Keeping golf courses green is no minor feat, especially in the heat of summer. While you can't simply stop watering the grass and plants, there are ways to decrease your water use. Here are four key ways you can reduce water consumption this coming summer.
Make sure you're fertilizing properly.
Sometimes, golf course caretakers mistake a lack of nutrition for a lack of water. You might assume your golf course needs more water, when really it needs more nitrogen, potassium, or phosphorus. A good way to find out is to test the soil and then fertilize the lawn according to the results of the soil test. Then, when you apply water, you know that it's needed -- and not just being used to mask a nutrient deficiency.
Update your sprinklers.
If it has been a long time since your sprinklers have been updated, consider having a landscaping professional come look at them. As sprinkler systems age, they sometimes develop leaks, so water might be leaking out where it is not needed, which is wasteful. You may want to have any leaks repaired or just replace the entire sprinkler system. There are new water-efficient systems that do a better job of not overlapping water patterns, which may help you save even more water.
Plant water-loving plants along the water's edge.
A good way to add more greenery without increasing your water demands is to place water-loving plants along the edge of your water hazards. Good choices include water lilies, cat tails, and reeds. You won't need to water these plants since they're right on the water's edge. You can probably get away with fewer plants elsewhere in the course if you plant a lot along the water.
Water later at night.
A lot of golf courses water first thing in the morning before everyone starts arriving for those early tee times. But some of the water will probably still be on the grass when the sun comes up, and this water will evaporate -- which is wasteful. Try programming your sprinklers to water the grass late at night right after the course closes, instead. This gives the water time to drop down off the blades into the soil rather than evaporating.
With these tips, you'll spend a lot less on water during the warm season. For additional help, reach out to a golf course sprinkler systems company or landscaping expert in your local area.
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