Montana

Advice offered to help Montana lawns beat the heat

Posted: Jul 25, 2012 9:27 AM by Kyle Benton - Q2 News
Updated: Jul 25, 2012 9:36 AM

BILLINGS - This has been one of the hottest summers on record and as the sun scorches the earth, many homeowners are struggling to keep their lawns looking lush. But some simple solutions could put your yard back in the green.

Yellowstone County's Urban Garden Horticulture Assistant Amy Grandpre says measuring how much moisture your yard receives is the key to green success.

"Get out there with your straight sided coffee can or mug, something along that line. I encourage people to set one near the emitter head of your sprinkler, one at the end of the reach and one in the middle. And the goal is to try to get one inch at a time when you water, rather than a fourth of an inch."

Tools like a moisture meter, which can be found at any local hardware store, can also be used to help determine if your lawn is getting sufficient amounts of water.

"Get a moisture meter, these are what they usually use for house plants, soil outside, it works just as well in that. You want to stick that in about half way to check your lawn moisture," Grandpre advised.

"As long as, it's getting to the bottom of the two, top of the one, probably time to water. Because within that day's time, it's probably going to go to the dry side," Grandpre added.

Because things may not be cooling down anytime soon, the proper tools and the right amount of water, could turn your lawn into that perfect shade of green.

Most of southern Montana is facing severe drought issues this summer, but on the flip side, northwestern Montana has actually seen some flooding.