The Cost of Watering vs Protecting Your Lawn and Landscape Investment
Awe…April showers!
We are so thankful for the good soaking rainfall!
Over the last 365 days, the Oklahoma City metro area has received a near normal amount of annual rainfall, approximately 34” of total rainfall.
But, if you talked to your lawn and landscape, they would tell you a different story. For them, total annual rainfall doesn’t tell the true story. Since June of 2024, moisture has been very sporadic falling in heavy rain events followed by extended periods of no moisture. Rainfall for the months of July, August, September and November all came in single rainfall events. Between the rain event in mid-September, until the early November rainfall there was a 40-day span without any moisture.
meteorologists tell the story that rainfall has been normal over the last 365 days.
Our lawns and landscapes tell a different story.
Let’s hear it for the return of Spring Showers!
Soon the summer battle will begin:
Cost of Watering vs Protecting Your Lawn and Landscape Investment
We all feel stress over the watering battle. The battle traps us in a cycle of watering one month, followed by an excessive water bill, followed by less watering, followed by signs of drought stress in our lawn and landscape, followed by increased watering, followed by an excess water bill…. the cycle never seems to end.
Water is the most abundant substance on earth, and ironically it’s our most threatened resource.
Is there another option?
Hall | Stewart set out to find another option last summer and experimented with Hydretain on a few lawns.
What is a Hydretain?
Hydretain is a unique root zone moisture management product that reduces the overall watering requirements of lawns and landscapes.
Hydretain is a blend of hygroscopic (absorbing or attracting moisture from the air) and humectant (helps retain moisture) components that attract moisture. In other words, it acts like tiny “water magnets” that form microscopic droplets within the root zone. It protects landscapes from drying out between rainfall and watering cycles. The result is a healthier, more vigorous and more drought resistant lawn and landscape.
Hydretain test plot
Hydretain advantages:
Maximize soil water availability and reduce irrigation frequency.
Manage soil moisture to help plants withstand periods of drought and watering restrictions.
Reduce water use and water cost.
Maintain a green lawn with less water.
Control or eliminate dry spot problems.
Enhance nutrient uptake.
Non-toxic, safe around pets and children.
Moisture is critical to the health of your lawn and landscape.
All plant processes require water. Without adequate water, plants cannot function or survive. Water facilitates a critical balance of moisture, air, and nutrients available to the roots. When soil begins to dry and roots can no longer absorb adequate water, plants enter drought stress. This process is not limited to long term drought or neglect. It happens regularly when soil dries between normal rainfall of irrigation cycles. Regular periods of drought stress impact the plant’s ability to defend itself against insects and diseases.
Results of Our Experiment Last Summer:
Lorne’s Fescue Lawn – Following an application of Hydretain in July and watering the product in thoroughly, the irrigation schedule was changed from an EVEN day watering cycle to an every FOUR day watering cycle.
One week after the application was made the lawn received ¾” rainfall over a 4-day period and then no rainfall for 15 days. In the 30 days after the application was made, the average high temperature was 95 degrees with 7 days 100 plus.
The fescue lawn maintained a consistent rich green color and showed no signs of heat or drought stress the rest of the summer.
The result was a monthly water bill 33% less than the previous July and August.
Lorne’s Fescue Lawn - Picture from last August, 30 days after Moisture Retention Application with every 4 Day watering cycle.
Tom’s Bermuda Lawn – The lawn was divided into three areas. One area received an application of Hydretain and was watered once per week with a hose end lawn sprinkler receiving 1” of water each time it as watered. The second area received an application of Hydretain but was not watered the rest of the summer. The third area did not receive an application of Hydretain and only received rainfall.
The area received a ½” of rain in mid-July and then went without moisture until a heavy rain in mid-August.
The bermuda lawn that was treated and watered maintained a green, thick healthy appearance through July and August. The area that received a Hydretain treatment but not watered retained a significantly more color and showed less drought stress than the area that was not treated.
Tom’s Bermuda Lawn Area 1 - Picture taken in August ‘24 one month after Moisture Retention Application, deep watering once per week.
Tom’s Bermuda Lawn Area 2 - Last August one month after Moisture Retention Application. Area received 1/2” of rain 3 weeks before picture was taken and without receiving any supplemental water.
Tom’s Bermuda Lawn Area 3 - No moisture retention application was made. Picture was taken the same day as Area 1 and 2 pictures.
Introducing Hall | Stewart’s Moisture Retention Program
Two Applications per Year Recommended: Spring and summer, approximately 90 days apart.
Application #1 April - May
Application #2 July - August
For best results, water immediately after application is made, or at least within 3-5 days. Water thoroughly allowing the product to completely penetrate into the root zone. It will not be functional until it is properly watered in. Delay mowing until the product is watered in.
For continued effectiveness, a Moisture Retention Application is recommended every 90 days.
The Moisture Retention Program does not replace the need for Lawn Care Applications. A proper fertilization program will enhance the results of a Hydretain application.
Is your lawn ready for a hot and dry summer?
Let us get your lawn ready with our Moisture Retention Program. You will save money and use less water.
Call (405)367-3873 or respond to this email with questions, to request a price, and/or to schedule our Moisture Retention Program.
Lorne Hall
Hall | Stewart Lawn + Landscape
(405)367-3873
