With rain finally in the forecast again this week around the Valley, be sure to check your soil’s moisture levels and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.  Plants typically need less water in the winter than during the warmer times of the year, even without the rain. This week’s wet weather may further reduce the need for additional hydration from your irrigation system.

Depending on the amount of rain received, you may be able to shut your irrigation system off for all desert-adapted plants. Annual flowers— petunias, poinsettias, etc. — should still be checked to ensure the soil they have enough moisture before completely turning off their water source.

If you are unsure about how much moisture your plants are receiving, you can probe your soil using a screwdriver. The screwdriver will move easily through moist soil but will stop when it reaches dry soil, telling you whether or not the moisture is reaching your plant’s roots. Specialized soil probe tools are also available to measure your moisture levels. When in doubt, always check these moisture levels before adjusting your water. 

When applying your winter plant and Ryegrass fertilizers, it is crucial to make sure you apply just the right amount, not too much or too little. 

Many believe that applying extra fertilizer “can’t hurt,” but in reality, over-fertilizing your lawn can cause issues. One potential consequence is salt burn, which may kill patches of your hard-earned and beautiful Ryegrass. It can have similar effects on flowers or shrubs in areas of fertilization. On the other side, applying too little fertilizer can result in nutrient deficiencies such as low nitrogen. Nutrient deficiencies can impede or completely stall growth in the desired areas. 

At DLC, we recommend applying fertilizer approximately every three to four weeks from November to February, but always make sure to follow the instructions on your chosen fertilizer. Utilizing a fertilizer spreader will also help to ensure even distribution as you move across your yard.

As we turn the page from 2020 we would like to wish everyone a happy New Year from DLC! As we look ahead to the beginning of 2021 we are continuing to maintain your winter Ryegrass. Last month, we applied additional fertilizer to keep it looking lush and green. 

We are also continuing to adjust your irrigation according to your landscape’s needs in the cooler temperatures. With cooler temperatures and recent winter rains, we have been able to save on water usage— which will translate to money savings for your community. Special Projects teams are also moving behind homes to establish natural border areas, clearing overgrown plants debris in selected areas. 

Moving into the New Year, we will continue to work with Community Management and Board Members to select and execute projects throughout the Community. We look forward to sharing information about any projects that are selected as we move forward. 

Thank you for an amazing 2020 and we are excited to get 2021 underway!