoma since April 1 giving the state its second wettest season since 1921. Because of the abundant moisture, it is recommended to limit outdoor water use and turn off sprinklers. Doing so will save money and reduce water usage.

Justin Moss, associate professor of turfgrass science at Oklahoma State University said despite the recent rain, reducing water use should still be a priority.

“In addition to turning off sprinklers, a climate-based controller or a soil moisture sensor is a great way to save water,” Moss said. “Research through OSU Cooperative Extension shows irrigation technology prevents overwatering. Devices like the Toro Precision ^TM Soil Sensor are great for residential use.”

The moisture from the recent rain will quench the soil for at least one week and with more rainfall expected in the forecast, sprinklers should remain off for the next seven to 10 days. Supplemental watering can continue once dry soil conditions resume.

While water is an important factor in a healthy Oklahoma, smart water usage is essential and conserving it guarantees a strong environment for the state’s future.

For more information on water conservation, please refer to the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service’s Guide to Saving Water in the Home Landscape or the Smart Irrigation Technology: Controllers and Sensors fact sheet, which can be found at http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/ by searching for the title of the article.