Mow Kentucky bluegrass, fescues and ryegrass to no less than 3 inches. Longer grass has more leaf surface to absorb sunglight - this helps it grow thicker and develop a deeper root system. Longer grass also shades the soil surface, helping to retain moisture.

If you haven't already done it, sharpen your mower blades. Dull blades tear the grass, browning the edges. Sharp blades make a clean cut.

Try to water your lawn to encourage deep, drought-resistant roots. Choose the best time of day to reduce loss due to evaportation. Most lawns are watered too often, with too little water. Frequent shallow watering trains roots to stay near the surface. Try instead to water your lawn in a way that imitates a slow, soaking rain. Apply about an inch of water and then let your grass dry down before watering it again.

Use empty tuna cans or shallow pans to figure out how much water your irrigation system puts out in each zone in 20". Measure on a calm day so that you can adjust your zones to what is really happening with your irrigation system.

If you like online tools, here is one for figuring out irrigation times from the Denver Water Board.

Signs of drought stress and signs of overwatering can look the same - drooping, wilted foliage.

Check the soil an inch or two down, if it is moist, do not apply water.

More plants are lost in our region due to overwatering than underwatering.

Metro District Lawn Care Tips

Metro District Calendar(s) for Manditory Watering Program:

Retrofitting your landscape - CSU publication that puts what you learn about your microclimate (your yard) to good use.

Consumer resources from the ALCC (Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado)

Got any tips?? Willing to share them?? Send it in.