12 | SUNRAYS FEBRUARY 2015
ONLINE:
SCTXCA.ORG
CA NEWS
During the renovation of the Social
Center landscape three years ago, we
began testing a soil enhancement product
to improve water retention. The product
promised faster turf growth which would
reduce the amount of water we might
normally use on such a project by drawing
its own moisture from the atmosphere.
Since newly installed sod must be kept
continually moist until roots are set, we
gave it a try.
After prepping the soil for new turf,
we added the fine powder with a
drop spreader, following the product
instructions. I got some of the powder
on my arm and noticed it turning wet
almost immediately. Despite this small
sample of evidence, we were skeptical of
the label’s promises (as anyone who has
ever been disappointed by a product can
understand). Not wanting to lose our
new sod investment, we began watering
the usual three times per day, but it
didn’t take long for us to notice the turf
becoming overly-soggy and the early signs
of fungus development. We reduced our
watering to a minimum level, and found
that not only did we get the fungus under
control, but a healthy root system was
quickly established.
Our skepticismproved to be unwarranted
– in three years, we’ve had no complaint
and enjoy a turf that is lush and green
in appearance, as well as reduced use of
water and fertilizer.
TESTING ON LANDSCAPED
MAINTAINED HOMES
To evaluate the benefits of the soil
amendment product on existing turf, we
decided to test it on select Landscaped
Maintained Homes. As per the product’s
instructions, we began by mowing the
lawn short, almost scalping it (you want
to see soil), and providing heavy aeration
with lots of holes in the ground which is
essential for absorption by the ground.
Once again, we applied the product with
a drop spreader according to product
instructions, followed by a thorough
watering to activate the product. After
only a brief period of time, we were able
to see great results even in very shallow
lawns, which held color when watered as
infrequently as one day per week.
When the City restricted irrigation to
two days per week in 2014, we found
our soil holding moisture steadily. With
a soil moisture sensor in place, we were
able to monitor a surprising reduction
in our scheduled gallons of water used
(as mentioned last month, the key to
success is a combination of proper product
application, smart settings on controllers,
and correct soil sensor calibration).
SUGGESTIONS FROM YOUR CA
LANDSCAPING TEAM:
Based on our experiences, we can share
these suggestions with you:
• Get a quote from an experienced lawn
care professional early in the year.
• Your professional lawn care expert
can access products directly from
distributors and perform all steps
required to ensure your lawn looks
great and you see water savings.
• Budget and don’t take short cuts.
• Install sensors in spring to reap
savings of the spring rains.
• Always get comparison quotes before
making a final decision on how to
spend your hard earned money.
• Get feedback from fellow residents
who have already had experience with
various products.
• For the Do-It-Yourselfer: there are
several soil amendment and wetting
agents available at your local home
improvement and garden retailers
such as AquaSmart
TM
, Miracle-Gro
®
or perlite.
• Always follow label directions, do
not over water and don’t use a rotary
spreader when a drop spreader is
specified, as powder products may
blow away.
• Keep track of your scheduled gallons
of water and your actual gallons used
during the year to see how quickly
your investment is paying off.
Sun City is doing its best to conserve
resources for the future generations. If
we can take it another step further, we
could be the poster child for other HOAs.
Yours in landscaping,
Catrin
Water Conservation Methods: Soil Amendments
Submitted by Catrin Dubois, Landscape Superintendent
February Schedule: Landscaped Maintained Homes
Next LMH meeting
Wednesday, February 4, 10 a.m., AC MR 3/4
FEbruary Scheduled Landscaping Maintenance
Cut, Edge and Trim • Fertilization and Pre-Emergent
Monthly Irrigation Check • Weeding of Bed Areas
Insect and Disease Monitoring • Mulching • Tree Canopying
Questions or suggestions
Email: David Longacre -
Email: Aaron Johnson -
