Water Smart Outdoors

Water Wise Wednesdays is the one day of the week when Peel residents are encouraged to avoid watering lawns and gardens. Participation helps protect our environment and water supply.

Lawn Tips

Watering | Mowing | Composting | Replacing Sod
Over Seeding | De-thatching | Aerating
Controlling Weeds and Pests

Watering

• Applying too much water to your lawn leads to shallow roots, making it easier for pests and weeds to grow. Apply only a half inch of water twice a week to keep grass healthy.
• Watering mid-day increases evaporation, causing less water to reach roots. Water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to increase the amount of water absorbed.
• Water Wise Wednesdays is the one day of the week when Peel residents and businesses are encouraged to avoid watering lawns and gardens. Participation helps protect our environment and water supply.
• Adjust sprinklers to avoid unnecessary watering of walkways, driveways, sidewalks and streets.
• Install a moisture or rain sensor on your in-ground sprinkler system to ensure the sprinkler system does not operate during or after it rains.

Your Lawn in Dry Weather

In extended hot and dry periods, your lawn will go dormant. Lawns in a dormant state may wilt, and turn brown or yellow. Don't be alarmed, this is your lawn's natural defence to dry weather or drought. The lawn will rejuvenate and turn green again in the fall when it is cooler and wetter.

Mowing

High Level Maintenance

• Cut grass at a height of 5-7.5 cm (2-3in.). This helps the grass to develop a deep, extensive root system.
• Mowing high also shades the root system and helps to retain moisture.
• Cut grass using a mulching or push mower to provide moisture and nutrients to your lawn.
• Keep your blade sharp. Grass will recover faster and more easily from a sharp, clean cut.

Grasscycling

Leave the grass clippings on your lawn. This provides a good source of nitrogen and acts as a natural fertilizer. Lawn clippings are also 80 per cent moisture and decompose readily. Avoid heavy grasscycling in very wet conditions as it will smother your grass. Add these grass clippings to your composter.

Composting

• Add compost to your lawn as a top dressing.
• Makes a great fertilizer for your lawn and provides important nutrients for plant growth.
• Can be applied at any time throughout the outdoor season.
• Should be mixed in with the soil, before seeding or laying sod.
• Can be raked over an existing lawn.

Replacing Sod

Steps to replace sod:

• Cut out dead or damaged area to about 2.5 cm (1 in.) deep
• Rake the soil and add compost
• Put the new piece of sod in and compress by stepping on it or rolling it
• Water new sod frequently until established.  Keep new sod moist for approximately two weeks - this helps roots establish in the soil. After two weeks, the recommended watering tips apply.

More tips