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2 Thursday, May 9, 2013 spring in the garden COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Addressing moss growth on your property

Lawn care enthusiasts put lots of time and effort into their lawns and take great pride

when that work pays off with a luscious green lawn. But no lawn is immune to prob-

lems, and even the most well-maintained property can develop issues that compro-

mise the lawn’s health and aesthetic appeal.

WHAT CAUSES MOSS GROWTH?Moss can grow in a yard for a variety

of reasons, but the most common cause of moss growth is insufficient sunlight to support the grass. Sunlight might be blocked by shade from nearby trees or shrubs or even shadows from your home.

Soil conditions may also be responsible for moss growth. Soil that is very acidic can promote moss growth, and the moss that grows because of acidic soil will appear very healthy.

Compacted soil can also promote moss growth because such soil has low oxygen levels that make it hard for the turf to establish strong roots, and moss will take advantage of those weaker roots.

Soil with low fertility levels is also amenable to moss, as it does not produce a healthy turf. Unhealthy turf makes it easy for plants with a low demand for nutrients, including moss, to establish themselves.

HOW CAN I SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF MOSS GROWTH?

Moss that grows because of excessive shade can often be addressed with some minor efforts. If the shade is a result of trees or bushes, prune them regularly so sunlight can reach the turf and pro-mote strong turf and roots. If the shade is caused by your house, then you might consider removing the existing turf and then seeding the area with a turf mix that caters to shaded areas.

If moss is growing because of compacted soil, aerate the turf and soil to break it up and allow the oxygen to reach the soil. When that occurs, the turf will begin to establish stronger roots and make it more difficult for moss to grow.

When soil is tested and it is determined that the soil is acidic, then the soil must be adjusted. Lime might be applied to rebalance the soil, but homeowners should consult a lawn care professional for advice as to the best way to rebalance their soil.

Lawn-care enthusiasts often bristle at the sight of moss on their luscious lawns. But moss is often an easily remedied issue that homeowners can address in a variety of ways.

Moss is one potential lawn issue that many green-thumbers would prefer to avoid. While moss is not always harmful, it can be unsightly and lawn care enthusiasts may spend a significant amount of money attempting to control it. Controlling moss can be costly, but there are some ways to control moss that will not cost homeowners much money at all. Before addressing moss in your yard, it helps to understand why moss grows and then look at the various ways to control it once it does.

COMOX VALLEY RECORD SPRING IN THE GARDEN Thursday, May 9, 2013 3

The best place to growrhododendrons

While Washington may have beaten British Colum-bia to the draw by naming the rhodo their official state flower, local growers and gardeners know the flower flourishes here.

The Comox Valley is an ideal place to grow rhodo-dendrons, says North Island Rhododendron Society presi-dent Paul Wurz.

“This is probably the best place in the world to grow rhodos,” Wurz states.

NIRS recently held its annual plant sale.

Ask growers why it’s a good idea to buy from a sale such as the annual NIRS sale and they’ll give you a string of reasons.

Bernie Guyader, who specializes in dwarf rhodos (and alpine plants), says that the more unusual rho-dodendrons are found at plant sales and not in big box stores where only a lim-ited number of varieties are available.

“People selling rhodos in the large chain stores are not usually very knowledge-able about plants and some-times the plants are not cared for properly after they arrive.”

Since the plants all have their special needs if they are to flourish, buying directly from the grower is a rare opportunity to bone up on plant culture.

“The growers know more than simply how to plant, transplant and care for rho-dos,” says NIRS member and grower Barb Staton. “They know the names, the indi-vidual traits, the preferred habitats, the history and origins of the plants they are selling and have nurtured for many years.”

Wurz agrees: “Many of the plants, especially the ones in one-gallon pots you often see in box stores don’t have fully developed roots. Stud-ies show that many of these die in the first year because the buyer isn’t given the information on how to care for them and how they must be watered.”

One of the highlights of the NIRS sale is the annual truss display where a colour-ful exhibit of blooming rho-dos gives the buyers a better idea as to what their plant will look like.

Each of the trusses is clearly identified and if that particular rhodo isn’t avail-able at the sale, the grower experts can advise on where it can be purchased.

— North Island Rhododendron

Society

IF YOU MISSED the annual North Island Rhododendron Society plant and truss sale (the 2012 event is pictured above), make a point of attending in 2014. It’s typically held on the first Sunday in May.

New seasonin your gardenSean MurphySpecial to the Record

Spring is here, and after months of hibernation, people are drawn outside to play or do yard work in the sunshine.

Whether you are gardening, running, kayaking, or doing other outdoor activities, ease back into motion.

To minimize the risk of strains or injury, you should start slowly and avoid the “weekend warrior” pace.

ESPECIALLY FOR GARDENERS• Start by doing shorter amounts of work in the

garden and increase the time as your fitness level improves.

• Choose tools that are specific to your task. For example, rather then using a hand pruner to trim a bush, you can save your back by standing up and using long handled shears.

If you are prone to wrist strain, consider an ergo-nomic trowel to help with digging.

• Switch tasks every 20 to 30 minutes rather than doing hours of repetitive movement such as digging or weeding.

• When lifting anything, bend your knees and lift with your legs rather then your back. Always try to face the item you are lifting to avoid twisting your back, and hold the item close to your body.

• To save your back, kneel down when planting by placing both knees on a kneeling pad or an old cush-ion. Look into tools that allow you to pluck the weeds from a standing position.

• If you are digging, to avoid straining your back, use a small, long-handled spade so you don’t have to pick up too much weight.

• Wear knee pads, which will make gardening much more comfortable.

• Schedule a massage to warm up your muscles or to relieve stiffness.

IF YOU’RE ALSO A RUNNER, HIKER OR WALKER If you like these sports, take precautions. Most run-

ning injuries happen as a result of pushing yourself too hard, whether you are just starting one of these sports or even recovering from an injury. Adding distance or speed to your running routine, running up hills, and interval training are just some of the reasons running injuries occur.

JOINT DISLOCATION AND FRACTURES. Much of this can be avoided by wearing proper

footwear and/or orthotics. Here are some other tips:• Warm up with at least five or 10 minutes of

stretching and walking.• Follow a schedule with an organized running

group.

Comox Valley Healing Therapeutic Massage owner Sean Murphy has some good advice for gardeners and people on the move.

6-Week Gardening SeriesHave you ever wanted to grow your own vegetables but did not know how to start? Sign up and enjoy this hands-on gardening course. Space is limited. For more information and to register call CSWM compost educator, Patty Rose 250-898-1086.

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4 Thursday, May 9, 2013 SPRING IN THE GARDEN COMOX VALLEY RECORD

How to repair unsightly bald spots in your lawnLawn care aficionados know how a single bald spot can make an otherwise luscious lawn look worn down and poorly maintained. A bald spot can stick out like a sore thumb, while several bald spots can compromise a home’s curb appeal.

Treating bald spots typically depends on what is causing the bald spot. Bugs, dryness, pet waste and damage from mowers are some of the more common causes of bald spots. The following is a breakdown of these different causes and how best to address each situation so you can restore your lawn to its natural beauty.

MOWER DAMAGESometimes Mother Nature and man’s best friend are

not the culprit with regard to bald spots on your lawn. Human error can cause bald spots, too. Dull mower blades or grass that is cut too low can cause bald spots. Fortunately, this is easily remedied.

To avoid bald spots, make sure mower blades are sharpened at the beginning of each mowing season, as dull blades damage the grass, which is then forced to use valuable nutrients to treat torn grass, weakening the lawn over time. When mowing, make sure you’re not cut-ting too low so the soil can retain as much moisture as possible. This will necessitate more frequent mowing, but this, too, can prevent bald spots, as it ensures those parts of the grass that contain chlorophyll will not be removed.

Bald spots can turn a pristine lawn into an eyesore. But treating bald spots can be easy and, when done effectively, the lawn can be restored quickly.

Even the cutest pet can contribute to bald spots on your lawn.

DRYNESSA lawn can go dry because of drought in the

summertime or during the winter months when there is not much rain or snowfall. Homeown-ers cannot change the weather, but they can help their lawn avoid becoming the burned or yellowed turf that often results after extended periods of dryness. Fertilizing the lawn during the spring and summer is a good first step. This helps the lawn grow in healthy and thick. Once you have fertilized, don’t cut the grass too short. When grass is cut too short, the soil struggles to retain moisture, which can eventually lead to bald spots if weather conditions are dry. During especially dry periods in the summer, watering might be necessary. You won’t have to water fre-quently, but be sure to water deeply so the water can reach the roots of the grass.

PET WASTEWaste from pets can cause bald spots on a yard. This might surprise

some homeowners, but pet waste contains a high level of concentrated nitrogen that, when applied to a lawn, can burn the grass and cause bald spots. Urine is most likely to cause bald spots, but fecal matter can as well.

When addressing the problem of pet waste on your lawn, make sure no one else’s pets are the cause of the problem. Neighbors out walking their dogs should be discouraged from allowing their dogs to use your lawn as a restroom. If this does not work, then erect a fence or some type of structure that makes it difficult for other people’s pets to access your lawn.

When it’s your own pet causing the damage, address the spots where your pet relieves itself as quickly as possible. Watering the area within eight hours can significantly reduce the risk of lawn damage by diluting the nitrogen levels. Another way to address the issue is to encourage the animal to use various spots in the yard, rather than continually using the same spot. Flush each area with water immediately after the pet is fin-ished. If the damage is already considerable, remove the damaged grass and reseed the spot.

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COMOX VALLEY RECORD SPRING IN THE GARDEN Thursday, May 9, 2013 5

Deer proo� ng a gardenCreating a beautiful and bountiful garden is a popular pastime for people all across the country. It is important to keep in mind that aesthetically appealing plants may be appetizing to area wildlife, including deer. Those who do not want their gardens to turn into all-you-can-eat buffets for deer, rabbits and other wild animals can take a more proactive approach to gardening.Deer are opportunists who will no doubt see your garden as a salad bar ripe with all of their favorite foods. As housing developments continue to encroach on the natural habitats of deer and other animals, these animals are becoming more visible. Deer may not be able to forage for food effectively in their smaller, natural surroundings, or they may become accustomed to the “easy pickings” they � nd in neighborhood yards. Either way, you may encounter a deer in or around your area.Keeping deer at bay involves some work and maintenance on the part of a homeowner. There are safe and humane methods to repelling deer, or at least blocking access to the plants worth protecting. Here are the main ways to deer-proof a garden.

FENCE ITFences are one way to deter deer

from entering a yard and dining on your garden. Keep in mind that deer can jump fences that are quite tall, but they have to be especially moti-vated to jump an eight-foot-tall fence. Still, they tend to be weary about scaling a fence when they cannot see what is on the other side. Therefore, if you are fencing out deer, choose a fence that camouflages the garden well and completely encloses the area to be protected. If you do not want the fence to be solid, consider putting stakes or thorny plants with-in the garden so that the deer will hesitate to jump into the garden.

SCARE THEMDeer are naturally skittish

around people, but over time they can become quite com-placent around human beings. Once a deer decides that some-thing will not present a threat, the deer can adapt to its pres-ence.

Motion-activated devices may not work, nor the presence of pets. Predator urine is typically an effective way at keeping deer at bay. Bottled coyote urine can be quite effective, although human urine may work as well. Reapplying the product weekly around the plants is a good idea.

REPEL THE DEERThere are many organic

or chemically-based products on the market that deer may find offensive to the taste or smell.

Hot pepper, sulfur and eggs or even the use of soapy water have been successful in certain instances. The use of blood meal or even human hair around the garden may repel the deer and keep them on a different foraging path. However, remember that any deer that is very hungry may ignore unpleasant tastes or smells for a quick bite.

When planting annuals, select among: • Alyssum • Begonias • Calendula • Celosia • Dianthus • Foxglove • Geraniums • Parsley • Poppy • Snapdragons

CHANGE PLANTSIf other food sources are available, there are some species of plants and trees that deer will avoid. Filling your garden with these plants can help you maintain a beautiful, albeit untasty, environment for deer.

In terms of perennials, plant these items once, and deer could stay away: • Ageratum • Anemone • Astibe • Bearded iris • Catmint • Honeysuckle • Lantana • Monkshood • Rock rose • Rosemary • Soapwort • Wisteria

Plant these herbs alongside� owers for even more protection: • Chives • Eucalyptus • Garlic • Mint • Thyme • WintergreenGardeners who use a combination of methods to keep deer out of their yards and gardens may have a higher success rate at deterring these animals.

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6 Thursday, May 9, 2013 SPRING IN THE GARDEN COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Caring for a freshly sodded

lawnSod can create an instant lawn, but it still requires

certain maintenance measures to get it firmly established.

Sod, sometimes called turf, can quickly turn a barren landscape into a rich, thick carpet of green. Homeowners hop-ing to revive their lawns commonly turn to sod as the quickest means to do just that. However, once the sod has been laid down, few homeowners may know how to keep it looking its best.

Sod is real grass that is grown on spe-cial farms. It is generally grown locally to avoid long transport times that could dry out the product. Sod is typically sold in squares or rolls of grass that come with the roots and soil already attached. There may be some sort of thin backing mate-rial on the sod to keep the grass blades together.

Many homeowners turn to sod when growing lawn from seed becomes problem-atic or too time-consuming. Seeds can be

blown around in the wind or be eaten by birds and other animals before they have a chance to germinate.

Sodding a lawn is a major investment, costing as much as $1 per two-foot square. Depending on the size of your lawn, this can be a costly job even before adding the cost of additional supplies, such as soil, fertilizer and tilling equipment. Many homeowners who install sod want to ensure their investment lasts. Here are the main ways to care for and protect sod until it is fully established.

• Once the sod has been laid down, the lawn should be thoroughly soaked with water. Most experts recommend soaking it to a depth of 6 inches.

• It is important to establish a watering schedule to keep the sod

moist. Water the sod to a depth of one inch every other day for the first three weeks to enable the roots to securely establish themselves in the soil.

• Water the sod every other day unless the weather has been very warm. After four weeks you can generally go up to five days without watering as long as you transition slowly. The sod will change colors if it is not getting enough water. Never let the lawn turn yellow, otherwise you may have to cut out dead spots and re-sod.

• Wait two to four weeks before mowing the sod. Keep the lawn height to around two inches to ensure that it won’t scald in the sun.

• After two months of established sod growth, aerate the sod to keep the soil from being too compact and to enable oxygen and nutrients to get into the soil.

• Keep children and pets off of the sod while it is establishing itself.

• Fertilize the lawn every 50 to 60 days, beginning in March and ending in October.

• Inspect the sod for pests, which may include insects or problems like fungi or weeds. Treat accordingly with products designed to remove pests.

Using sod to establish a lush lawn is a fast, albeit more expensive option to sow-ing seeds. After a few weeks the lawn will be thick and secure.

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COMOX VALLEY RECORD spring in the garden Thursday, May 9, 2013 7

How to prevent soil erosion

Homeowners who spend time tend-ing to their landscape are increasingly looking for eco-friendly ways to main-tain their lawns and gardens. Home-owners who once relied on potentially harmful pesticides to craft a lush lawn now prefer ways that don’t leave such a significant carbon footprint.

Preventing soil erosion is one way to incorporate conservation into lawn and garden care. Conservation is one of many environmental practices aimed at preserving the planet’s natural resources, which include soil. Prevent-ing soil erosion is easy and can be accomplished in a number of ways.

Don’t overwater. Some may assume that keeping soil as damp as possible keeps it healthy. However, overwatering the soil can cause runoff that washes the soil away. In addition, overwatering the soil can degrade it and contribute to erosion. Instead of overwatering, keep the soil moist but don’t overdo it. If you’re having trouble keeping soil moist, consider laying down some mulch, which helps retain moisture and deliver nutrients to the soil that keep it healthy.

Plant trees and shrubs. Trees and shrubs are friends to soil, provid-ing shelter while their roots keep the soil in place and prevent it from easily

blowing away on a windy day. It also helps soil from washing away when warm weather arrives and the land-scape must be watered on a daily basis.

Create runoff barriers. Runoff barriers are edges that can be made of brick, stone or other materials that help reduce runoff. Many homeowners install runoff barriers along sidewalks and driveways to ensure the soil does not spill out onto the pavement, but these also help the soil as much as they help to keep walkways and other areas free of soil and looking tidy.

Consider leaving some grass around the garden. Tillage is the process of preparing land to grow crops. While many homeowners don’t view their weekend gardening as grow-ing crops, similar principles apply whether you’re growing crops on a farm or just a few vegetables in the backyard. One such principle is con-servation tillage, which means leaving a portion of vegetation in the ground instead of stripping everything away before planting. For home gardeners, consider leaving a small amount of grass around the garden to keep the soil within the garden’s boundaries. It’s a principle similar to installing runoff barriers, and it can be just as effective at preventing soil erosion.

Installing runoff barriers made of brick, stone or other materials around plants and shrubs is one way to reduce soil erosion and runoff.

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8 Thursday, May 9, 2013 spring in the garden COMOX VALLEY RECORD

The case for choosing

native plantsOne of the best ways to improve a home’s

resale value is to address the landscape. Increasing a property’s curb appeal can be done in many ways, but a well-pruned lawn and garden gives buyers the impression that the sellers truly took the time to maintain the home and the surrounding property.

Unfortunately, many homeowners choose exotic plants when addressing their land-scape. Though these plants can be appealing and make a property stand out, if the plants are not native to the region, they could be doing more harm than good. Instead of upgrading your property with exotic plants from a far away land, consid-er the following benefits of choosing native plants before addressing your landscape.

Native plants benefit local wildlife. The native plants and the native wild-life spent years and years evolving together, with each doing their part to ensure the other’s survival. But as devel-opment continued, local wildlife suffered because of lost food sources. The local wild-life needs local, native plants to survive, so choosing these plants instead of exotic plants can help ensure the survival of wildlife that helps keep the ecosystem in check.

Native plants require less work. Some prospective home buyers might find a yard filled with exotic plants to be visually stun-ning, but they might also see a good deal of work to maintain those plants. Many exotic

plants require significant work on a home-owner’s part to survive, while native plants have already adapted to the local climate and will require much less care. This is often attractive to current and future homeowners.

Native plants might be a better investment. A native plant has evolved over the years to survive in its given area. Local insect populations and fungal infec-

tions might be able to destroy an exotic plant, but a native plant has grown resistant to such problems and likely has the ability to fight such infestations or infections on its own. An exotic plant might require costly pesticides and considerable attention from homeowners to survive such problems.

Though homeowners might find exotic plants help their home stand out from their neighbors’, it’s important that homeown-ers recognize the environmental benefits of choosing local plants before making any decisions.

Pruning trees and shrubs is necessary to ensure they maintain their health and vigor. Trees and shrubs should be inspected annually to determine if they need to be pruned. Mature trees typically do not need to be pruned as frequently as young trees, which need pruning to establish branch structure. Trees and shrubs that go years without pruning can become overgrown and weak. In addition to promoting tree and shrub health, pruning pays a host of other dividends.Pruning removes dead or diseased branches. Pruning helps a tree or shrub maintain its shape and vigor by removing broken, dead or diseased branches that can be unsightly and make it more difficult for the tree or shrub to stay healthy. When broken, dead or diseased branches are removed, trees or shrubs look healthier and add aesthetic appeal to a property.Pruning trees and shrubs promotes growth of other plants. Trees and shrubs that go years without being pruned become overgrown, making it difficult for plants underneath or adjacent to them to grow in healthy. For example, grass beneath an overgrown tree might not get adequate sunlight, which it needs to establish strong roots so it can grow in lush and healthy. Pruning allows plants beneath the tree and shrub and even those next to the tree and shrub to grow in nicely.Pruning can sometimes bring plants back to life. Shrubs that have gone years without being pruned can sometimes still be salvaged. In some instances, pruning such shrubs can restore natural and healthy growth.Pruning reduces risk of accidents. Overgrown trees can interfere with power lines, increasing the risk of accidents and power outages. In addition, overgrown trees tend to have larger, weaker limbs, which

can prove hazardous and cause property damage during storms. Pruning overgrown trees reduces the risk of such accidents.Pruning can save money. Over time, overgrown trees might require professional assistance in order to be removed or pruned from a property. Homeowners who prune their trees as needed can save themselves the cost of a potentially pricey tree service.Pruning adds curb appeal. A property littered with overgrown trees and shrubs hurts a home’s curb appeal, giving prospective buyers the impression that homeowners might have been careless with regard to maintaining the whole house and not just the lawn. But trees and shrubs that are pruned and well-maintained can add to a home’s curb appeal, something that goes a long way toward impressing prospective buyers.

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The benefits of pruning trees and shrubs

Did you know?Landscape fabrics are used to prevent weed growth while still allowing air, oxygen and water to flow to and from the soil. Landscape fabrics are a chemical-free way to prevent weed growth, endearing them to eco-friendly homeowners. Landscape fabrics, once laid, also are a far less labor-intensive method to prevent weed growth, as they can be effective for several years, during which homeowners can expect to perform little or no maintenance. In addition, many homeowners prefer landscape fabrics because they can help the soil effectively maintain moisture during dry periods, when gardens might otherwise be highly susceptible to drought. Once put down, landscape fabric can be covered with mulch to add aesthetic appeal.

COMOX VALLEY RECORD spring in the garden Thursday, May 9, 2013 9

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10 Thursday, May 9, 2013 spring in the garden COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Gardening can be a little daunting for beginners who have little or no experience planting flowers or vegetables. But garden-ing need not be so intimidating, especially for those beginners who adhere to the following tips aimed at helping novice gardeners start their gardens off on the right foot.

Determine what you should plant. Where you live will go a long way toward determining what you should plant. While you can plant anything you can get your hands on, the United States Department of Agriculture as well as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada have determined specific plant hardiness zones that indicate which plants are most likely to thrive in given locations. Maps of these zones can be found at www.usda.gov and www.agr.gc.ca. By adhering

to the maps, gardeners can significantly increase their chances of growing successful gardens. When in doubt about what to plant, consult a local gardening center or seek advice from a professional landscaper.

Think location when beginning your garden. Beginners with large yards have the luxury of choosing the right location on their properties to start planting. When choosing a spot, consider how much sunlight a location gets on a daily basis and the spot’s proximity to a water supply. If planting flowers, try to avoid planting in areas with heavy foot traffic so the flowers are less likely to be stomped. If you’re planting flowers to accent walkways, then consider erecting a barrier around the flower bed to safeguard the flowers from foot traffic.

Get started before you plant. Preparing the soil a few weeks before you start planting can help the plants thrive down the road. Add some organic material, such as compost or fer-tilizer, to the soil roughly three weeks before planting. This helps the soil retain water and nutrients, which will help your garden thrive.

Time your planting. When you plant is sometimes as important as what you plant. Some climates allow for year-round planting, but many do not. When buying seeds, the packaging might suggest what time of year to plant the seeds. Adhere to these suggestions or your garden might not grow much at all. In addition, keep in mind that many seed-lings need significant light throughout the day in order to grow, so choose a time of year with ample daylight.

Don’t forget to mulch. Mulch can be as aesthetically appealing as it is effective. Mulch retains soil, helping roots to grow stronger, while deterring bugs and prevent-ing weed growth. And many gardeners find mulch adds visual appeal their garden, and does so in a very inexpensive way.

Clean your tools. Beginners rarely rec-ognize the importance of cleaning gardening tools before putting them away. At the end of each gardening session, clean your tools thoroughly, as soil left on your garden tools can play host to potentially harmful microbes that might kill your plants.

Gardening can be a labor-intensive yet gratifying hobby. By sticking to a few simple rules, beginners can develop a thriving gar-den to reward all of that hard work.

Gardening tips for

beginnersGardening is a rewarding hobby that many enthusiasts credit with helping them to peacefully escape from the

hustle and bustle of everyday life. Though gardening can be both relaxing and rewarding, it’s not as easy as it may seem, and the more time and effort a person devotes to

his or her garden the more likely it is to be successful.

COMOX VALLEY RECORD spring in the garden Thursday, May 9, 2013 11

The backyard has become a go-to destination for warm weath-er recreation. As the “staycation” has grown in popularity, more effort has been put forth in mak-ing the backyard a place where all members of the household can enjoy themselves. That means merging interests into one space. A pool may be competing for acreage along with a decorative patch of lawn. Some homeowners wonder if lawns and pools can be successful alongside each other.

Many question if chlorinated pool water poses any ill effects on the grass in the backyard. In addi-tion to splash-out of water during fun times in the pool, water also will be tracked across the lawn from children and adults exiting the pool or will flood the grass when it is necessary to clean and “backwash” the filter. Will you be

left with a dried-out patch of chlo-rine-burnt lawn? Probably not.

Healthy chlorine levels in a pool are kept so that the pool water is generally on par with the chlo-rine levels contained in regular tap water. You wouldn’t hesitate turning on the hose to water your lawn, so you shouldn’t be overly concerned about pool water splashing out of the pool, particu-larly if you are stringent about maintaining the proper pH levels and chlorine levels. Also, soil can withstand chlorine at high acid levels and is pretty resilient about self-correcting. Furthermore, grass blades are selective about which nutrients they absorb, so excess chlorine likely will not penetrate the grass blades.

Chlorine also dissipates in the sun. Therefore, while the levels may be elevated upon just hitting

the grass, over a short while the chlorine will essentially be used up and pose no additional threat to the surrounding lawn.

Some people have actually said that watering your lawn with pool water can be an eco-friendly way of curbing water usage. Therefore, it may be safely used on lawns and most flowering plants. It is unad-visable to water vegetable gardens

with pool water because of any trace levels of other chemicals that may be found in the pool water.

Homeowners still concerned about exposing their lawns to pool water can create a buffer zone around the pool. Inground pools are traditionally bordered by con-crete or patio blocks. Place stone or mulch around the perimeter of an above-ground pool to catch any

splashes and to create a barrier between the pool and the lawn. Also, direct backwashed water through a long tube and have it flow it to an area away from the lawn.

Pool owners who want to have vibrant grass likely don’t need to worry about chlorine damaging their lawns. In fact, the lawns may flourish with the extra watering.

Can pools and lawns

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In most cases, pool water will not damage lawns because the chlorine level is not high enough.

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